2006-2007 Season Reports

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2006-2007 Season of the National Christian Cup

There were plenty of 3rd Round shocks, with no less than 5 sides going out, that were highly fancied to reach the NCC Final. This included 3 times winners Bolton Ambassadors, 2004 winners FC Bootle, Breckfield Crusaders, 1999 winners Worthing based Tabernacle FC and Genesis, Loughborough!
Most games were played in a great spirit, representing the Christian-based Competition but one team has been disciplined for displaying wrong attitudes in games, both last season as well as this year. They now have to be scrutinised in all their NCC games by an Independent Match Observer. Please be warned and ensure that all your NCC games are played in the right spirit.

The first shock was when, strongly fancied former champions Bolton Ambassadors, were deservedly beaten 2-1 at Revive FC, Loughborough. Revive were much the stronger side, racing to a two goal lead after 55 minutes and looking like they would cruise into the next round. However Bolton pulled a goal back in the 70th minute, when Revive failed to deal with a long throw-in and then had the chance to take the game into extra time after 80 minutes, when they were awarded a penalty. However the mishit kick was saved and Revive held on to reach the 4th round!

Grassendale FC, Liverpool eased into the next round with a 4-0 win over Ossett Logos FC, Yorks. The first half was a close affair separated only by a single Grassendale goal. However, once the lead was extended, shortly after half time, the floodgates then opened as Grassendale dominated and scored two more classy goals.

In a closely fought competitive match between two local Liverpool rivals, Trinity FC eased out Breckfield Crusaders 2-1. Trinity took an early lead, pouncing on a goalkeeping error. However the tide turned Breckfields way, when first they equalised and then soon after, the Trinity keeper was dismissed for handling out of the area. However, Trinitys 10 men worked hard for each other, showing great team spirit and were rewarded with a late winner, a sweet half volley from 20 yards.

As in the previous round, Bridge Street United, Leeds had to overcome opposition from Liverpool, this time a 3-1 result away at Club Caspian. United took early control, creating a number of early chances, looking dangerous down both flanks. They took the lead after 20 minutes when a right wing cross was turned into his own goal by a Caspian defender and they sewed up the game with 2 further goals before Caspian grabbed a late consolation.

In an open and flowing game that was played in an excellent spirit, Doncaster Evangelical Church won 3-1 away at 2004 winners, FC Bootle (Liverpool). Doncaster started the brighter but Bootles taller players were always a threat, especially at set plays. However, goals either side of half time effectively sealed the tie for Donny, although Bootle had a real chance to get back in the game but missed a penalty! They were made to pay as Doncaster soon notched their third, leaving Bootle with too much to do, despite managing a late goal.

Another comfortable win for Woodville Baptist, Cardiff, this time against Christchurch Roxeth, Middlesex by a 4-1 scoreline. Woodville got off to a perfect start, netting inside the first 3 minutes but then Roxeth managed to have the lion share of possession for much of the half, putting the Cardiff team under extensive pressure. However, they created no clear cut chances and then came the pivotal point in the match, when Woodville were awarded a penalty, to go in 2-0 at half-time. Roxeth changed their formation to try and get back in the match but were stung when Woodville hit a 3rd with a 20 yard goal and added a fourth, before Christchurch scored from a last minute penalty.

Rhonnda Royals, South Wales hosted United Churches Fellowship, Kent and took the initiative putting UCF under pressure and scored two early goals. The Kent side then hit a screamer of a shot from just inside the Rhondda half on the stroke of half-time to set a up a tense second half and indeed proceeded to put the Welsh hosts under much pressure. However, Rhondda scored a third on the counter and although UCF did pull a goal back again for a seeming tense finish, they then seemed to run out of steam, as Rhondda hit 2 late goals to kill off the game, winning 5-2.

In very wet conditions, the game between St Georges, Hemel and River Church Rangers, Maidenhead got under way after one postponement. St Georges took the lead early on through a superb passing move and for River Church it felt like it was going to be one of those days! River managed to regain some composure and level the score with a great goal, then took the lead on the stroke of half-time. As the conditions worsened, superb passing football was played by both sides and the game could have gone either way. However, it was Rangers who turned the screw and, after some slick movement down both flanks, a great cross was converted and they added a fourth, when a cross was slid in at the back post, to win 4-1.

