THE CUP FINAL
The Boys line up for KO at the Len Salmon
Wickford and Runwell staged a monumental comeback in the Division 1 Sceptre League Cup Final against Fryerns, defying the odds to clinch a stunning victory. Despite being labeled as underdogs, Wickford and Runwell displayed unwavering determination and resilience throughout the chilly Friday night clash at the Len Salmon stadium, where they sold an impressive 38,000 tickets in the 40,000 capacity arena.
The squad arrived early at the ground and the changing room was the scene for the motivational speeches. War veteran Morgs started the tempo with a rousing speech, DQ used his spiderman references, Mike Fish brought the unity and Captain Gale had a well prepared underdog speech. Even the 'hot girl shagger' Will stepped up with an emotional speech.
Coach Scott Duggins (the barmaid snatcher) brought it the board and it was tactical go time. The game plan was simple but required 100% concentration and commitment from every person.
Barmaid Snatcher laid out a tactical masterplan, emphasizing defensive solidity in the first half before unleashing an attacking onslaught in the second.
The tension was building and everyone was switching into game mode, the buzzer and it was go time.
The first half played out exactly as planned, Arron Wise (the ball grabber), Tom Merritt (Christmas boots) and Jack Groom (Sam Smith) defended superbly, Shay and Tom Piggott either side were stalwart. Then the block 4 of Denz (the new Buddha) and Ciaran with the Harrington brothers, Max and Sam, on each wing and Fisher sitting on their 6.
45 minutes of hard work, running, battling, fighting. We limited them to one chance which they took. Sam Merritt had the free kick covered, it hit the bar but was safe.
Half time and it was 1-0 to Fryerns.
Scott Duggins reiterated that it felt like 1-0 to Wickford and Runwell because we played so well. A trio of halftime substitutions injected fresh impetus into Wickford and Runwell's attack, leading to an electrifying second-half display.
The second half started with Wickford and Runwell pressing high but then a straight ball cut open the defence and Fryerns scored their second goal. Now the next substitutes came on, Benny Crocks and Dq in the middle.
Wickford and Runwell got a corner that was swung in by Sam Harrington, it bobbled around and was cleared off the line. Come on boys everyone was screaming. Another corner and it bounced around again, Waz got his wand of a left foot to it and scored, 2-1.
Fisher!
Max Harrinton's moment (costs more to load)
Wickford and Runwell were on the up and had their tails up, max had a chance from the edge of the box that went just wide. A couple of minutes later Max picked the ball up in the same place, this time he did not miss. The shot went in at the near post and it was a Desmond (2-2). The game plan was working, Fryerns were rattled. The 4th official told the bench to make the penalty substitutions as there was only a few minutes left, so captain Gale and Fisher came back on. The game was almost over and heading to penalties, but what's this, Benny Crocks picks the ball up in the middle and plays a Paul Scholes-esque pass out to Max on the right. Does Max go to the corner and play for penalties, like fuck he does, he has 23 goals this season, so he looks up and shoots. The crowd goes silent, then pure elation, the ball hits the back of the net. Wickford and Runwell are winning 3-2, the whole season has led to this moment. Just a couple of minutes to hold out. 3 minutes go by and the ref hasn't blown the whistle, another 3 minutes and still nothing. Fryerns put a ball over the top and Crocks misses it, he shouts "oh no I've lost it" but who is there to collect the ball, tits lover Sam Merrit. It's now frantic, Luke kicks the ball away to waste time and Fisher throws in a tackle Roy Keane would be proud of.
The crowd are restless, the players are dead on their legs and then that beautiful final whistle is blown. Wickford and Runwell have done it, they have won the cup. The redemption story is complete!
4-2 down in the semi final with 10 minutes to go, 2-0 down in the final with 20 minutes to go, we never give up. Family, unity, pride.
Now for the celebrations! Club Captain Jamie Smith and Captain Gale lifted the trophy and the fireworks were going off. The whole squad was ecstatic and could not believe what we had achieved, winners medals in hands the players said hello to family and friends before reconvening back in the changing rooms. Shay had the tunes going and as soon as Max walked back in, it was going off. "Max is on fire, your defence is terrified". Fisher and young Sam Harrington were smashing ceiling panels, Wiseman was almost naked, the gaffer could not believe what we had done and everything was coming out now, pure vibes.
Every single squad member through the season had a part to play in this Cup victory, the first game of the cup was in September and the final in April. The players may have changed slightly but the style of play remained true. This was our night, this was our final, this is our cup!!
