The team captains and match officials

FC DEPORTIVO GALICIA WIN MIDDLESEX PREMIER CUP

Jim Taylor

The Premier Cup final, the fifth of this season’s Middlesex FA finals, was played on the evening of Wednesday, 6th April at The Powerday Stadium, the home of Hanwell Town FC.   The teams involved were FC Deportivo Galicia and Bedfont & Feltham, both of whom currently play in Division 1 of the Combined Counties League.   Our roving team of Chris Benn (photographer) and Jim Taylor (reporter) attended the match, which was played on a damp evening following a very wet afternoon.   Thankfully, the quality of the pitch surface reflected the dedicated work of those responsible for its upkeep.  It was in a splendid condition.

This competition has been running since 1980 and 16 teams entered this season.

Deportivo reached the final by beating Spelthorne Sports U23 team 13-0 (at home) in round 1 and Cricklewood Wanderers 3-1 (away) in the quarter final.  They had a walkover in the semi-final against Rayners Lane, who had fielded an ineligible player.

Bedfont & Feltham recorded home victories over Hillingdon Borough (4-1), Pitshanger Dynamo (3-0) and British Airways (2-1) to reach this stage of the competition.

The presentations

The quality of our Cup Finals, so far this season, has been very good.  This match continued that trend.  The large crowd were treated to an exciting encounter between two skilful teams.  An evenly balanced first half ended with 1 goal each but Deportivo took control after half time and scored 4 more times without reply.

Bedfont & Feltham mounted the first attacks.   Michael Capon released Durcial Manpano, whose high shot was saved by keeper. Manu Lamas.  Michael then set up Cyril Ocansey, who fired just wide.

At the other end, Remmario Francis made a last-ditch clearance from Alvaro Castano.   Then, following the resulting corner, Nathan Smith cleared off of the goal-line.

A nasty clash of heads...

There was a sickening clash of heads, involving Deportivo’s Matti Oribio and Charlie Lawrence of Bedfont & Feltham.  They were both able to resume after receiving attention, Matti with a bandaged head and a new shirt to replace his bloodstained garment.

...Matti Orobio plays on with a bandaged head and a replacement shirt

Bedfont & Feltham resumed the offensive with top scorer, Michael Capon prominent.  He tested Manu Lamas with a header from Cyril Ocansey’s cross.  Next, following a good run and pass by Durcial Manpano, he brought a great save from the keeper.  Then, he was thwarted by a good challenge by Matti Orobio.

Juan Devia (10) puts Deportivo 1-0 up

However, Deportivo went ahead after 25 minutes.   A good save by Sam Bersey, following a corner, resulted in the ball falling for Juan Diva to smash it home.

Michael Capon equalises for Bedfont & Feltham

The lead only lasted for 4 minutes, until Michael Capon converted a low cross to equalise for Bedfont & Feltham.

Bryan Vinueza had a chance to restore Deportivo’s lead but he shot across the face of the goal, when well placed.

Score at half time: FC Deportivo Galicia 1   Bedfont & Feltham 1

Fran Naught (2) puts Deportivo 2-1 ahead

Deportivo regained the lead in the 58th minute, through Fran Naut, who picked up a loose ball after the keeper had made a good low save.

Michael Capon shot narrowly wide for Bedfont & Feltham but then Deportivo increased their lead almost immediately, in the 59th minute.  Arkaitz Ruiz worked his way through the Bedfont & Feltham defence and netted from close range.

Arkaitz Ruiz (7) makes it 3-1

Juan Diva converted Fran Naut’s low cross for Deportivo’s 4th goal in the 71st minute.

Juan Devia (centre white) scores Deportivo's fourth

Matti Orobio’s shot on the turn was stopped by Sam Bersey.  

Bedfont & Feltham were reduced to 10 men when Kieran Brown received a 2nd yellow card for a foul in the 79th minute.

Matti Orobio shoots from 30 yards...

A free kick from 30 yards by Matti Orobio just cleared the Bedfont & Feltham cross bar and then Sam Bersey saved at Bryan Vinueza’s feet.   However, Deportivo extended their lead after 84 minutes, through a 30-yard screamer from Matti Orobio.

...and beats the keeper to score Deportivo's fifth goal

3 minutes later Matti, who had performed an important midfield role for Deportivo, despite gamely playing for most of the match with a bandaged head, was substituted. 

The last action of the match was provided by recently introduced Bedfont & Feltham substitute, Kai Evans who forced Deportivo keeper, Manu Lamas into a point- blank save.

Result: FC Deportivo Galicia 5   Bedfont & Feltham 1

Deportivo with the cup

Referee Gareth Burton had a very good match.   He was well supported by his Assistant Referees, Hitesh Jansari and Ali Matour and 4th Official, Noel Glavin.  The high standard of performance by the match officials for our Cup Finals so far this season, reflects very well on Middlesex FA.

The Guest of Honour. Middlesex FA Vice Chairman, Doug Douglas selected Deportivo custodian, Manu Lamas as Player of the Match.

We owe a big thank you to the Hanwell Town FC management for allowing us to stage the match at their fine venue.  We are also grateful for their help and support at the event, which was an outstanding success.  The attendance was a bumper 318.

FC Deportivo Galicia: Manu Lamas, Fran Naut, Samuel Andon (Gabriel Onuto 74 mins), Dylon Thomas, Ahmed El Hana, Razy Nadeem, Arkaitz Ruiz, Matti Orobio (Naim Mejdoubi 87), Alvaro Castano Meija (capt) (Moktha Bausaria 64), Juan Devia and Bryan Vinueza.

Unused substitutes: Victor Doleweerd and Sajjad Qail.

Manager: Leo Decabo   Head Coach: Jose Andon   Coaches: Murat Muftuoglu and Jorge Gallardo.  

Bedfont & Feltham: Samuel Bersey, Remmario Francis, Kieran Brown, Charlie Lawrence (capt), Nathan Smith, Luke Bersey, Kildane Tefsu, Ryan Lloyd (Sam Greenwood 56), Michael Capon (Leovani Owusu 64), Durcial Manpano (Kai Evans 88) and Cyril Ocansey.

Unused substitutes: Sam Blakeborough and Jamal Matten.

Manager: Tony Bersey   Coach: Dan Parson   

As always we are thankful to Chris & Jim as they joined us for yet another Cup Final. Chris & Jim have selected their favourite shots from the night as shown throughout the report. Finally we thank Chris who has provided a full album of imagery for your viewing pleasure.

Chris & Jim's Picks

Full album courtesy of Chris Benn