Seven Seas JFC U16 have been crowned the 2024 County U16 Boys' Cup champions following a thrilling 3-0 victory against Holbeach United Youth U16 JPL at Lincoln United's Sun-Hat Villas & Resorts Stadium.

 Cain Ali's side built on their 2022 County Cup success, where they won the County U14 Boys' Cup, and sealed the 2024 crown in front of 220 strong crowd at Ashby Avenue.

The game began a very tight and cagey affair, as both sides began to settle into the game and started to put their game plans into action. Holbeach United started the game as the more threatening on the two teams, with Oakley Williams firing a well delivered cross into the Seas' box that ultimately couldn't be met. This was shortly followed with the first shot on target of the game - an attempt that was well saved and parried out by Seven Seas' number 1, Alfie Harney. 

It wasn't long before Harney was called into action again, as Oakley Williams made the most of a loose ball on the edge of the Seas' 18 yard line and rifled an effort on goal, only for Alfie Harney to spectacularly tip it over the bar and see it behind for a Holbeach corner - one which ultimately came to little. The Seas' keeper wasn't done there, as Callum Wright received a superbly played through ball before having a crack at goal and testing Harney's resolve. Harney had other ideas and once again denied Holbeach United their opener to keep the game level.

It was soon time for the Holbeach keeper, Harry French, to be called into action as JJ Betts delivered a floated cross to the back post of the Allen Crombie End, where Max Bramley was there to greet it and hit a well taken volley at the Tigers' target. French made himself big and made an excellent save to nullify Bramley's shot, keeping the honours even after 20 minutes. 

The confidence began to grow in the Seven Seas side, now looking the more likely to get the goal that would break the deadlock at The Sun-Hat Villas & Resorts Stadium, with shots from Frankie Allerton and Mason Couch not quite being enough to tip the scales. In the 39th minute, however, the ball is played back to the edge of the Holbeach box and up steps Olly Bowes to hit a bolt from the blue that bulged the side netting of the far post and sent the Seven Seas players and spectators alike into a frenzy. The first half ultimately ended with Bowes' goal being the difference between the two sides.

Holbeach began the second half strong, with early half chances coming for the South Lincolnshire side, but the Red & White Seven Seas wall couldn't be toppled and Holbeach were left still trying to find an equaliser. 

Realising the threat that Holbeach posed, Seas' wasted little time in trying to put distance between them and the Tigers. JJ Betts drilled a ball across the Holbeach box which was parried out by keeper Harry French, but fell right to the feet of Max Bramley who had little to do apart from knock the ball into the back of the net and double Seas' advantage. 

The second half saw little in the way of clear cut chances, with much of the game being played in the midfield and the two sides' styles of play offering a cagey but entertaining affair with a fantastic quality on show from both sides. It was ultimately Seven Seas who put the game to bed after Eddie Bromley's spectacular curling effort from just inside the Tigers' box. 

Tempers and frustrations began to flair with strong tackles being made, one of which ended up resulting in a mass confrontation. Referee, Ryan Calvert, was left with little choice in the melee but to show red card's to Holbeach United's Harvey Smith and Seven Seas' Elliot Dolby. 

With both sides now down to 10, Seas' only had to hold on for a few more minutes. The full time whistle blew with a raucous of celebrations to crown Seven Seas JFC U16 the 2024 Lincolnshire FA County U16 Boys' Cup Champions in a 3-0 thriller, with two spectacular goals worthy of any cup final. 

Ryan Roberts, Assistant Manager of Seven Seas JFC U16, told our Media Officer of his delight: "I'm ecstatic! They've done us proud. The game played out the way we wanted it to, and the result is brilliant. We're now two times champions in three years, so I couldn't be more pleased. We've got a team full of great players, with 16 signed on and every single one of them good enough to be starting every game and all contribute in very different ways. We saw two fantastic goals tonight, but we've got that threat from every player on the pitch and all are very capable of scoring goals like that.

Holbeach gave us a real hard game, certainly in the first half. Their pressing was intense, but when we settled into the game I thought we started to get a bit of a flow to our passing and when we settled down and looked more comfortable on the ball, that's when the goals started to come for us I think. It's massive for us as a club [winning the County Cup]. We've had some success in the past and it's nice to continue that in the final year of kids' football but we can't do it without the people who are willing travel across the County, and spend their time and effort doing that every week. We've got a real good set up and I'm really pleased for the whole club on this title."

Seven Seas JFC U16's number 15, Olly Bowes, was presented as the Player of the Match by Lincoln United's Steve Walker. The Match Officials were Ryan Calvert, Ryan Downey, Jon Renshaw, and Steve Watts. 

The full image gallery, taken by Lincolnshire FA's Official Photographer - Ed Mayes Photography - can be viewed here.

To be one of the first to receive the latest grassroots football news from Lincolnshire, and to receive exclusive offers and discounts from Lincolnshire FA partners – click here.