James Searle’s 29th minute strike was all that separated Buckhurst Hill from Thurrock as they claimed the inaugural Essex Under 11s Cup, last weekend.

Manager Doug Kibblewhite said: “It was a close game.

“For ten-year-olds, pressure comes into it, but there was pressure on both teams.

“We’ve scored a lot of goals this year, with five players having scored 14-plus, so we were always confident we had a lot of threats through the middle.

The bottom line is that we have a great bunch of boys and a great bunch of parents.”

Buckhurst Hill were the favourites going into the clash as they competed a division above Thurrock in the Echo Junior Football League, and they carved out the first opening in the 6th minute as Conor Tyrrell’s 15-yard shot flew over the crossbar.

Just as the sides looked set to go into the interval level, Hill took the lead with a sweeping move from one penalty area to the other.

Ellis Simmonds cut out Kyle Brand’s near post cross and sent the ball forwards via Francis. Ed Pinch collected the ball and slid Searle in on goal, and the forward made no mistake in outpacing the defence to slot into the bottom left- corner.

Young Jack Kibblewhite twice had chances to wrap up the victory in stoppage time, but his first shot was sliced wide before he met Masson in inspired form, flying to his right to save a strong effort from 20 yards out.

That gave Thurrock fresh hope, with Astbury curling a free-kick narrowly wide before Brien’s final attempt - in the sixth minute of injury time - was nodded off of the goal line by a relieved Simmonds.

“We just want them to play at the best level they can,” said Kibblewhite senior.

“I think that this is a very special group who can play at a very high level at some point, so it’s lovely for them to win something at this age.”