Town's Masters side failed to emulate last year's qualification for the Grand Final after bowing out in the final of the Central Masters heat in Coventry. Despite eliminating Norwich earlier on, overall it was a disappointing afternoon for the veteran side.

The Blues started off well with a victory over eventual winners Leicester, Jason Dozzell netting a second half winner.

After Coventry and Norwich had drawn, Town faced the Sky Blues and came from behind three times to draw 3-3. Micky Stockwell announced himself on the Masters scene with two goals while Dozzell notched his second of the night.

Leicester defeated Norwich before the eagerly awaited over-35s East Anglian derby. Town required a point from the game and the Canaries a two-goal victory.

Micky Stockwell proved the star of the show and scored an impressive hat-trick, one of the three very reminiscent of his goal away against Wimbledon in 93/94, the plucky midfielder taking the ball past a number of Canaries before clipping the ball over Bryan Gunn. The game eventually ended 4-4, seeing Town to the final and Norwich to the exit.

A last minute Leicester goal against Coventry from former Blue David Lowe set up a Town-Foxes final.

With Jon Hallworth and Trevor Putney injured, the latter taking no part at all after the first game, Town resources were stretched and poor defensive work saw Leicester to a two-goal half-time final lead.

A brave Bontcho Guentchev header gave Town hope in the second period, but three quick goals - two from Lowe - saw Leicester home.

Player-manager Simon Milton will be disappointed with the way his side conceded goals throughout but should be pleased with new recruit Micky Stockwell.

Only recently retired, Stockwell picked up the Magic Moment award for his wonder goal against Norwich, the overall Player of the Tournament award and was the afternoon's top scorer.

Town Masters: Jon Hallworth, Micky Stockwell, Mark Brennan, Trevor Putney, Ian Atkins, Simon Milton, Jason Dozzell, Neil Woods, Bontcho Guentchev, Paul Mason.

Photo: Action Images

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