HAVING reached their first Briken Motors & AM Print and Copy-sponsored A&B Cup final in 12 years, Chris Birleson’s first division champions Freshford United were looking to win the competition for the first time in their 43-year history on the league having lost to North Bradley Saints back in 2003.

Standing in their way cup of glory were second division winners Holt FC who, like their opponents, were looking to add a second piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet this season.

For much of the game it was Ben Hogg’s Holt side who looked as if they would cause an upset.

But in the end missed chances were to prove costly as two goals in the first period of extra time earned Freshford a 2-0 win.

In front of a healthy crowd at Melksham Town’s Conigre ground, the opening 15 minutes were end to end with no real opportunities for either team.

Holt’s Josh Ferguson went close on 19 minutes with a free kick that sailed just over the bar and almost immediately at the other Steve Roddy broke clear but his first touch let him down and the ball was gathered by Holt keeper Rafal Korbik.

A few minutes later Holt’s Mark Reynolds was lucky to escape with just a yellow card following a lunging challenge on Chris Foley.

On 25 minutes Holt’s top scorer Zack Manna somehow missed the target from three yards out when he headed over the bar and five minutes later Manna was just inches away from getting on the end of an Adam Casserly cross.

Freshford went close on 33 minutes to breaking the deadlock, Roddy finding Dave Percival who chipped his effort wide of the target.

But it was Holt who really should have taken the lead on the stroke of half time, an excellent team move saw Manna set up Jed Osborne who drove his shot from six yards wide of the target when he really should have found the net.

Freshford were forced into a change at the break, a shoulder injury to keeper Adam Sheppard saw him replaced between the sticks by Chris Foley and it was the first division champions who were quickest out of the blocks in the second half.

Holt’s keeper Korbik had to be alert to turn a Gavin Eyre free kick out for a corner on 50 minutes. Ten minutes later he would have stood no chance when Steve Roddy struck a glorious shot on the turn, but luckily for Holt his effort dropped just wide of the target.

With 15 minutes remaining Adam Casserly was presented with a golden opportunity to give Holt the lead, left unmarked and with time to compose himself he like his teammates before failed to find the net when it looked certain that he would score.

With the game heading for extra time Holt’s Josh Ferguson should really have broken the deadlock in the 87th minute.

After appearing to control the ball with hand he chipped the ball over the advancing Foley only to watch as his effort drop inches wide of the goal and with that chance went Holt’s hopes of winning the cup in 90 minutes as referee Sam Gooding brought an end to proceedings shortly after.

After having enough chances to have won the game a couple of times over in normal time, Holt then paid the price for not taking them.

Three minutes into extra time Ricky Trott headed in an Eyre free kick to put Freshford one up. Trott then had his keeper to thank as a couple of minutes later Chris Foley turned his goal-bound header over the bar.

Freshford doubled their lead in the 97th minute.

A great ball from Dave Percival found Steve Roddy who produced a clinical finish which Holt’s cup dreams.

The second half saw Freshford look to add a third and only a brilliant save from Rafal Korbik denied Dave Percival what would have been a great goal.

Holt did manage to get the ball in the net late on but Mark Maguire saw his effort ruled out so any hope they had of salvaging anything from the game ended before it started.

With the Junior Cup final still to come against Salisbury League side Alderbury, Freshford will be looking to claim a third piece of silverware.

After the match, Holt picked up their Division Two winners trophy from League Secretary Colin Kennerson. Freshford’s captain Ricky Trott lifted the A&B Cup.

Holt’s Andrew Donald was presented with the Kevin Mounty Memorial player of the final award.