6 May 2007
VIDEO: Coundon Conservative v Lebeq Tavern Courage
Watch the action from an action packed Final as Coundon Conservative hit Lebeq for five to lift The Sunday Cup.

Coundon Conservative v Ford Motors
The FA Carlsberg Sunday Cup
Second Round
1pm, Sunday 4 November 2007
Winning club receive £250

FA Carlsberg Sunday Cup holders Coundon Conservative begin the defence of their title on Sunday, as Liverpool outfit Ford Motors roll into Durham.

The village side lifted the trophy in May in what was their first attempt, beating Lebeq Tavern Courage 5-0 at Anfield, and return to action at home in the Second Round this weekend.

However, manager Paul ‘Pele’ Aldsworth, who masterminded last year’s success, is expecting an even tougher run this time round, and he’s also had to deal with the departure of four key players from their winning team.

“We went into last year’s competition not knowing what to expect, we certainly didn’t think we’d win it,” he told TheFA.com. “But it’s a difficult one this year, it could be an albatross around our neck. We certainly won’t expect any favours.

“I’ve got the majority of the same side, but have lost three or four from the game at Anfield; the two centre forwards, the centre midfielder, and the left wing back.

“We’ve got a new striker in, he’s the only addition we’ve made, but he’s not played at this level before so we’ll have to see what we can do.”

Coundon have enjoyed a superb start to their Wear Valley Sunday League season, and hope to continue in the same vein on Sunday. However, the unknown quantity of Ford Motors, from the Liverpool County League, lay in their path at Leeholme Rec.

“We’re flying at the minute. We’ve played seven and won seven, both in league and the cup,” continued Aldsworth.

“Ford’s manager said he was at The Final last year, so he’ll know a bit about us, but I don’t know a great deal about them.”

“My friend at Elland told me a bit about them. They are a good side and work hard, so we’re expecting a tough game. But in my experience any team from Liverpool will give you a difficult match.”

Aldsworth says he’d love the chance to retain The Cup this season, as he’s become almost inseperable for the silverware, which has also made him a little bit of a local celebrity.

“The Cup’s kept in the social club behind the bar, and we get it out every now and again and reminisce,” he said.

“I’ve also taken it to a couple of presentation nights with it too. We used to be in the Darlington Invitational Sunday League and I took it there when I was presenting some trophies. And I took it into some schools around the Coundon and Bishop area and people have come from a long way to see it.

“It shows the attraction of FA competitions, and for as, a village side, to win it and beat city sides, it’s been a great experience.”

He added: “We were the surprise package, but we won’t have that this season. What we will still have, though, is the togetherness and team spirit that played a massive part of our run last season. You also need a little bit of luck, and if we get that, then who knows?”

For the full list of Second Round fixtures, click the link below..