Hume City claims its first senior trophy after winning the Dockerty Cup

Hume City has claimed a historic Dockerty Cup title, the club’s first senior trophy, after a James Brown strike guided the club past Melbourne Knights in a tight, tense final.

Hume City players and coaches celebrate their Dockerty Cup victory over Melbourne Knights. Picture: Mark Avellino, Football Victoria

A sublime James Brown strike has helped deliver Hume City its first senior trophy.

City created history at Kingston Heath on Saturday night when the NPL powerhouse defeated Melbourne Knights 1-0 to claim the Dockerty Cup.

It was the first time in the competition’s 110-year history Hume City had made the final and the club made its debut count.

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Brown opened the scoring in the 28th minute to a spectacular goal that sailed into the top corner.

City held its nerve as the Knights threw everything they had to try and find a late equaliser.

Victorious coach Nick Hegarty has helped develop Hume City as a player and now from the sideline and couldn’t have been prouder.

Hume City players and coaches celebrate their Dockerty Cup victory over Melbourne Knights. Picture: Mark Avellino, Football Victoria

“I’m a coach that tends to play things down but this is a vast achievement and something the club’s been striving for for many years,” Hegarty said.

“I’m really proud of myself, coaching staff and the players for writing ourselves into the club’s history and creating a legacy that can never be taken over.

“I’ve been in a very fortunate position to see the ins and outs of the club and watch it grow from basically nothing … (Saturday) was a day to celebrate that, not just the senior team but all the juniors and all the fans.”

The build up to Brown’s goal started with a classy one-two between Steve Hewitt and Mitch Cooper, who found Ben Bowler.

Bowler’s pass found its way through to Brown on the edge of the area and the former A-League striker curled it home giving Knights keeper Harry Cakarun no chance.

“When you get into any final, it’s generally a tight affair and emotions are on edge,” Hegarty said.

“It comes down to a bit of quality and the build up and the finish for James Brown’s goal was worthy of winning any game at any level.”

The good news continues for City with captain Harry Monaghan set to return in coming weeks.

There’s no let up for Hume City, with an NPL finals campaign already secure with two weeks remaining in the season and an FFA Cup Round of 16 clash against Adelaide Olympic.

For the second straight tie, City will have to travel but Hegarty had no qualms.

“We’ll put in a performance, I’m sure, and hopefully (Saturday’s) result will inspire us to go on and do more good things,” he said.

“The way it’s panned out we go straight into a NPL finals game three or four days after the Adelaide game, which isn’t ideal.

“You’re a victim of your own success at this level, so long may we be the victim.”