In the other postponed game, United Chelmsford Churches and St Albans Romans played in an excellent contest, despite heavy rain, which was not settled until late into extra-time. UCC had the best of the early possession but Romans scored first to lead at the break. However, UCC stuck to playing passing football and began to dominate the midfield, which bore fruit as they scored twice, only for Romans to level before the end to take the tie into extra-time. Romans then took a 1 goal lead, as the game went to the last 15 minutes. In a close contest, Romans then grabbed 3 very quick goals as UCC got stretched at the back, looking to push on for an equaliser. UCC did score one more but Romans held out to win 6-3, in a pulsating match.

The game between Kings Sports, Herts and Hayes Lane Baptist, Kent opened up with both teams often getting forward. Kings then began to see an increasing amount of the ball, eventually scoring when a corner was headed back and turned in from close range. Kings were now well in control and Hayes were struggling to get any penetration in behind a Kings solid defence, apart from one great chance, which was thwarted by the Kings keeper, who made terrific point blank save. Kings then went 2 up when a forward was released to expertly chip the keeper from at least 25 yards! Kings were now fairly comfortable and scored 3 further goals before Hayes hit a consolation goal, to win 5-1, in a game played in a great spirit.

Another fancied team, Tabernacle FC (Worthing) were again involved in an exciting tie but were eventually well beaten by newcomers, Potter Street Baptist, Harlow, 5-2. Tabernacle took an early lead but some prolonged pressure from PSB saw them equalise and they could also have scored more. Against the run of play, Tabernacle then regained the lead only for PSB to equalise before the break. PSB then took a 3-2 lead before 2 goals in the last 10 minutes saw them safe, the last of which was a spectacular solo run and clinical finish. The Tabernacle Manager said, they thoroughly deserved their win and it will take a very good side to beat them!

Croxley Baptist, Watford came away from Newgen FC, Kent with a 3-1 victory. In a one sided first half, Croxley went two up but the second half saw Newgen finally wake up and if anything were the better side. However, the damage had already been done, as the teams traded second half goals to see Croxley safely through. A special mention was made by the Croxley Manager, for the excellent sportsmanship from Newgen, who were a credit to the NCC Competition!

In the second all-Liverpool tie of the round, Mill Lane Churches, triumphed 3-1 at St Bridgets. This was very much a game of two halves with St Bridgets starting far stronger and forcing 8 first half corners without reply. Their pressure paid off when they controlled a long ball and buried it, to take a half time lead. In the second half, West Derby changed tactics and were rewarded by scoring first, with an excellent free kick from the edge of the box and then a tap in after some sustained pressure. St Bridgets rallied in search of a leveller but were caught for the third on the break in the last minute.

Mansfield AFC finally overcame Focus FC, Liverpool with a 5-0 scoreline, despite a tight opening 20 minutes. Mansfield opened the scoring with a smartly taken half volley and then added another but as Focus pressed, Mansfield broke away to get a crucial third goal, just before half-time. The second half was a tenser affair but two further Mansfield goals from, firstly a break away and then a penalty saw them comfortably into the 4th round, in a game played in a great spirit.

In a closer encounter, MEOLS, Liverpool won 2-1 at Derby City Church. After a keenly but fairly fought first half, it was Derby who went into the break 1-0 up. However in the second period, Meols dominated the game and their pressure was finally rewarded on the hour mark when they were able to stab home a loose ball in the box to equalise. With their tails now up, Meols struck the winner with just 5 minutes to play. Both teams enjoyed some fine fayre and good fellowship afterwards.

In another close game, St Johns Bowling Eagles, Bradford, sprang the surprise of the Round, when beating a strong Genesis FC, Loughborough side 1-0, thanks to a superb all round defensive display. Genesis dominated possession but could not make it count and as the game wore on, were reduced to shooting from range. The games decisive moment occurred early in the second half when St Johns scored from a tap in, and they held out to ensure their place in the next round and a visit to current holders, Kings Sports! Roll on the St Johns bandwagon!!

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