Football - Mens
>>  Football Introduction
>>  Football discussion group
>>  Reports & competition results
>>  Football fixtures
>>  Football contact

It was a glorious day on the 22 April when 21 teams from 20 different establishments along with their supporters gathered at PSC Newbold Revel to compete in the Festival of Football.

The expectations were high and the sun held out and with the help of the beer tent and the hot dog stand it meant that everyone enjoyed the day, mared only by some teams failing to arrive.

Vera Polouiczer, an OSG from Birmingham set a new president by being the first lady referee to officiate at this event. 'She is very good and looked good in shorts. We hope she'll assist in future fixtures.' said organiser Nigel Masters.

After a full day of football in this knock out competition the last four teams were Belmarsh v Glen Parva playing to win the first prize the Alex Scott Cup. Long Lartin v Huntercoombe to decide the winners of the Plate.

Unfortunately last years winners, Full Sutton, were unable to attend so could not defend their title.

The final between Belmarsh and Glen Parva was a dramatic end to the day. In the first half Rob Burton-Waring from Glen Parva missed a penalty after a fowl on Les Williams in the penalty area.

At the end of play the result was a nil-nil draw and penalties were called. Each player stepped up in turn and took their shot and the scores continued to rise as did the tension. The first five penalties were scored by each team meaning the remaining players were called on to continue the shoot-out.

Visably nervous the remaining players organised their positions and the pressure and score continued to rise. Eventually it all became too great and a Glen Parva (A) player eventually missed. The final score was 8-7 to Belmarsh on penalties.

The celebrating was briefly interrupted by the presentation of the trophies before it continued in the Newbold Revel bar.

The organisers would like to thank the Newbold Revel estates team for their work on the pitches. In addition they would like to know how many players went home without their pants on. Judging by the number left in the changing rooms it was quite a few.

By Mel George

Competitors: Lowdham grange, Doncaster, Hassock Field, Highdown, Reading Birmingham, Nottingham, East Wood Park, Feltham, Pentonville, Bristol, Dovegate, Whitemoor, Wayland, Exeter, Portsmouth - Kingston/Haslar and Glen Parva (B).