A SUPERB Kevin Inglis strike paved the way for Whitton United to retain the Suffolk Veterans’ Cup.

Whitton defeated Woodbridge Town 3-0 in the delayed 2019-20 final at The Millfield, home of Hadleigh United FC, on Sunday afternoon.

After an even and very competitive opening to the match - three players were booked inside the first half-an-hour - Inglis picked up the ball in the middle of the pitch and fired home a 35-yard rocket that dipped over goalkeeper Gary Rose to open scoring after 22 minutes.

Woodbridge Town goalkeeper Gary Rose is powerless to prevent Kevin Inglis' 35-yard rocket from dipping under the crossbar to give Whitton United the lead. Main photograph: The Whitton United players and management after receiving the cup. Photographs: Paul Voller

The former Ipswich Town Youth team player, who came on as a substitute and scored for Whitton United in their 2-1 home defeat to White Ensign in the Buildbase FA Vase on Saturday, said afterwards it was among the top three goals he has ever scored.

Woodbridge had created the best chance prior to the opening goal, Steve Elliott sending a dipping volley just wide of Paul Cudworth’s right-hand post in the 18th minute.

Whitton, without former Ipswich Town defender Titus Bramble, who was unavailable, got on top after taking the lead and never looked likely to surrender their advantage.

Ronaldo Wright saw his header land on the roof of the net from a right-wing Alan Mills corner and then he should have passed to either Duane Wright or Gavin Crane instead of shooting after being set up by Inglis.

Kevin Inglis (right) celebrates putting Whitton United ahead as his team-mates rush to congratulate him. Photograph: Paul Voller

Whitton extended their lead within a minute of the restart, a good move down the right ended with Shane Wardley sending a low cross into the Woodbridge penalty area and Damien Pryke, running back towards his own goal, sliced the ball into the top far corner of his own net.

There was little goal threat from either side thereafter until Whitton added a third after 79 minutes, Ronaldo Wright feeding substitute Damian Brown and he scored with a well-placed shot inside the far post from just inside the penalty area.

It was a deserved win for Whitton, who repeated their three-goal margin of victory over the same opponents in the 2018-19 final, and picked up their second trophy in two weeks, after winning the Norfolk & Suffolk Veterans' League Cup last Sunday. 

The Teams

Whitton Utd: Paul Cudworth, Shane Wardley, Matty Cunningham, Kevin Inglis, David Head, Dave Whattley, Alan Mills, Duane Wright, Ronaldo Wright, Gavin Crane, Sheridan Driver. Used subs: Damian Brown, Ricky Davis, James Buckle, Winston Harewood, Steve Calver.

Woodbridge Town: Gary Rose, Robbie Smythe, Matthew Pilkington, James Andrews, James Peachey, Daniel Threadkell, Damien Pryke, Steve Dearsley, Darren Harper, Steve Elliott, Adam Glencastle. Used subs: Kevin Morrison, Callum Finlayson, Richie Taylor, Tom Trevivian. Unused sub: Matt Murphy.

Referee: Euan Goodman.

Attendance: tbc.