Albion Vets Legends Win Challenge Shield Final

West Middlesex Sunday Football League Bedfont Sunday Challenge Shield Final - Chiswick Albion Veterans 2 Bedfont Sunday Legends 1

Martin Francis bought together a squad of Albion Vets to contest the Bedfont Sunday Challenge Shield against old rivals Bedfont Sunday ‘Legends’.

The Legends managed by Tommy Fountain Jnr have been formed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of winning the Middlesex Sunday Premier Cup. The Albion themselves had plenty surviving members of their winning team of 1985 on show as well.

The day was extremely hot and Bedfont more youthful side looked to have the edge. The Albion though showed touches of class that could undo this Bedfont side. Although Bedfont had the first real chance that flew wide it was the Albion who took the lead. Ray Olliffe found Barry McGuiness and his pass allowed Sammy Boyd to score close in. Keeper Steve Costin then pulled out a terrific save to keep the Albion in front.

Bedfont piled on the pressure but to no avail. Then that all changed with a dubious penalty. Ritchie Griffin was adjudged to have fouled a diving Bedfont player and as history showed at Fort Bedfont the home side gets the decision. Then Bedfont were lucky to have 11 players on the pitch as Lee Channel burst through the middle. Channel was pulled down on the edge of the box by the last defender when clear on goal. The lenient referee only awarded a free-kick which when taken failed to find the target. Once again Liam White found Channel through the middle and his shot smashed against the crossbar. Although the ball came back into play, McGuiness fired wide.

61 year-old Arne Venturini replaced 60 year-old Billy Fleming at half time. Manager Francis was looking for a bit more experience. Also on was Leo Morris who spectacularly fell over whilst in the process of shooting. Everyone was looking for the sniper in the woods, but he must have done a runner. The decent crowd were witnessing two fine teams from years ago still trying to do the right things, although the heat was sapping away the energy. Albion keeper Costin was difficult to beat and handled things well. Albion lowered the average age to about 45 when Robert Dawson came on towards the end. With a penalty shoot out looking likely Albion took the lead again. Sammy Boyd on one last lung bursting run played a one two with Liam White, and the club’s current captain curled in the winner into the bottom corner. Liam who had grown up watching these Albion players was in his element. With five minutes to go Mr Chiswick Albion’ Martin Francis came on for a cameo performance and the Albion saw out the match for a great win against old adversaries Bedfont Sunday.

Albion Squad, Steve Costin, Ray Olliffe, Ritchie Griffin, Ronnie Sutcliffe, Colin Curtis, Sammy Boyd, Phil Heggie, Leo Morris, Martin Francis, Liam White, Robert Dawson, Glen Hankin, George, Barry McGuiness, Arne Venturini, Billy Fleming, Mark Brown, Lee Channel

Man of the Match: Steve Costin

Champagne Moment of the Match: The rare appearance of Remi Hinchcliffe back from his travels.

Referee Mark Lovell (Sunbury on Thames)

Match Report: Mark White

May 27, 2009