2009-2010 Season Reports

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2009-2010 Season of the National Christian Cup & Trophy

So we are into the 3rd year of a new era of Christian-based Football,
the 18th Season of the National Christian Cup and the 3rd ever
National Christian Trophy. We have again broken the Century Barrier
of the number of teams entering, for the second year running. There
were an amazing 34 brand new teams that entered both competitions for
the first time ever last season and this season another 21 new teams.
We warmly welcome them! The current NCC holders, Mill Lane Churches
(Liverpool), have again entered to try and defend their title,
alongside all but 7 of the teams that made the last 32 in the 08/09
season ! The second ever National Trophy winners, Anfield FC
(Liverpool) are now in the NCC but as in the NCC, all but 7 teams
from last season’s last 32 have again entered the Trophy! The Cup,
with 52 entries, is probably again as strong in depth as it has ever
been and seems again to be wide open. It is difficult to predict who
will go close this year with many teams very willing to oust the
holders!

National Christian Cup

1st Round Reports

National Section

Belgrave Gateacre Chapel (Liverpool) deservedly overcame neighbours
Norris Green 2-1 but were made to work for their win. Belgrave were
well on top in the first half, taking the lead mid-way through and
only the Norris keeper kept them in the game. Norris then clawed
their way back into the game and equalised, a catalyst for a possible
Norris revival but Belgrave had other ideas and took the lead again
just before the break! Norris looked to level again in the 2nd half
and applied some pressure on the Belgrave defence but they were up to
the task and held on as Norris Green finally ran out of steam.

In a tight game between St Peters Everton (Liverpool) and FC Gateway
(Leeds), the 1st half saw few chances, with both defences well on
top. St Peters took the lead after their centre half made a great run
forward and his cross was tapped home from 6 yards. This goal was key
as Gateway then had to pour men forward in search of an equaliser,
which allowed St Peters to add a second on the break to win 2-0, in a
game played in good spirit.

In a game of two halves, Breckfield Crusaders (Liverpool) came away
from Bridge Street United (Leeds) with a 2-1 win. Breckfield
completely dominated the first half an hour and it could have been
all over but for some poor finishing and some good saves by the Leeds
keeper. Breckfield had a slender 1-0 lead but after the break, Bridge
Street had the upper hand, missing some good chances but managed an
equaliser from one of them. It seemed that Breckfield had missed
their chance but then nicked it at the death, to end a fantastic game
of football.

St Christopher’s (Liverpool) beat last season’s Semi Finalists,
Selsdon Baptist (Croydon) 4-1 in convincing fashion although Selsdon
could count themselves unlucky that one of their team cars didn’t
make the game at all, having broken down on the long trip north! All
St Chris’s goals were quality strikes with only an own goal to show
for Selsdon’s somewhat depleted team.

Two Liverpool teams, FC Bootle (Liverpool) Grassendale St Mary’s
(Liverpool), who are currently vying for top spot in the Merseyside
Churches League, met in the League only the week before, with
Grassendale winning 2-0. This time around, the scoreline was
reversed. Bootle took an early lead and hung on, as Grassendale
pressed hard in search of an equaliser, only for Bootle to wrap it up
with a goal from their substitute, near the end!

Anfield FC (Liverpool) finally overcame Morley BSC (Leeds) but it was
the Morley side that used their greater size to lead 1-0 with a
powerful 20 yard strike. However, Anfield battled back and equalised
just before the interval. However in the 2nd half, it was Anfield’s
tenacity and excellent pressing game that led to errors in the Morley
defence, scoring 2 superb goals for their ultimate 3-1 victory, in a
high spirited game.

Regional Section (South)

NewGen (Sidcup) hosted Christchurch Roxeth (Middlesex) and took the
game to their visitors, dominating possession but their defence was
slow, allowing Roxeth to score from virtually their only two chances
of the half!! There was some very straight talking at half-time in
the NewGen camp and they came out a different side! NewGen equalised
with about 20 minutes gone and when they took the lead with 15
minutes left, it became one way traffic, with the better team
eventually winning, in a game played a great spirit!

FC Cornerstone (Stevenage) comfortably beat Molesey Community Church
(Surrey) 7-0, with six of the goals scored before half time. After
the break Molesey put up a spirited performance, at times trying to
keep 11 men behind the ball in a damage limitation exercise and
limited Cornerstone to just one 2nd half goal!!

United Churches Fellowship (Kent) beat Gold Hill Baptist (Bucks) 2-1,
thus avenging their defeat at the same stage last season! UCF
dominated much of the 1st half with a direct game and good use of
pacey wingers but it was still level at the break! UCF then broke the
deadlock early in the 2nd half and then put Gold Hill under much
pressure but could not add a second until 15 minutes left. However, a
tense finish was ensured, when Gold Hill managed to pull one back and
although Gold Hill dominated, UCF held on. A high quality game,
contested competitively but in a good spirit.

