CATHOLIC United ended a fantastic season in style by beating Wickford’s Essex Royals 3-0 in the under-10 Lions Cup final at Great Wakering Rovers’ Burroughs Park ground.

Aaron Akoman bagged a brace and Harry Kateley was also on target in extra time.

And the South-East Essex Primary Mini Soccer League victory delighted their manager Mark Froud.

“The boys have worked hard to win the league in the last two season and to now also win the cup is fantastic,” said Froud.

“We’re undefeated in 18 games this year, which is also great, and have let in just eight goals along the way.

“The defence have been great but credit must also go to Essex Royals because they played very well to take the game to extra time and made it a very good final.”

The two finals at under-nine level were also exceptionally close and were decided by penalty shoot outs.

The Tigers cup final ended 4-4 before Wickford Town Tigers and Leigh Rambers Tigers before Wickford won penalties.

But Rambers had better luck in the Lions cup final beating Basildon club Eversley Boys 3-2 on penalties after the game had ended 0-0.

And that pleased Leigh secretary Mark Holmes.

“We are all really proud of both teams who did well to get to the final,” Holmes.

“I’m not sure whether or not penalties are a fair way to decide who wins but that’s something which is often discussed at all levels of the game.

“Both teams did well to get as far as they did and deserve credit for the seasons they have had.”

Basildon’s Chalvedon Boys Lions were also celebrating too as they beat Hawkwell Athletics Leopards 2-0 in the under 10 Tigers Cup final.

South-East Essex Primary Mini Soccer League secretary Ernie Franklin said: “The whole day went really well and we raised £285 for Little Havens children’s hospice.

“There were plenty of goals and the first game was excellent, with the penalties being very exciting.”

FULL REPORT AND PICTURES IN WEDNESDAY'S ECHO