VG United secured a late winner from the boot of Joel Mars to record a 2-1 victory over Wolues FC to become FA Cup Champions after a tense battle at the FA’s new stadium venue in East End on Sunday
Mars winner came in the 84th minute via break away after the youthful VG side had withstood all their more experienced opponents could throw at them.
T’Khoy Morton put VG ahead in just the 6th minute and from then on Wolues piled on the pressure in search of an equalizer.
“It’s always a tough battle when we face Wolues and have to overcome all their tricks and skills” confirmed VGU Manager, Jermain Abrams “However, having gone ahead early, we changed our strategy to match them and in the second half it became a tactical battle. Their changes stretched us out and had us reeling, but we hung on, made some changes, adjusted our formation, and relieved some of the pressure. “
Wolues equalized in the 78th minute and as the play became more desperate VG defended as if their lives depended on it and then scored the winner on the break.
“I’ve never known 90 minutes last for so long, it seemed an age” noted Abrams “, but it was a good mental battle as well as physical and the crowd definitely got their money’s worth. We proved up to the task, held on for the win and lifted the Trophy. Congratulations go to all the players, the coaching staff, Richie Morton, and Glen Bascomb and all our fans.”
According to Phil Nelson of the Wolues “On balance it was probably an even game. VG had the better of us in the first half, but we came out well in the second half and got our equalizer. It really felt like we were dominating, and we would be the ones to get another so to concede again, so late, was a tough one to take. We tried for another, but it wasn’t to be. Congratulations to VG, they are a great team and hopefully we can look forward to more battles with them over the next years.”
The match for third place went the way of One Love FC who got the better of Panthers FC, 4-3, following a penalty shootout, after normal time had finished 4-4. Richard Morgan scoring the leveler for One Love in the 3rd minute of added time at the end of the game, also from the penalty spot.
One Loves other goals came from Travalta Francis in the 12th minute, Johari Lacey in the 32nd and 52nd as well as Morgan. Panther’s goal scorers were Mohammed Shadi Tarabein in the 7th minute, Nigel Sanderson in the 23rd and 76th and Pervell Asson in the 73rd.
“It was a very good win” noted Coach of One Love, Javon Carty “we are stepping up our game at the right time and apart from finishing this season strong we are looking good for next season. Due to a mix-up with some of our players and the kickoff we only had seven players to start, and it was very close. With reinforcements arriving we managed to stay in the game, take it to penalties and then hold our nerve to take the victory.”