BROADFIELDS UNITED REGAIN CHARITY CUP
The final of this season’s Middlesex Senior Charity Cup, between Broadfields United and Southall, was played at Bedfont Sports FC on Wednesday evening, 7th May. The proceeds from the match will go to Middlesex FA’s Charity Partner, Ealing Foodbank.
The Senior Charity Cup was first played for in season 1901-02, when it was won by Clapton Orient. It is the third oldest of the current Middlesex FA competitions, after the Senior Challenge Cup and the Junior Cup. Hayes FC have won it on the most occasions (15).
Broadfields United were formed in 1993. They had won this cup, for the first and only time so far, in season 2022-23, when they beat Northwood 1-0 in the final at Uxbridge FC’s Honeycroft.
Southall were formed in 1871 and had won this cup 10 times, the last time being in season 1983-84. They had been finalists on 10 other occasions. This was their first appearance in the final since season 1998-99.
The current holders were Uxbridge, who beat North Greenford United 2-1 in last season’s final, which was staged at Bedfont Sports FC.
10 teams entered this season’s competition. Both clubs had received a bye in the 1st round.
Broadfields United beat Brook House 2-1 at home in the Quarter-final, while Southall beat Uxbridge 4-2 at the Honeycroft.
Both clubs had home games in their semi-finals. Broadfields drew 2-2 with Hillingdon Borough and won the penalty shoot-out and Southall beat North Greenford United 3-0.
A short silence was observed before the match to honour the memory of John Taylor, the widely respected and much missed Chairman of Middlesex FA, who recently passed away. A tribute to John also appeared in the match programme.
The two sides largely cancelled each other out in a closely contested match. Broadfields United had the majority of the few scoring opportunities but had failed to convert any of them and the game seemed to be heading for a penalty shoot-out. However, United broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute with a splendid goal, which gave them a deserved victory, their 2nd success in this trophy in 3 seasons.
A shot by United’s Lucas Sinclair from 25 yards, was turned over the crossbar by Southall keeper, Milan Czerwonka, in the 2nd minute.
Southall’s Darreon Mark had a good opportunity but he shot wide.
Broadfields then had the better of the possession but they were unable to produce a decisive strike. Reece Jhuti connected with a long through ball but his shot was blocked.
Lord Mansoh made a run and crossed for Gabriel Piorkowski, whose shot cleared the crossbar.
Dickson Owusu received Jordan Grey’s cross-field pass and cut in but his shot went past the far post.
Milan Czerwonka saved Lord Mansoh’s shot from the edge of the penalty area.
The keeper then took Gabriel Piorkowski’s high cross under his bar.
A good move involving Dickson Owusu and Lord Mansoh finished with Reece Jhoti shooting over the bar.
Half-time score: Broadfields United 0 Southall 0
Southall’s Makael Scott shot against the goalpost, almost immediately after the resumption.
At the other end, in the 49th minute, Lucas Sinclair hit the bar from the penalty spot, after he had been brought down.
The Southall keeper had to leave his penalty area to kick clear.
A long throw-in by Jack Williams caused consternation in United’s box and produced a corner for Southall.
United continued to have the better chances, with Dickson Owusu and Gabriel Piorkowski coming the closest to scoring. Gabriel shot over the crossbar from close range.
In the 82nd minute, an astonishing piece of ball-control helped to set up the win for Broadfields United. Midfielder, Jordan Grey was hemmed in by 3 opponents, when he gained possession out near the touchline. A brilliant sleight of foot enabled him to control the ball and get clear of his markers in one movement. His pass then released Gabriel Piorkowski, whose inch perfect cross enabled Lucas Sinclair to direct a powerful header into the net.
After the final whistle, Rhys Jhuti, who had previously been cautioned for dissent, received a second yellow card for adopting an aggressive attitude.
Final score: Broadfields United 1 Southall 0
Middlesex FA Vice Chairman, Doug Douglas, was the Guest of Honour and was introduced to the teams and match officials before the kick-off. Doug also presented the cup and individual awards after the game. He chose Broadfields United’s influential midfielder, Jordan Grey as Player of the Match.
The match officials controlled the proceedings impeccably. As Middlesex FA Board Member and refereeing supremo, Liam Walshe has developed an annoying habit of elbowing his way into my match reports, I will hand over to him.
“It was a delight to watch such an emphatic display from the Middlesex quartet (often referred to as ‘the men in black’). Ably led by Alfie as referee with Andy and Steve as his wingmen and the shivering Daniel as company secretary, they delivered the event with style and grace. Everything given on the green stuff was spot on (won’t mention the throw in minute one) and barring one exception, the players accepted his decisions. Fitness, positioning, application of law, decision making and match control by the referee made this a pleasure to watch as a referee observer.”
I might just as well let Liam finish my job. He continued thus: “A couple of mentions, firstly to the winners, Broadfields, who deserved to lift the cup and secondly to Bedfont Sports for their hospitality and wishing them the best of luck at step 4 next season, having won the play-off final.”
The attendance was 185.
TEAM LINE-UPS
Broadfields United: Matt Burrows, Reece Jhuti, Jameel Murshid, Rhys Ellis, Tom Kennard (capt) (Nat Lewis-Robinson 82 mins), Lewis Batten, Gabriel Piorkowski (Frank Pashias 90) Jordan Grey, Dickson Owusu, Lord Mansoh (Kristian Swaby 90+3) and Lucas Sinclair.
Unused substitutes: George Montgomery and Craige Tomkins.
Manager: Sunny Tailor Coaches: Billy Brooks, Leon Lewis and Ryan Duffy Physio: Steve Hoare.
Southall: Milan Czerwonka, Alexander Nolan, Azeez Alabi (capt), Darreon Mark, Jack Williams, Ryan Hope, Lanseny Traore, Jordi Ebanda (Christian Mulindwa 31, Romey Meoded 86), Makael Scott, Zak Joseph and Brendan Matthew.
Unused substitutes: Michael Edegbe, Bailey Lamb and James McCluskey.
Manager: Max Howell Assistant Manager: Jesse Smith Coaches: Darron Wilkinson and Josh Shroud Physio: Bren Briggs.
REFEREE: Alfie Finch-Critchley ASSISTANT REFEREES: Andy Tooley and Steve Williams 4th OFFICIAL: Daniel Harvey.
Report: Jim Taylor
Photography: Chris Benn