In a close game throughout, previous winners in 2007, St Albans
Romans, despite being somewhat depleted, overcame New Life Reserves
(Croydon) 3-2. With the score at 1-1 and with only 8 minutes
remaining, New Life took the lead and appeared to be heading through.
However, Romans staged a real fight back, responding immediately
putting New Life under real pressure to concede an own goal and then,
deep into injury time, a Romans forward pounced on a chance to score
and nick a last gasp winner!!

New Life 1sts (Croydon) overcame strong winds to edge out Coventry
Saints 2-0. New Life’s young side started well and threatened a
couple of times before opening the scoring, from a defence splitting
pass. Several more chances went begging before New Life added a
second goal and although Saints tried to hit back, a good save from
the New Life keeper kept the score 0-2 at HT. Despite having the
strong wind in their favour, Saints had few shots and were unable to
get back into the game. New Life hit the woodwork several times and
were denied more goals by some great saves from the Coventry Keeper.
A good fair game, played in a great spirit.

Regional Section (North & Midlands)

St Aidans (Liverpool) had to withstand a late challenge from NCC
newcomers St Peters Low Fell (Newcastle) to prevail 3-2. St Aidans
raced to a 2-0 half time lead, with some slick passing and link up
play. However St Peters were a different proposition in the second
half and an early goal gave them belief. They continued to exert
prolonged pressure and were rewarded with an equaliser on 65 minutes
but with just 8 minutes left, Geordie hearts were broken when the St
Aidans winger, who was outstanding all afternoon, cut inside to score
just inside the near post. An entertaining game and a great advert
for the Christian Cup!

Mosaic (Leeds) were convincing 5-0 winners over Focus Quest
(Liverpool). The damage was done as Mosaic took an early 2 goal lead,
before Focus had really got out of the blocks!! As the Liverpool side
pushed hard to get back in the game, Mosaic, who were playing well,
exploited the gaps to fire in 2 more goals. Focus gave a much better
account of themselves in the second half but Mosaic finished the
stronger, in this good, clean game.

Two Liverpool sides met with Picture House Celtic beating Trinity St
Marys 5-1. PHC had far too much for a weakened Trinity side and
scored an early goal from a long ball over the top of the Trinity
defence. Trinity knocked the ball around well but PHC’s dominance and
some poor Trinity defending, saw them score 2 more before the break.
The 2nd half was more even, with Trinity getting an early goal back
but PHC responded well and neatly taken goals gave PHC a slightly
flattering scoreline.

In a game where chances were created from the off, it was apparent
that there would be plenty of goals and so it proved as Kirkby
Christian Fellowship (Liverpool) won 6-4 at St Johns Bowling Eagles
(Bradford). St Johns went 3-1 down before rallying to take a 4-3
lead. However Kirkby came back strongly and re-took the lead and then
completed the scoring, as a shell shocked St Johns pushed forward to
try and get back in the game.

In a game that was closer than the scoreline suggests, Atlantic
Electrical (Liverpool) won 4-1 at Sunderland Methodist Circuit.
Although Atlantic scored first, SMC equalised but with just 10
minutes remaining Atlantic retook the lead. This knocked the wind out
of SMC’s sails and Atlantic added 2 more late goals.

Champions Mill Lane (Liverpool) began their defence of the National
Cup with a resounding 9-0 triumph over local rivals AC Mitchell.
Although Mill Lane were by far the superior side and were able to
score at regular intervals, Mitchell battled well and both sides
displayed a great attitude throughout.

Meols St Johns (Wirral) won 2-1 at newcomers Jesmond Parish
(Newcastle), having trailed at half time to a fine individual goal.
After the break Meols made their superior possession pay with an
excellent free-kick to equalise. Meols had to defend well against the
effective, direct Jesmond tactics and with 15 minutes to go grabbed
the winner but only after a goalmouth scramble. Another game that was
a credit to the competition with few fouls, despite the high intensity.

South Parade (Liverpool) just had enough to see off Yarm Vineyard
(Durham), another Club on its Cup debut, with a 3-1 scoreline. South
Parade raced to a 2-0 interval lead but then came under increasing
pressure from Yarm who pulled a goal back. However South Parade
managed the killer goal on the break to see them safely through in a
good well contested match, from two fully committed sides.

The National Christian Trophy

1st Round Reports

National Section

Inter Mitchell (Liverpool) won through against River Church (Berks)
by 3-1. River had the better of the chances and more of the ball in
the 1st half, creating a number of chances, to lead 1-0 at the break.
However, they were unable to hold out against a second half battering
from Mitchell who scored 2 goals early on and, although River made it
an end to end game in the last 20 minutes, Inter finally put the tie
to bed with a 3rd in the final 5 minutes.

A good game played in a great spirit, saw Hazlemere Sports (Wycombe)
edge out Cheltenham Trinity 3-2. Cheltenham took the lead early only
for Hazlemere to equalise. The visitors continued to push hard and
they again took the lead, after a mix-up in the Sports defence but
Hazlemere responded well and levelled it all up just before the
break! The home side had the upper hand in the second half, finally
converting one of their chances.

