Sunday 27th April 2008

Brave Paul Birch FC were defeated in the final of the Paul Picard Cup today by Centresports Reserves.

In what was a fantastic day for the club in what was their biggest day in the history of the club. After a rollercoaster season, this was the pinnacle and the side very nearly pulled it off.

Every single player was excited about playing at Bromley Football club and they soaked up every minute. From the big changing rooms to the 4 officials, it was a day to cherish.

James Collins picked the same side that beat Lessa last week in the semi-final and was hoping for as good a performance.

The referee sounded the buzzer in the dressing rooms and Captain for the day Steve Birch proudly led the side out to the pitch. The club had a good 70-100 fans at the game and they were anticipating a good game.

Onto the match then and PB started the better. After ten minutes, Alan Selby crossed the ball from the left which the 'Sports keeper failed to gather and the ball sprung out to Gary Sparrow who blasted over from all of six yards. A great chance missed.

A minute later light-footed Tom Reeves made a run into the box and went past the keeper and was brought down but the referee adjudged no penalty.

The yellows were firmly on top and Paul Smith couldnt keep a header down on fourteen minutes. Both sides were passing the ball around nicely and it was an enjoyable game for the spectators. On twenty one minutes Centresports had their first chance of the match when a fine volley went narrowly wide.

Then on twenty six minutes, Paul Birch FC had a further chance. Gary Sparrow put in a good deep cross Tom Reeves done well to get to the ball and his nod dribble across the front of the goal. Four minutes later, another Sparrow cross narrowly missed the on-running Steve Birch.

Into the interval then and every player was hyped up in the changing room. They knew they were the better side but were aware that they needed to convert one of their many chances.

Into the second half and again they made a good start, however Watts was forced into a good save up the other end.

Then came the crucial part of the game after sixty three minutes. Steve Birch was injured and off the pitch receiving treatment. Centresports Reserves were piling on the pressure and a shot was parried by Ashley Watts and the ball cannoned out and a 'Sports player was there first to hammer the ball into the net. 1-0 Centresports Reserves

A hammer blow for PB and they knew that it would be a uphill task to come back. They nearly pulled it back after seventy two minutes. Tom Reeves and Steve Birch opened up 'Sports defence with some good one touch passing and then Reeves crossed into Birch in the box and he struck the ball wide.

That was pretty much the last chance for PB and although they continued to put pressure on their opponents defence, they just could not get the breakthrough.

A heartbroken Paul Birch FC collected their runners-up medals and trudged off the pitch dissapointed, however everyone should be proud of their performance and you could not fault the work-rate.

This was a big day for the club and it put it on the map. Hopefully the club as a whole can build upon this momentus occasion and make more finals in the future.

Man of the Match: Nick Byworth - A difficult choice this week as everyone played well, however, Byworth was solid and looked to push forward.

Team:

Watts, Beale (Tarrant 67), Collins, McGuigan, Byworth, Sparrow , Birch, S (C). (Rees 80),Reeves, Selby, Smith, T.Reeves

Subs not used: P. Partridge