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FROM the outset the vigorous cut and thrust of this final had the attention of the splendid 300-plus crowd at Broadfield Stadium and it wasn't long before they had a goal to cheer.

After 13 minutes a teasing free-kick by Sean Milne caused chaos in the FG Galaxy defence and Martin Jones stabbed home a close-range opener.

As if to atone for defensive shortcomings, Galaxy's centre-half Steve Gates got forward and pounced on a poor clearance but his low shot passed the wrong side of the upright.

Skipper Peter Sweet then launched a good effort from 22 yards that had the Broadfield 'keeper struggling and moments later the scores were level.

It was midway through the first half when Gareth Neathey latched onto a half chance and struck a fine opportunist goal.

Broadfield came within inches of regaining the lead on 36 minutes when more good work by Milne put the Galaxy defence under pressure.

A weak clearance presented Ryan Ramadan with a chance but although he squeezed the ball between two defenders it flew to safety off a post.

Galaxy took advantage of the let off with a sparkling run on the left by Sweet and Neathey's clever dummy left the defence flat footed and provided an easy slot home for Ben King just three minutes before the interval.

In the second half Broadfield fought tirelessly for the equaliser with good attempts by Salman Khan, Ramadan and Chris Ashton.

At the other end keeper Billy Houston turned aside a fine strike by Sweet and Darren Saunders foiled Neathey with a superbly timed challenge.

In the closing stages either side might have grabbed a significant goal but Neil Burling came sharply off his line to block from Andy Bennett following a sublime build up by Broadfield and Houston produced another vital save, this time from King.

The match finished at the same cracking pace as it had begun in one of the best finals for years as Galaxy won their second trophy in a fortnight.

Broadfield: Houston, P.King, Stalker, Roberts, L.Ramadan, Ashton, Flatt, R.Ramadan, Jones, Martin, Khan, Milne, Bennett

FG Galaxy: Burling, Keaveney, Stevens, Fiveash, Gates, B.King, Redley, Butler, Neathey, Blinch, Sweet, Morgan, Eaton, Eggledon