Linford Wanderers have celebrated 100 years of Southend District League football in style by winning the first ever Centenary Cup.

At the Burroughs Park home of the District's most successful ever club, Great Wakering Rovers, who are about to gain entry into the Ryman League set-up, Linford overcame Rochford Town 3-0 in the final to add to the Premier Division title they have already gained.

However, Rochford, who gained the Carradus Cup at the start of the season, could still end the District campaign with a double.

For on Thursday night at Roots Hall (7.15pm), they take on Cricketers Horndon in the final of another major District knockout competition . . . the French Cup.

However, this latest success for Linford was an outstanding story of one of the District "new boys" overcoming the might of a Rochford outfit among the League's most established clubs.

Goals from I Bass (2) and D Ledger saw Linford, who were first formed as a boys' and girls' club some 26 years ago, to their triumph.

Football soon took to the fore for Linford after their formation and men's soccer was added to the youth sides - although in the early days they played all matches on Sundays.

After much success it was decided to form a Saturday team and they joined the District League in 1994-95.

They lifted the Division Three title and Shaw Cup in their first year and, instead of going "pot-hunting" in the lower sections, sportingly asked for immediate promotion to the Premier.

This they were granted and, in the first two terms, they finished seventh and fourth before taking the Premier crown and Centenary Cup this term.

Manager Clive Rutland has been with the club since it was formed and the great job he has done is best illustrated by the fact that nine of his original players are still with Linford.

In stark contrast, Rochford were formed at the start of the century and have played at Rochford Rec for 62 years. They've won every division of the District, enjoyed numerous cup successes, and will be looking for their third French Cup final success on the trot on Thursday.

Another District side looking for twin glory are Division One champions Parma Sports. They take on Borough Combination World Aviation at Eastwoodbury Lane (7.15pm tomorrow) for the Southend Charity Competition Section D trophy.

Spare a thought for Division Two side Corinthians. They went into their last two games knowing that just one win would see them promoted.

However, after losing 3-0 to Enterprise Athletic, they went down 6-5 in a real thriller against champions Thundersley Rovers to hand Enterprise runners-up spot.

Jackson (3), Roof, Norris and Effreme got the Rovers' goals, but unluckiest man on the day was Stringer, who scored four for Corinthians but still finished on the losing side. Fitzpatrick got their other effort.

Stopped in his tracks - this Linford Wanderers player (right) was halted by Rochford Town in this attack, but Linford went on to win the Southend District League's first ever Centenary Cup final 3-0.

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.