Regional Section (South)

Cornerstone Utd (Gloucestershire) beat Molesey CC Reserves (Surrey)
6-1 but that did not tell the true story of this match. Despite
plenty of possession and chances, Molesey only had a penalty to show
for their efforts. Poor defending, coupled with some clinical and
sharp finishing by Cornerstone, gave a somewhat flattering margin to
the victory. In fact, the Molesey Manager thought “they were robbed”
in an open and well spirited game!

In a tight game, Christchurch Ware (Herts) overcame a first half
deficit to beat Peniel (Essex) 2-1. The 1st half was an evenly
matched affair, with Peniel taking the lead after a good run and
strike from their pacey forward. Christchurch only equalised was via
a twice taken penalty and with the game drifting towards extra time,
won it at the death with a powerful header from a free kick. The game
was played in a good spirit and a credit to the NCT.

Despite an even opening, Welwyn St Marys (Herts) had clearly brought
their shooting boots and managed 10 goals without reply against
Christchurch Bromley (Kent). Welwyn took an early lead and whereas
CCB were unable to convert any of their half chances, Welwyn looked
sharper and they added another 4 before the break. Once Welwyn got a
6th, the CCB heads dropped somewhat, allowing Welwyn an easy passage
to round 2.

It required penalties to separate Cornerstone Omega (Stevenage) and
Southborough Lane Baptist (Kent) after the match finished 2-2 (aet).
Omega led at the break before a penalty and a close range finish saw
the visitors take the lead, only for Omega to equalise in the last
10. Despite an end to end extra time period, no-one could break the
deadlock. Some precise penalties and great goalkeeping saw Omega win
the shoot-out 4-2.

Cambridge Ambassadors were good value for their 4-1 victory over
Mordern Thirsts (Surrey) with much of the action taking place before
HT. Cambridge started confidently, causing problems down both wings
which led to 2 early goals. The 3rd was a powerful 25 yard hit and
the 4th, a clever finish from a telling cross. Mordern pulled one
back but there were no signs of any comebacks after the break, in a
game played in a great spirit.

Another match that went to penalties, saw Ecclesia (London) edge out
New Life A (Croydon) in the shoot-out, 4-3 after the match finished
3-3 after extra time. However if Ecclesia had taken their numerous
chances in the 1st half it could have been very different. They led
2-1 at the break but New Life turned the game around with a sustained
period of pressure which saw them score twice to take the lead.
Ecclesia managed to level near the end but had missed a real chance
of seeing the game off!

Regional Section (North & Midlands)

After a cagey opening and fairly even first half, Arbourthorne
Community Church (Sheffield) stepped up the pace in the second half
to beat newcomers St Peter & St Pauls (Leeds), 8-1. ACC had to work
hard for a 2-0 lead at the break but as the 2nd half wore on, the
superior fitness and greater pressure from the Sheffield side saw
them overcome a brave St Peters team, who thoroughly enjoyed their
first taste of NCT football and were grateful for excellent
hospitality from the hosts!!

Littleover Christians (Derby) won 5-0 away against Frontline Academy
(Liverpool). However the score does not reflect the pattern of play
after an even opening. Littleover began to have more of the play but
had few chances and it was not until an injury to the Frontline
keeper that goals began to come, several from keeper errors. HT 0-4.
Frontline battled hard but another goal gave Littleover a somewhat
flattering victory.

AOG United (Derby) overcame newcomers Sale Saints (Manchester) 7-1.
Although AOG thoroughly deserved their victory, it was an enjoyable
and physical game during which the inexperienced Sale side gave a
good account of themselves. AOG took a 4-0 lead at half time but Sale
put AOG under some pressure after the break and, despite conceding 3
more, certainly deserved their late consolation goal.

Toft Tornadoes were able to turn their passing game and superior
possession into goals as they thumped new entrants, New North Road
Baptist (Huddersfield), 8-0. As the scoreline suggests this was a one
sided affair but the first 20 minutes were even until the class of
the Tofts team began to tell and in the end, they ran away with it.
The game was played in excellent spirit with the Huddersfield team a
credit to the competition, even in defeat.

Kay Street Baptist (Rossendale) are a new team this year and their
inexperience was reflected as Skem Legends FC (Liverpool) notched up
the goals in an 8-1 victory. The game was notable for two fabulous
goals, firstly a Skem defender waltzed through the entire opposition
defence to score whilst Kay Street’s goal was a superbly struck free
kick.

Regional Section (North & Midlands)

South Manchester Ambassadors took an early lead with AFC Ramsbottom
(Bury) equalising a few moments later. The scoreline stayed the same
for a while, with both teams fairly matched. Ambassadors then got 2
more goals before half time and never really looked back. HT 3-1.
After the break Ramsbottom tried to get back in the game but it
wasn’t to be and Ambassadors went on to score another 4. The
behaviour and conduct from both teams on the pitch was exemplary, a
credit to the Leagues we play in and the National Competition itself.

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