Boldon boss Mossa hails team's strength of character after comeback victory in Shipowners' Cup

Mossa said: “I am absolutely delighted with this victory which really epitomised the strength of character within this group of young players.

“At two nil down and with Leam looking strong, we could have easily folded in front of a big crowd.

“We got them in at halftime, emphasised that we haven’t even started in this game yet, but we are still in it.

“We told them to go out into the second half and show what a good side we are.

“We made a few tactical changes and the second half belonged to us.

“We brought striker Dominic Mossa on who immediately done what he has been doing all season, scoring quality goals at crucial times.

“I couldn’t think of anyone else who I would want to take a last minute penalty than our top goalscorer Adam Bell.

“Adam is clearly one of the best young strikers in the region and he cool slotted that ball home without hesitation.

“I would again like to thank chairman Kevin Oliver and his committee who saw the potential of our young side, who last season won the Durham Alliance League Challenge Cup and finished runners-up in the league.

“Many wrote us off at the beginning of the season saying we were to young and inexperienced to compete in a tough Wearside League.

“In our maiden season we have finished tenth, won the Sam Bartram trophy and made history by winning the Shipowners Charity Cup, the first time in 27 years.

“A special thank you must also go to my assistant Barry Roberts and coaches Tony Robinson, Mick Hutch and Seb Turner.

“Their contribution and quality this season has been immense and we couldn’t have done it without them.

“We will all have a well deserved break now, then regroup fro pre-season.

“We know we have to strengthen the squad to push on again next season, but I’m sure everyone at the club is looking forward to it.”

In front of a crowd of over 300, Boldon started the game on the back foot as Leam applied pressure.

Boldon struggling to get a foot hold on the game and some sloppy defending saw Leam take the lead.

Leam’s constant pressure paid off as they added a second that stunned the Boldon following.

However, Boldon were given a glimmer of hope just before half-time when an in-swinging corner by Adam Bell was turned into the net by a Leam defender

Boldon began the second half with purpose, playing football and creating chances.

Boldon were on level terms when the ball was flicked on by Frankie Hucks, and substitute Dominic Mossa latched on to the ball.

An excellent first touch took him away from the defenders, and with the Leam keeper closing him down, Mossa delivered an inch perfect lob to level the scores.

Boldon were now on the front foot and with the game entering stoppage time a penalty was awarded.

Some excellent play by Adam Henson found captain Jack Lawton just inside the Leam box.

A Leam defender rushed to close his down, but excellent quick feet by Lawton saw the defender sticks out a trailing leg to bring him down and the referee pointed to the spot.

Boldon’s Adam Bell, as cool as you like, smashed the ball into the net sending the keeper the wrong way and clinched the Shipowners’ Cup.