With grassroots football in Cumberland halted in March, and football at the back of everyone’s minds the likelihood of the conclusion of the County Cup competitions was slim but we were delighted to be able to host the first of 6 Cup Finals on Sunday 6 September. 

The Cumbrian Cottages supported Sunday Cup was paused at the Semi Final stage and thanks to the willingness of the teams and officials, the competition was able to come to a conclusion.

Following extensive consultation with teams in all competitions, Cumberland FA will be concluding the Under 12 and 14 Girls and Under 12 County Cups which were also at the Semi Final stage. The Under 16 and Under 16 Girls Cup Finals were due to be played just prior to lockdown, and we’re delighted that these will also be concluded.

Sunday Cup Final
Supported by Cumbrian Cottages

Workington and District Sunday League side Northside FC, were making their first ever appearance in the County Cup Final following their 3-1 win over Glasson Gardeners FC in the Semi-Final while holders Inter Pirelli FC (Carlisle City Sunday League) defeated Currock FC 2-1 to book their third appearance in three years in the Final. 

Mirehouse AFC kindly hosted the venue for the Sunday Cup Final, the groundsman having recently been awarded the Grounds Team of the Year award as part of The FA and McDonalds Grassroots Football Awards.

As with all County Cup Finals, the level of preparation and organisation ahead of the day was important to provide a ‘Cup Final experience’. This year’s County Cup Finals, like all football have seen an added level of preparation to ensure The FA and government guidance is followed. Cumberland FA would like to thank the teams, officials and hosts for their support and patience in ensuring the game could go ahead.

Read the online programme HERE

At 11:00am on Sunday 6 September, the teams finally got to compete for the Sunday Cup trophy of 2019-20, supported by Cumbrian Cottages.

TEAMS

Northside FC

Andrew Mitchell, Steven Hampton, Michael Kilgour, Jamie Glover, Byran Todd, Stefan Scott, Adam Kilgour, Callum Doyle, Jamie Bramley, Darren Little, Callum Killick, John Price, Gareth O'Leary, Kyle Galea, Jamie Williamson, Antony Zajac

Inter Pirelli FC

Luke Miller, Andrew Lewis, Ben Campbell, Tyler Bowman, Jack Irving, Ellis James, Jamie Stalker, James Davidson, Ben Davidson, Kieron Blair, Ricky James, Jordan Farish, Craig McQue, Ellis Pearson, Matthew Martin, Jamie Hull

Match Officials

Referee – John Mulligan
Assistant Referees – Tony Whitfield & Mark Hunter
4th Official – Neil McCrickard

 The match started at a fast pace and holders Inter Pirelli got an early goal thanks to Ricky James rebound after 10 minutes. 

The game was end to end, with Inter Pirelli having the best of the chances, hitting the post and the Northside FC keeper (Andrew Mitchell) making some good saves to keep the score 1-0. Luke Miller in the Inter goal then pulled off a fine save to deny in the equaliser after 36 minutes, a shot destined for the top corner.

Just before half time, Ricky James got the ball in the back of the net again; but it was disallowed for offside earlier in the build-up. With both teams having a number of chances, it was 1-0 at half time.

The second half saw Northside FC get into their stride, putting the holders under pressure straight from the whistle with a couple of early chances with keeper Miller pulling off some good saves. 

Northside finally got their deserved breakthrough in the 82nd minute when Jamie Glover headed home to equalise! 

Despite late pressure from Northside FC, the final whistle blew with the score 1-1. With no extra time, the Trophy would be decided on penalties.

The penalty shoot out saw holders Inter Pirelli win 4-2 and lift the trophy!

Cumberland FA would like to congratulate Inter Pirelli FC for winning back to back County Cups!

Northside FC, in their first County Cup Final appearance more than played their part in an entertaining game.

Ben Snowdon of Cumberland FA commented “We were delighted to be able to conclude the competition and we’d like to thank the teams for their support. Unfortunately, the Cup Final experience was not the same as previous seasons, but in these different times we have to make changes and follow the latest guidance. Again, thanks to the teams for helping with this in the build up to the Final, including the socially distanced team photos and the post-match presentations.” 

Check out more photos on our Facebook page. Thanks to Martin and Linda Perry for the photos.

Highlights (Thanks to Steven Sharp for the Veo Camera Footage)

County Cups

Next up in the County Cups is the Semi Finals of the Under 12, under 12 Girls and Under 14 Girls competitions this weekend with the Finals planned for Sunday 27 September.

The Under 16 and Under 16 Girls County Cup Finals are planned for Sunday 20 September. Good luck to all teams and match officials!