Workington Reds crowned Champions after a thrilling Final!

It was a windy day at Penrith for the first Cumberland FA County Cup Final of the 2018-19 season; but the weather was no concern for two teams who had fought hard to earn their place in the final. On their respective routes to the final, Workington Reds Juniors U16 Black and Crusaders U16 Reds put in performances to be proud of.

Penrith AFC’s stand filled up early in anticipation for eighty minutes of high tempo, quality football.

Cumberland FA Under 16 County Cup Final
Workington Reds Juniors U16 Black v Crusaders U16 Red
Kick off: 2pm
Date: Sunday 24 March 2019
Venue: Penrith AFC

Cumberland FA’s Youth County Cup partner is Specsavers and the Youth County Cup Goalpost Partner is MH Goals.

Focus on the Teams

The nucleus of the Workington Reds Juniors U16 Black team have been together since 2010 when they began at Under 8's and have moved up the age groups together. They are currently second in the West Cumbria Youth League and were runners up in the Under 14 County Cup two years ago. The Reds defeated Northbank JFC 1970 U15, Maryport Amateurs, Abbeytown JFC U15 and Unisun Athletic JFC U15 on their way to the Final.

Crusaders U16 Red have also been together since the Under 8 age group and are currently second in the Carlisle Glass Longhorn Football League. Crusaders defeated Creighton JFC U15, Bransty Rangers JFC U16, Kingstown United JFC U15 and Northbank JFC U16 in the earlier rounds of the County Cup to set up their meeting with Workington reds Juniors U16 Black.

With both teams walking out to the anthemic sound of Fatboy Slim’s ‘Right Here, Right Now’ - the excitement in the stand was palpable as spectators loudly showed their support , cheering on their team - neither side however appeared to be intimidated by the occasion.

After hands were shook and the players took to their positions, Referee Seamus Edwards, who was supported by Andrew Richardson, Lewis McNamme and Josh Maddison, blew his whistle. The 2019 Cumberland FA Under 16 County Cup Final began.


GAME ON
The opening fifteen minutes of the match were tense, both sides had chances, neither wanted to concede an early goal. The deadlock was broken in the 19th minute as Harry Watson was played through and his fantastic strike ended up in the back of the net! 1-0 to Workington Reds Junior U16 Black.

Despite going behind, Crusaders kept pushing forward. Their endeavours were rewarded at the 30 minute mark when a penalty was awarded following some pressure in the Workington penalty area. Without hesitation, No. 9, Oli Craggs, went up to take it. As quiet descended upon the stand in anticipation, the Referee blew his whistle and Craggs calmly put the ball past the goalkeeper - cheers from the Crusader’s bench and fans erupted. 1-1, Crusaders were back in the game.

HALF TIME: Workington Reds Juniors U16 Black 1 - 1 Crusaders U16 Red 

The second half was as exciting as the first. On the 50th minute, Crusaders put their opposition under pressure with a good corner. Five minutes later, goal-scorer Harry Watson almost had his second after he went around the goalkeeper and struck the ball - it was impressively cleared off the line by Crusaders No. 4, Tuddenham who was putting in a commanding performance. With the way both teams were playing, extra time and possibility penalties seemed very likely. Workington had another chance but it was saved by Colin Bell in the Crusaders goal.

On the 75th minute however, the deadlock was once again broken. Workington Red Junior’s No. 7, Jaden Scott, after coming in from the left chipped the goalkeeper who was off his line!

With 4th Official Josh Maddison signalling a minimum of 4 minutes additional time, there was still a chance for Crusaders to equalise. In the last bit of action, Crusaders goalkeeper Bell took a free kick that had to be palmed away by Jay Roach in the Workington goal.

Despite Crusader’s best efforts to get back into the game, the Workington side maintained control and on the final whistle there was celebration from the Workington Reds players, staff and fans.

A round of applause was given to the match officials by the crowd as they collected their medals. Crusaders U16 Red were also given a round of applause as they collected their runners up medals.

As the Workington side lifted their trophy, which was presented to them by Cumberland FA Vice Chairman John Rogerson, their celebrations began.  

Cumberland FA would like to thank hosts Penrith AFC and their willing volunteers who helped make the Final a memorable one for the players.

We’d also like to say thanks to the Match Officials, as well as the coaches, parents and CFA volunteers and staff who helped make the day a success!

Highlights of the Under 16 County Cup Final were kindly provided by Paul Brecken while Ben France provided the photos which will be available to view on our Facebook page soon!

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