Tonsley Events Football Challenge Cup 2002

It was Ian MacCaskel who broke the news to me. While he worked himself into a frenzy telling the viewers about the outcomes of cold and warm fronts meeting, I was reduced to praying for slightly better weather. Alas the message didn't seem to get through and it was therefore amongst conditions last seen in the movie "The Perfect Storm" that eight teams met to contest the inaugural Tonsley Events Football Challenge Cup. Amid the rain, the wind and generally shitty conditions the captains met at 1.30pm to make the "draw" to establish which league they were playing in.

With Haddock Spitroast, Salamanca, Academy Reds and the cleverly named Team 1 all drawn in League A, Team Tebs, the 'A' shareholders, London Loughborough and Paul's Team were left in League B.

On the command, Sticky Nicky (the official timekeeper) got the ball rolling and the games began. While Salamanca, Academy Reds and London Loughborough were quick out of the blocks, Paul's Team and Team 1 had to wait for the second game before they recorded their first wins.

After a number of keenly fought games the 'A' shareholders, Salamanca, Academy Reds and Paul's Team all moved through to the semi-finals sending Rob's Loughborough lot packing and John Southall's Radio 5live team back to Bush House empty handed.

With the 'A' shareholders and Academy Reds both winning 5-1 under the floodlights, the cast for the final was now complete.

Despite both teams having played over 2 hours of football by this stage, the game started like a rocket with the woodwork being struck at both ends within the first thirty seconds. Slowly the tide started to move the 'A' shareholders way though, with both of their strikers Dan and Andy beginning to dominate. The Academy responded with a couple of well worked goals and by half time there was nothing to separate the sides.

With both sides tiring, the 'A' shareholders scored again and then concentrated on just holding on. The final whistle was met both by celebrations, commiserations and in my case just pure relief that it was all over.

The 'A' shareholders had won 5-2. Andy and Dan had scored a hat load (just overtaking Jacko and Johnny Southall to take the golden boot), Joe had let in just 5 goals all day; Pete had danced and Jim Thompson and Woolfy had kept things tight at the back.

It was a great day. Once again a massive thank you to all eight captains: Rob, John, Paul, Tommo, Marcus, Mark and Giles. Thanks also to Nicky for keeping score, order and everyone in line. Finally, thank you to our fans and mascot - without you none of it would have been worthwhile.

Group One P W D L GF GA Pts Academy Reds 3 3 0 0 24 8 9 Salamanca 3 2 0 1 20 11 6 Team 1 3 1 0 2 18 18 3 Haddock Spit Roast 3 0 0 3 5 30 0 Team 1 4 Salamanca 8 Team 1 11 Haddock Spit Roast 2 Salamanca 8 Haddock Spit Roast 2 Haddock Spit Roast 1 Academy Reds 11 Team 1 3 Academy Reds 8 Salamanca 4 Academy Reds 5

Group Two P W D L GF GA Pts The 'A' Shareholders 3 3 0 0 29 6 9 Paul's Team 3 2 0 1 10 20 6 London Loughborough 3 1 0 2 13 8 3 Team Tebs 3 0 0 3 6 23 0 Paul's Team 1 The 'A Shareholders 15 Team Tebs 1 London Loughborough 8 London Loughborough 2 The 'A' Shareholders 3 Paul's Team 4 Team Tebs 2 The 'A' Shareholders 11 Team Tebs 3 Paul's Team 4 London Loughborough 3

The Semi Finals The 'A' Shareholders 5 Salamanca 1

Academy Reds 5           Paul's Team 1

The Final The 'A' Shareholders 5 Academy Reds 2

Winner P W D L GF GA The 'A' Shareholders 5 5 0 0 39 9

Golden Boot / Top Scorer   Andy Garman / Dan Abbott 15

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