For the second year in a row, Sun Inn FC will be heading to the Etihad Stadium to play for a place at Wembley in the Finals of The BT Sport Pub Cup!

Earlier in July, the Workington & District Sunday League travelled to Edinburgh for the regional round of the competition. 2022 was their second appearance in the competition, although for the previous 4 years they entered but were not successful in making the draw. Any pub who subscribes to BT Sport can enter the draw for the men’s or women’s competition, which begins as 7-a-side in the regional rounds to 11-a-side in the semi-finals and final. Teams entering also receive a kit courtesy of BT Sport.

In their first game, a Richard Hudson goal was enough to beat 2019 winners The Inn, Elderslie after some outstanding goalkeeping from Ben Gray (pictured, below) to keep the previous champions out.

Hudson’s goal was decisive in the second game too, a 1-0 victory over Nia Roo Bar. With qualification into the semi-finals guaranteed, the third game saw Sun Inn FC win 6-1 with goals from Richard Hudson, Jonny Stud (2) Mally Graham (with a screamer), Dan Pearson and Liam Parker. The only goal to beat Gray was an own goal.

West End Bar were the opponents in the semi-final. Two goals from Mally Graham sealed the Cumbrian’s place in the Final and a chance to play for a coveted place at the next round in Manchester. 

The Final finished goalless against Polwarth Tavern with Ben Gray in goals continuing his heroics from the match to the penalty shoot-out, saving both. Mally Graham and Richard Hudson scored their penalties to win the regional round of the competition.

Mel Scott from Sun Inn FC commented: “It'll really help with preparation for the new season, with team spirit always vital. There's a real buzz after the regional win and hopes are high that we can make Wembley in November, which would then help the team in our own league as I'm sure competition for places knowing that a place in the 18-man squad at Wembley is at stake.” 

Sun Inn FC will now travel south to The Etihad on 24 July, one of 8 regional winners to face teams from the England, Scotland and Wales. The winners from this weekend’s 11-a-side ‘Semi-Finals’ will play at Wembley in November for The BT Sport Pub Cup!

Cumberland FA wishes Sun Inn FC all the best for the next stage of the competition!