SOCCER: Stanton 0 Walsham 3. Walsham-le-Willows turned in a top-class performance to complete the Metalatec SIL league and cup double.They were too good for neighbours Stanton in last night's Ominco Cup final at Woodbridge Town – and had the game virtually won after two goals in the opening 11 minutes.

By Elvin King

WALSHAM-le-Willows turned in a top-class performance to complete the Metalatec SIL league and cup double.

They were too good for neighbours Stanton in last night's Ominco Cup final at Woodbridge Town – and had the game virtually won after two goals in the opening 11 minutes.

Walsham, won the Senior Division title for the first time this season, join Grundisburgh and Framlingham Town in completing this double. Grundisburgh have achieved the feat twice including last season.

Stanton manager Terry Pearce was in no doubt about Walsham's superiority and he said: "We were not good enough. Walsham are the team we all have to try and copy. They are streets above most sides in the SIL."

The attendance of 330 was the best for many years and showed the interest created in a final between these two village sides.

Walsham player manager Paul Smith had been advised not to play because of a slight back knock. He intends to hang up his boots on Saturdays so the 2-1 win over Melton St Audry's, when Walsham confirmed the league title, is likely to be his last in an illustrious senior playing career.

His replacement last night, Nick Zarkos, got Walsham off to a perfect start with a goal inside two minutes. Stanton failed to compete for a long throw by Jonathan Moye and the ball reached the far post where Zarkos stooped to head over the line.

Eight minutes later, Nigel Wallis knocked down a free-kick by Andy Crane and Jonathan Moye arrived to sweep home the second goal.

Four players then went into the book as play became a bit scrappy but Walsham, with their strong rearguard, fluid and competitive midfield and lively attack, were always in control.

Stanton did make an attempt to get back into the game after the break. Neil Elers twice went close, before Richard Partridge struck the bar for Walsham.

Walsham's win was confirmed in the 56th minute when Zarkos played in Nigel Wallis and his effort was pushed away by the diving Andy Mustoe. The ball ran to the unmarked Partridge who shot into the roof of the unguarded net.

The Mustoe twins both looked capable keepers with Andy doing well to keep the score down, including a couple of fine saves from Nigel Wallis.

Last night's teams

Stanton: A Mustoe, D Musgrove (sub Ellis 79 mins), Roberts, Manning, Bray, Gooderham, Turner, G Ross, Elers (Foreman 79), Lombardo (Hubbard 46), Shave. Subs: Hazelton, Butcher. Starman: A Mustoe.

Walsham: D Mustoe, L Wallis, Crane, J Moye, James, M Musgrove (Mayhew 83), Partridge (A Ross 83), M Moye, Zarkos (Keeble 72), N Wallis, P Musgrove. Subs: Smith, Miller. Starman: M Moye.

Referee: G Apperley.

Attendance: 330.