REPORT | Everards Tiger League Cup Final - Cottesmore AFC 3-2 (AET) Lutterworth Athletic Reserves

Cottesmore AFC 3-2 (AET) Lutterworth Athletic Reserves

Tuesday 12th May 2026

Lutterworth Athletic Reserves fell just short of lifting silverware as they were edged out 3–2 after extra time by Cottesmore AFC in the Leicestershire Senior League Everards Tiger League Cup Final at Nanpantan Sports Ground.

In what was a brilliant cup final and a fantastic advert for the competition, both teams gave everything in a high-tempo contest that remained in the balance right until the final moments of extra time.

Cottesmore took the lead in the 22nd minute, but Atho responded superbly just over ten minutes later.

Right back Connor Wilkinson made an excellent forward run into the box and was rewarded as he finished well to level the match and bring Lutterworth back into the contest.

The match remained evenly poised heading into half-time, with both sides showing quality and determination in an end-to-end contest.

Early in the second half, Atho Reserves took the lead in dramatic fashion.

A corner kick caused chaos in the box and after a scramble of pinball defending, with some debate over whether the ball had fully crossed the line, Alex Baraclough was credited with the goal to make it 2–1 to Lutterworth.

Cottesmore pushed hard for an equaliser, but Atho continued to look dangerous on the counter attack as the match opened up and space began to appear at both ends.

The hosts eventually found their way back into the game with just over ten minutes remaining, levelling the score and forcing the final into extra time.

The intensity barely dropped as both teams continued to chase a winning goal across the additional 30 minutes.

With penalties looming, it was Cottesmore who found the decisive moment, as Charlie Lovelace struck a superb half volley into the top corner to secure the trophy in style and deny Atho Reserves the chance of a shootout.

While the result was heartbreaking, it was a performance full of pride, effort and quality from Lutterworth Athletic Reserves, who can take huge credit for their cup run and the way they competed.

Congratulations to Cottesmore AFC on lifting the trophy, and thank you to everyone who travelled to Loughborough to support the Atho.

Next up for Atho Reserves is another chance of silverware as they take on Coalville in the Leicestershire & Rutland County FA VEO Senior County Cup Final at Holmes Park, Whetstone, on Tuesday 19th May 2026.

ATHO GOALS

Connor Wilkinson 22'

Alex Baraclough 47'

LINEUP

Max Harbin (GK)

Connor Wilkinson

Dominic Ivens

Alex Baraclough

Luke Garner

Jon-Jo Clarkson

Callum Harris

Ollie Morfill

Fin Thomas

Barnes Gladman