Ladies lift County Cup

West Ham United Ladies lifted the Essex FA Women's County Cup for the second time in three seasons after securing a 2-1 win over Hutton in Thursday's final.

Carly Roache (pictured) and Nat Grafton got the goals inside the opening 20 minutes at AFC Hornchurch's Bridge Avenue stadium, paving the way for Julia Setford's side to collect their first piece of silverware since winning the same trophy in April 2009.

Eastern Regional Division One South side Hutton did fight back and halved their arrears midway through the second half, but the Hammers held on to their advantage to lift the cup.

West Ham will now concentrate on their challenge for the FA Tesco Women's Premier League South title.

With five matches remaining - all of which are away from their Ship Lane home - the Hammers are two points clear of second-place Charlton Athletic and third-place Keynsham Town, although Keynsham have just four games left to play.

The destiny of the title could go a long way towards being decided this Sunday afternoon, when Setford and he players make the short trip across the River Thames to take on Charlton.

The match will take place at Thamesmead Town FC on Sunday, with kick-off at 2pm.