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Doverhouse Lions U12s have completed a remarkable cup double by lifting the Tandridge League Cup, which can now sit alongside the London Cup they claim in March.

DHL travelled to Chipstead FC to face Rusthall United, who had not been beaten since the turn of the year.

The team arrived bright and early for the 11amk kick-off.

Rusthall are a team made up of elite players from Kent, so DHL knew they were in for a tough game.

The Roehampton-based side were quick out the traps and set the tone for the rest of the game.

They dominated the opening moments but lacked that bit of quality in the final third of the pitch.

Then, an injury to left winger Jonah Smith meant the introduction of Naseem Majeed came sooner than expected but proved a materstroke.

He got straight into his role down the left and was causing Rusthall no end of trouble.

It was his shot-cum-cross that could only be parried by the Rusthall keeper and, following up for the rebound, prolific hitman Shaquille 'Shaq attack' McIntosh grabbed his 28th goal of the season.

The score was what the players needed and, from that moment on, the champagne football started to flow.

DHL kept up a high tempo and the passing and movement was a joy to watch.

There was a lot of individual skill on show, which had the crowd on their feet.

A second goal was almost inevitable and came after 20 minutes from centre midfielder Dalvin Donnelly.

The 'little magician' was on the end of a great cross and lifted his shot over the advancing Rusthall keeper.

Having gone off the boil since his outstanding performance in the London Cup final, maybe this will kickstart him for the remaining games of the season.

So 2-0 at half-time whistle but, in all fairness, it could have been at least double that. The DHL players came off quietly confident that if they could maintain the same effort as the first 30 minutes, then it would be their name on the cup.

The instructions at the interval were to not get complacent but also not to go full throttle and instead be more patient in their play.

The second half saw fewer chances but the effort and quality was much the same. The third and final goal came after 40 minutes and, for the first time all season, you could say it was an 'ugly' one.

There seemed to be little danger after a backpass from a Rusthall defender but the keeper's clearance was shut down by the ever-working McIntosh, who was left with an empty goal to claim his 29th of the season.

Although he has played in many positions this season, it looks like the hitman will retain his title as the team's top goalscorer.

In a fantastic team performance that was professional in every aspect, the man of the match award was a very hard choice but finally went to leftback Callum Attwood, whoses class stood out from the start.

The defensive side of his game has improved tenfold, he won every header and tackle then in possession he stroked the ball around with the wand he calls his left foot.

Ramelle Le Blanc and Krayshawn Gibbens were not far behind.

With seven league games to play, DHL can now start thinking about the unthinkable, as they can add the Tandridge A Division league title if they can win all of their remaining games.

It would be a massive achievement to complete the treble but these players have to ability and mental strength to give it a good go.

Squad: Mehmet Hussein, Ramelle Le Blanc, Najae Hacket (capt) Krayshawn Gibbens, Callum Attwood, Ryan Geer, Fabian Rowe, Jonah Smith, Shaquille McIntosh, Dalvin Donnelly, Tariqe Fosu-Henry.

Subs: Nathan Tilbury, Naseem Majeed, Rudi Brooks-Adams, Robaggio Thomas, Esrom Teklehaymanot.

Goalscorers: Shaquille McIntosh (2) Dalvin Donnelly (1)

DHL are holding trials for next season at Roehampton Playing Fields, Doverhouse Road, Roehampton, on Saturday, May 3 (9.30am-12.30pm). They are looking for players aged six to 16, as well as managers and coaches. The club are also looking to start a women's team.

12:35pm Friday 25th April 2008

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