Finchampstead United FC rounded off their season with success by taking silverware in the Berkshire Trophy Junior Cup with a dramatic comeback in the final.
Having been formed in 2019 by Thomas Savage and Nathan Standing, the club has been able to progress through the years.
They started by entering the non FA affiliated Thames Valley Churches League. After two years, they then made the jump to FA affiliated football by joining the Thames Valley League in Division Four.
After a tricky start to life in Thames Valley as the side finished in the bottom two in their first two campaigns, they have managed to go from strength to strength since.
Co-founder Savage said: “This season started off with us losing three of our first four games so we thought we were in for another season at the bottom of the table.
“But after a few good signings and focusing on building a solid platform to work off, we ended up only losing once in our next 13 matches, winning 11 of them.”
Finch had a tough run in the BTCJ but managed to fight against the odds to defeat SB Phoenix in the final.
They got past Berks County Rovers in the semi-finals after coming back from 3-1 down to take the game to penalties before they won the shootout 4-2.
The final, which was played at the Rivermoor, Finch found themselves 3-0 down against the league champions.
However, they mustered an incredible second-half fightback which was started when substitute Nic Clark won a penalty which was calmly converted by Isaac Minns.
They were truly back in the contest when striker Brendon Reynolds scored to make it 3-2, before substitute Jayden Lock found an equaliser in the dying moments of the match.
Despite going down to 10 players after Ethan Axford was sent off, Finch managed to hold out to take the game to penalties.
Their remarkable comeback was complete as goalkeeper Chris Hood fought on through a shoulder injury to make two vital saves as Finch won the shootout 4-2.
