LITTLE Thurrock Dynamos U15s Pumas brought an end to last season with an emotional cup triumph - on a day senior clubs in the borough were starting their new campaigns!

Such has been the longevity of the junior football season because of the impact of covid that it was only yesterday that the Echo League Memorial Cup was decided in a final match at Aveley's ground yesterday (Saturday, 9 July) where earlier in the afternoon Aveley FC had drawn 2-2 with Hullbridge FC in their second friendly of the new season.

On a sub-baked afternoon a large crowd watch Dynamos build a 3-1 lead against EMH Falcons by half time and though pulled one back after the break Pums held on to lift the cup. You can watch the celebrations via this link.

During the match manager Graeme Burton was joined on the bench by Thurrock Nub News and spoke about the competition and paid tribute to those 'behind-the-scenes administrators' who keep grassroots football going. In particular he paid tribute to the late Sue Stanfield for her work.

Sue devoted more than 30 years of her life to the Echo League, starting as a divisional officer in 1991 and carying on in a variety of roles until ill heath forced her retirement last year.

She passed away in January, this year. Her husband Neil was on hand at yesterday's final to represent her and all those who contribute to making the youth game possible.

In the borough's other senior non-League friendly fixture Tilbury drew 2-2 at Buckhurst Hill.