25 February 2006

 

A dramatic golden goal in extra time from Ryan O'Connor seals a 4-3 victory against Deloitte & Touche FC in the 2006 Manchester Accountants League Cup Final for Village FC...

 

by Jason McAuley

 

Sunday 19 February will go down in Village FC history as the date the club delivered on the potential many knew existed but until recent years, a day some thought might not arrive.

 

But it was nothing more than Village FC deserved especially considering the rules surrounding this particular cup competition meant Deloitte FC, who compete in the 1st Division, started the match 2-0 up before the game had even started!!!

Spurred on by a need to claw back 2 goals and supported by an army of friends, partners & players (past and present) cheering the team on (with the help of a few cans of Stella Artois!), goals from Jamie Feldman, Stu Johnson (x2) and a spectacular strike from 20 yards by Ryan O'Connor 7 minutes into extra time was a fitting end to a match that could literally have gone either way right up to the final whistle.

 

Celebrations continued well into the night/morning, starting at one of our club sponsors, Taurus Bar & Restaurant (Iain - thanks for the drinks & buffet - terrific job yet again!) before a unique rendition of We Are The Champions sung by Graham & Jay who are now threatening to set up their very own tribute band called Queens! An added reason to celebrate was the birthday of Graham Goggins, a VMFC Legend and founding father of the club who reached the gaydar age of 29, congratulations GG, looking good!

 

Manager Stu Butter's was thrilled at the result. "Today's win is not just about the players that went out and gave their all for the shirt today" he added "it's for every player, manager & supporter who turned up to play over the past 10 years that makes the club what it is today, everyone should be proud of this achievement".

 

Now the club can look forward to making a real challenge for the league title, another knockout cup competition later this season and of course the 2nd Team who are in a terrific position in their first season of the GFSN League. Onwards and upwards lads!