Connor Lambert netted a 95th minute winner to see ACD United to Division Two Cup glory after they came from behind to defeat a battling Lionside at Victoria Road in Dagenham.
ACD came into this one clear favourites, being the leaders of the Division, however Lionside had belied their third bottom position in the league to get through to the final, so both knew a tough battle lay ahead.
ACD created the first chance on three minutes but saw an effort saved by Adam Turner, before the rebound was fired over the bar, and in the 17th minute Lionside had their first attempt at goal although it was straight down the keepers throat.
Four minutes later ACD so nearly broke the deadlock but saw three quick efforts all blocked as Lionside just about held onto parity, and then just past the half hour mark ACD saw a flick towards goal from a corner headed off the line.
Eight minutes before the break and with ACD continuing to look the likelier to score, another goal-bound header was blocked before a follow up effort went straight at Turner in the Lionside net, and despite ACD having the majority of the chances, a very competitive encounter remained goal less at the break.
Half Time ACD United 0 Lionside 0
Lionside came out the better side in the early exchanges of the second period and saw an effort sliced wide, however ten minutes into the half they won a penalty and this was emphatically converted to give them a surprise lead in this contest.
ACD almost hit back three minutes later but saw an effort well saved before the follow up was blocked, and then just past the hour mark another ACD goal-bound header was cleared off the line as Lionside continued to defend heroically.
Midway through the half a second flash point occurred in front of the main stand, and after a few handbags resulted in a booking for Lionside, however you could not fault the commitment of both sides in this contest.
ACD were getting very frustrated as well but remained patient and with twelve minutes to go finally found a way through when a loose ball fell to Greg Knock who struck a terrific effort into the top corner and it set up a grandstand finish to this cup final.
With seven minutes remaining and ACD now pushing for a winner they saw a long ball over the top of the Lionside defence run onto and it looked like they were clear, however a defender managed to loop the ball into the air and Turner in goal managed to claim the ball, although took a clattering for his troubles, but was ok to continue.
ACD continued to knock on the door and saw two efforts into the side netting, however just as it looked like penalties, a poor kick out by Turner ended up at the feet of Lambert, who then ran through and saw his finish deflected beyond Turner by a desperate last ditch tackle from a defender and into the net.
Heartbreak for Lionside who had pushed their opponents all the way in this one, but it was ACD who took the honours at the very last knockings of the contest.
Full Time ACD United 2 Lionside 1
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