Oyster Martyrs seal Sunday Cup Final trip to Anfield.
Fforde Grene Brazil 2-3 Oyster Martyrs
The FA Carlsberg Sunday Cup
Semi-Final
2pm, Sunday 22 March 2009
Nethermoor Park, Guiseley FC
Winning clubs will receive £1,000 from The FA
Liverpool-based Oyster Martyrs sealed a Sunday Cup Final trip to Anfield, courtesy of a nail-biting victory at Fforde Grene Brazil this weekend. A brace from midfielder Ian Latham (pictured below) and a winning goal from Thomas Rooney proved to be enough to see off Leeds-based Fforde Grene, but it was a tense end to the game for all concerned when the hosts pulled a late goal back.
They managed to hold out though and will now make the short trip across Merseyside for The Final on 26 April and for boss Richie Rooney and his assistant Tony Doyle it is something to look forward to.
"It'll be great to play at Anfield, especially for the Liverpool supporters and even the Everton supporters like Richie," said Doyle after the game.
"To be sitting on the bench, where Rafa sits, is going to be great for us."
"We'd much rather it was at Goodison Park though," added Rooney with a laugh.
Oyster were set on their way shorltly after the half-hour mark, when Latham struck a fine left-footer from 25 yards which gave the Fforde Grene goalkeeper no chance.
It was all level at half-time though, when Craig Harding headed home a left wing cross with virtually the last kick of the first half.
Oyster were back in front ten minutes after the re-start though, when Fforde Grene didn't clear a free kick properly and after a bit of a scrap around the box, the ball fell nicely to Latham and he calmly slotted home to restore the advantage.
Ten minutes later Oyster extended their lead, when Thomas Rooney finished well from close range following a cross from the right.
There were further chances at both ends after that, but a nervy end to the game was ensured when Luis De Melo shot home from the edge of the area in the last minute.
Fforde Grene couldn't find an equaliser though, leaving the travelling support from Croxteth jubilant at the final whistle.
"I'm drowned in beer, but the atmosphere is great and they're a great bunch of lads," added Rooney.
"We've done well to get this far and everywhere we've gone we've had a great following.
"It's the first time we've ever been in the national Cup Final, so that's great and we're looking forward to it."
Goals
Fforde Grene BrazilHarding 45, De Melo 90
Oyster MartyrsLatham 33, 55, Rooney 66
