Midland Football Combination 1-1 Southern Amateur League
(Southern Amateur League won 4-2 on penalties)
The FA Carlsberg National League System Cup
The Final
7.30pm, Saturday 3 May 2008
Ricoh Arena, Coventry City FC
The Southern Amateur League got their hands on The FA Carlsberg National League System Cup this year and took their place as England's representatives at the UEFA Regions Cup.
Two early goals at Coventry's Ricoh Arena in May looked to have lit the touch paper for a goalfest between the Midland Football Combination (Division One), but neither side could capitalise and the match went to penalties.
Goalkeeper Dan Ashley saved two shoot-out kicks before Nick Haynes scored the winner to hand the trophy to a delighted SAL side.
Ashley had earlier conceded a penalty and had been beaten from the spot in a thrilling first half.
The Midland side got off to a flying start when they went ahead through a fourth minute Karl Fellows penalty.
The lead lasted all of two minutes as the Southern side quickly equalised when Haynes ghosted into the penalty area to score with a well-taken header from about seven yards out.
The second half was far less eventful and there were few chances at either end.
Extra-time followed and the Southern side were just the better team. They even had opportunities to avoid the lottery of a shoot-out as substitute Chris Rose shot just wide after a great work and a fine pass from the by-line from Alex Ewin.
That man Ewin then seemed set to score the winner in the closing moments only for two Midlands defenders to combine and clear his shot off the line.
Then it was down to which set of players could hold their nerve and show the greatest skill under the Coventry floodlights.
And that was when Ashley and Haynes became the heroes of the night. Manager Bob Leeds was delighted for his players.
Leeds and co. could have even more exciting trips ahead as they have now won the right to represent England in the UEFA Regions Cup.
“This has been a wonderful tournament and The FA has treated us fantastically from the moment we kicked off in the first match – from there to the last.
“For the players at this level to play at a stadium such as the Ricoh Arena is very special and it is very good for grassroots football."
In October, the SAL, now representing England, flew out to Italy for the UEFA Regions Cup Intermediary Round. Goalless draws against Ireland and the hosts, along with victory of East of Scotland, gave Leeds' men five points in the group, with no goals conceded.
However, with Ireland and Italy both securing similar records, it came down to goal difference and the Irish, represented by the Region I league, were the lucky team to progress to the Finals next summer.