Gossoms lift Sunday Cup

Albion Sports 2-3 Gossoms End

The FA Sunday Cup Final
Liverpool FC, Anfield
24 April 2005

Berkhamstead League side Gossoms End clinched The FA Sunday Cup in partnership with Carlsberg at a sun-drenched Anfield, despite the setback of conceding a two-goal lead in the dying minutes.

An astonishing slice of luck sent the Cup to Hertfordshire as substitute Leon Hibbert’s surging run and shot was deflected in off striker Ben Porter’s knee and past wrong-footed goalkeeper Aaron Brian in the fourth minute of injury time.

"We were out of it at that stage," confessed Gossoms Manager Phil Casserley.

"We’d been under the cosh for most of the second half, and while I felt mugged when their two goals went in, it was no more than they deserved.

"I don’t think we’d have won it if it had gone to extra time. Albion were tremendously spirited – and had fantastic support. I think they had the legs on us."

The lean and lithe Porter was the Gossoms hero, an exquisite deflection from a Gary Woolfe free-kick opening the scoring in the 18th minute.

"I didn’t know much about either goal," he grinned.

"The first is something I’ve practised but never seems to come off. I thought I’d stuck it past the post. It was only the cheers from the crowd and shouts from the other guys that alerted me to the fact it had gone in.

"The second...well, I always follow in a shot in case the keeper spills it. I was watching their goal when it hit my knee and deflected in."

Gossoms End had started like a side that had won a reprieve from the hangman’s noose – producing some enterprising, free-flowing football from the first minute.

They were re-instated to the competition after suffering a 4-0 humbling to Canada Edinburgh Park in the semi-finals, their opponents being removed from the competition for fielding an ineligible player.

Though Albion Sports – backed by a vociferous, drum-thumping swell of supporters – signalled their own intent as both Stefan Zoll and Steve Smith put in surging runs, Gossoms End seemed unfazed.

A rock-like defence was built around the resolute presence of Paul Aldridge and Neil Spencer, both of whom had missed the semi-final through injury.

The only Albion shot on target in the first half came from Pavandip Singh’s drive from the edge of the box which was turned away by Ringsell.

Gossoms End on the other hand were neat, concise in their passing phases and disciplined across the pitch.

There was little surprise when Porter put them ahead and the second, when it came, reflected their first-half dominance.

Mark Haddaway stroked a loose ball down the right for Andy Mullins whose driven ball across the box was turned in by Mark Osborne.

With the match threatening to slip away, Kulwinder Sandhu played his trump card early in the second half, bringing on the bustling James Nestor in midfield for defender Paul Cuthbertson and leaving just three at the back.

The impact was almost immediate as Stefan Zoll’s volley was palmed brilliantly round the post by Ringsell.

Twice in as many minutes Zoll went close again and with the alarm bells ringing, Jatinder Singh’s diving header flashed inches past the post after an excellent delivery from Andrew Wright.

Despite their resurgence, Albion seemed destined not to score. Chances were frittered away as Gossoms End – almost out on their feet – were forced further and further onto the back foot.

But just when it seemed they might weather the storm, the impressive – and indefatigable – Zoll found the ball at his feet after a desperate scramble in the box, and the German striker smashed the ball gleefully home.

A minute later it was Zoll again after Jatinder Singh’s angled run and shot deflected off the bar to the red-haired attacker who thumped in.

Shell-shocked Gossoms End were groggy – barely able to comprehend what had happened as Zoll continued his rampage, a surging solo run ending with a shot that shaved the left post. Seconds later Singh’s threaded through ball found him again, but crucially his shot was smothered by Ringsell.

"We had so many chances to win it," said and inconsolable Sandhu afterwards.

"But then we had a terrible first half, so I suppose we can’t complain. I just told the guys to give it everything in the second half – and they did.

"Once the goals went in I thought the Cup was in our grasp. Gossoms End were out on their feet – had used all their subs. It was a devastating way to lose it.

"I’m pig-sick for all our magnificent fans. We could never have achieved what we have without them."