Advent Calendar 2015: Day 19: Tiptree United 2-7 Leyton Pennant
Leyton Pennant were back-to-back winners of the Eastern Floodlit Cup in 1997-8 and 1998-9.
In the 1997-8 competition, Pennant came from a goal behind to beat Braintree Town 2-1, but the victory the following season was an altogether different affair.
Pennant made the final without conceding a single goal, beating Clapton (twice – there was a group stage to this competition), Sawbridgeworth and Heybridge Swifts in the semi-final.
The final was to be played against Tiptree United – now part of Maldon & Tiptree.
Pennant raced into an early lead after a matter of seconds, and there was no turning back, beating their Eastern Counties League Division 1 opponents 7-2.
Adrian Allen, Billy Read and Robbie Drake chipped in with two goals a piece, while Billy Cove also got on the scoresheet.
For Pennant, it was a fine way to end the season after finishing 13th in the table. Pennant would go on to be relegated the next season, finishing rock bottom having won just seven games.