Southern Counties East League round-up: Erith Town beat Corinthian on penalties in Challenge Cup Final, Division 1 victories for Rochester and Larkfield, Premier Division leaders Deal win again

The first piece of silverware in the Southern Counties East League was decided on Good Friday.

Erith Town lifted the Challenge Cup after a penalty shoot-out win over Corinthian at Hollands & Blair’s Star Meadow ground.

Michael Hagan put Corinthian ahead on the half-hour following a defensive mistake. While Erith had plenty of play in the second half they were kept at bay until five minutes from time when James Dyer tucked away a spot-kick after a rash challenge in the box.

The game went to spot-kicks with Erith’s Harry Taylor converting at the second time of asking, his initial shot was saved by the eagle-eyed assistant spotted keeper Nathan Boamah had moved too early.

Corinthian promptly missed their next penalty, Erith keeper Mackenzie Foley diving to his left to push the ball away. Erith remained faultless and won it when James Miles drilled home his spot-kick.

The cup action continued on Saturday with Lewisham booking their place in the Division 1 Cup Final against Larkfield following a 3-1 home win over Faversham Strike Force.

In league action, the top four sides in Division 1 met each other. Leaders AFC Whyteleafe were beaten for only the third time this season, 3-2 at Rochester who moved into second spot.

Mike Hill put the Leafe ahead but Tom Loynes levelled before the break. Freeman Rogers and Charlie Barlow put Rochester 3-1 ahead before a late goal from Jay Andrews.

Fourth-place Larkfield kept their title hopes alive with a deserved 3-1 home win over Staplehurst, who dropped down to third spot.

Fraser Walker turned the ball in after a corner wasn’t cleared to put the Larks ahead and Matt Day’s brilliant 30-yard free-kick made it 2-0 on 39 minutes.

A needless foul presented Connor Watson the chance to reduce the