THE MIDDLESEX FA MENTAL HEALTH COUNTY CUPS PROVIDE AN EXCITING AFTERNOON'S FOOTBALL
The County Cups were a fitting conclusion to the season for the players, who had competed in the NWL Mental Health League throughout the season.
The 2022-23 season’s tournament was played at Brunel Sports Park on Friday, 9th June. The event was organised by Middlesex FA Inclusion Officer, Daniel Perkins. Daniel was supported on the day, by Neal Hickey, who is the County’s Head of Participation and Development.
The short-sided matches were played with rolling substitutes allowed.
A separate Women’s competition was introduced this season. There were 3 entries, who played each other in a group, with the top 2 contesting the final.
There were 6 entries in the Adult Mixed Competition. They were divided into 2 groups of 3 teams each. The top 2 from each group progressed to the semi-finals.
All 3 of the Brunel Sports Park’s 3G pitches were utilised to keep the groups separate and play the matches simultaneously.
ADULT WOMEN’S COMPETITION
The play moved rapidly up and down the pitch in the first game, between Minds United London Lights and In Tune FC Women’s. London Lights had the better of chances. They took an early lead through Vicky Roberts’ well hit drive and then hit the goal framework several times, before Seema Garousi made the game safe late in the second half.
Minds United London Lights then played Kensington & Chelsea FC Women’s and ensured their place in the final with a 3-0 win. They led by Seema’s goal at half time. Then Seema cut in from the left, to add a second and coach, Vicki McGarrigle scored with a good cross-shot.
Kensington & Chelsea claimed the other place in the final by beating In Tune 2-0. They led by an own goal at the change-around and Iman Kelly scored with a long shot late in the game.
London Lights easily beat a now rather tired looking Kensington & Chelsea 4-0 in the final, after leading 2-0 at half time. Their goals were scored by Seema Garousi (2), Vicki McGarrigle and an own goal.
ADULT MIXED COMPETITION
The results in Group A were as follows:-
Minds United St Charles 1 West London/INUF Wanderers 1
In Tune FC 1 Minds United St Charles 0
West London/INUF Wanderers 0 In Tune FC 0
Therefore, In Tune FC (4 points) and West London/INUF Wanderers 1 (2 points) progressed to semi-finals.
Unfortunately, West London/INUF Wanderers 2, did not have enough players to compete in Group B. This left FC Adaptaball and Minds United London Borough to play each other twice, to decide the positions in the semi-final draw. FC Adaptaball won the first match 3-0 and Minds United London Borough the second one 1-0.
Both semi-finals produced convincing winners:-
In Tune FC 4 Minds United London Borough 0
FC Adaptaball 0 West London/INUF Wanderers 13
The final was a much tighter affair, which was won by a late goal from the penalty spot:-
In Tune FC 0 West London/INUF Wanderers 1
A well contested and sporting afternoon’s football was obviously enjoyed by everyone involved. Particular praise is due to the regular referees, Tony, Errol and Chris. They kept the proceedings moving well, with the appropriate lightest of touches, and the minimum of fuss.
Thank you to Chris and Jim for joining us at the NWL Mental Health League Cups at Brunel, as ever they have seleceted some of their favourite shots from the game. Chris has kindly provided a full album of imagery from the proceedings.