The final of the Geoff Harrison Junior Trophy was played at Middlesex FA’s Rectory Park HQ on Saturday last 19^th June, between Old Hat and Shepperton Pumas.   These same two sides reached the final of this competition last season, but were prevented from contesting it by the prevailing Covid restrictions.   They must both be congratulated on winning through again.

Old Hat had reached this season’s final with victories over Kodak Harrow Second (via a penalty shoot out after a 1-1 home draw), Teddington Lock (2-1 home) and Kinja Youth (3-1 away).   Shepperton Pumas had beaten LPOSSA (8-1 home), Wiseman West (1-0 away) and West London Wanderers (4-0 home).

Old Hat made the early running and Pumas’ goalkeeper, Byron Holloway made two good close range stops from Old Hat’s John Hadfield.

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A good save by Byron Holloway in the Pumas' goal

However, Pumas went ahead in the 17^th minute through striker James Cottee.   James’s first header, from a cross by Thomas Harris, was parried by keeper David Sheahan.   However, he was able to head the rebound home.

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James Cotte's header gives Pumas the lead

Old Hat fought back and had the better scoring chances.   Jamie Bartlett broke clear but was thwarted by the Shepperton keeper.   The ball rebounded to him and he shot across the goal.

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Old Hat's Jamie Bartlett shoots across the goal following a save by keeper Byron Holloway

Half time score: Old Hat 0   Shepperton Pumas 1

Shepperton keeper, Byron Holloway, continued to be the busiest of the two custodians throughout the second half.   He dealt with two long range shots from Jamie Bartlett, tipping the first over the bar and gathering the second.

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John Hadfield puts Old Hat level from the penalty spot

Then Jamie broke down the right wing but no one was on hand for his cross.   However, he persisted and was tripped in the penalty area in the 70^th minute.   John Hadfield converted the spot kick.

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Jamie Bartlett puts Old Hat 2-1 ahead...

Dylan Jackman hit a dangerous ball across the Pumas’ box but nobody managed to get a touch.   However, the dangerous Jamie Bartlett beat several defenders to a bouncing ball to put Old Hat ahead in the 75^th minute.

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...and the celebrations follow

Jamie then burst through the middle, beat the advancing goalkeeper and placed the ball narrowly wide.   However, he fired home to make the game safe for his side in the 90^th minute.

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Jamie Bartlett makes sure with a third goal for Old Hat

Final score: Old Hat 3   Shepperton Pumas 1

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Old Hat with the trophy

It came as no surprise when the organising committee chose Jamie Bartlett of Old Hat as Player of the Match.

Referee Jack Ohene and his team, Assistant Referees Mark Jacob and Garrett Eales and Fourth Official, Mark Jolley handled proceedings admirably.

The all-ticket attendance was 131.

OLD HAT FC

David Sheahan, Martin Kelly, David Dowd, Ryan Kelly, Dylan Jackman, Jamie Kelly, John Hadfield, Sameer Majeed, Pelham Pound, Ely Shane (capt) and Jamie Bartlett.

Substitutes (rolling substitutes are used in this competition): Daniel Mensah, Joseph Clack, Harry Keeler, Jude Daniels and Richard Cook.

Manager: Harry Keeler   Assistant Managers: Jack Kelly & Daniel Bridges. 

SHEPPERTON PUMAS FC

Byron Holloway, Ben Adams, Simon Moore, Sammy Newman, Adam See, Joe Green, Ashley Theobald, Toby Cooper, James Cottee, Thomas Harris (Manager) and Felix Watson.

Substitutes: Siam Haddy, Ibrahim Sheikh-Ali, Reuben Creasey, Garth West and Dave Perkins.

Manager: Tommy Harris  Assistant Manager: Adam Geeves.

Our official photographer Chris Benn, as ever, has provided some fantastic imagery from the game. If using these photos please give credit.

Chris has selected 10 highlight images which can be found here.

Readers wishing to view the full gallery of images can find these here.