FC Britannia 5, Field Lane FC 2 (29/04/18 10:45) - Derbyshire FA Sunday Senior Cup Final

Chesterfield's FC Britannia cemented their claim to being Derbyshire's finest Sunday League side with a resounding victory over Derby's Field Lane FC, at one of my favourite grounds, Christchurch Meadow (now the Marston's Stadium) in Belper.

Britannia, the current holders of this cup, were again riding high in the Chesterfield and District League and Field Lane were sitting in a position to challenge for the Derby Taverner's League title - as they both served up a footballing treat for 65 supporters on this very cold April day.

Unfortunately for Field Lane, Britannia had too much about them to lose their grip on this title. From their powerful 'keeper, through their solid defence and skilful midfield, to their clinical finishers' Britannia looked to be a class above and never looked like losing.

Castle Donington Town 1, Rowsley '86 9 (nine) (28/04/18 14:00) - MRA League Cup Semi-Final

An unplayable pitch handed Castle Donington a home advantage in this semi-final of the Midlands Regional Alliance Cup at the tidy Moira Dale facility.

Rowsley, the best Derbyshire team that doesn't play in the FA pyramid, were hot favourites and in the end they didn't disappoint. But Castle Donington kept the game close for 40 minutes, although they always looked second best.

A late goal in the first-half meant that the half-time score was 0:2 but Rowsley came out all guns blazing in the second-half and scored with the first attack, thanks to some fantastic wing play and a great cross. 

Castle Donington's hopes were raised with a goal that made it 1:3 but then Rowsley ran riot; every subsequent attack seeming to yield a goal. 

A day of goals, questionable officiating and umbrellas left me happy that I decided to go to North West Leicestershire with my father. 

Alfreton Town 0, Chesterfield FC XI 1 (24/04/18 19:45) - Derbyshire FA Senior Challenge Cup Final

My fifth consecutive Derbyshire Senior Cup Final saw me return to the stadium at which I witnessed my first; the Impact Arena in Alfreton. On that day Ilkeston beat Glossop but today tier 6 Alfreton had 'home advantage' against the development squad of Football League side Chesterfield FC.

I was very much anticipating an even affair in this game, unlike the two finals I had witnessed between Gresley and Matlock in which the Gladiators put the Moatmen to the sword. And very even the game was between the two young sides, with Chesterfield edging it thanks to, what looked like, a glancing header from a free-kick in the 2nd minute.

Both sides could have bagged a few goals on this chilly, damp April night but Chesterfield lifted the trophy as their senior team had relegation out of the Football League confirmed, due to results of other games being played in League 2.