Published: 24 March, 2016
by STEVE BARNETT

CROUCH End Rangers booked their place in the Camden Sunday League Challenge Cup final at the weekend with a smash-and-grab victory over Clerkenwell Old Boys. 

Despite defending for the entire game – and almost failing to create a single chance – the newly-crowned Division One champions took a shock lead in the 87th minute when, completely against the run of play, Declan Taylor fired home from close range. 

Clerkenwell still managed to beat the clock, however, as they found the back of the net in stoppage time to make it 1-1 and send the tie into extra time. 

Just moments into the additional 30 minutes, Taylor struck again, volleying Timo Hilhorst’s long punt down field past the Clerkenwell goalkeeper to nudge Rangers into the lead for a second time. 

And this time, Crouch End managed to hold on to their lead to progress to the final, where they will meet either Auld Shillelagh or Tufnell Park Athletic. 

Auld Shillelagh were in fine form in front of goal on Sunday as they beat Dinamo Dorigo 5-2 in their Challenge Cup quarter-final at Hackney Marshes.

They will now play Tufnell Park in the semi-final on April 3, with the victors going on to tackle Crouch End Rangers just a week later.