Cambridgeshire County League

0-4

Isle of Man League

 

 

Hurt 60, Morrisey 70, 75, Myers 82 


The FA National League System Cup Final
3.00pm, Sunday 7 May, 2006
Cambridge United FC

The Isle of Man League made history on Sunday when they lifted The FA National League System Cup to become the first offshore team to win an FA competition.

Their comprehensive 4-0 victory over the Cambridgeshire County League also earned them the right to represent England in the 2006-07 UEFA Regions Cup.

The match, played at Cambridge United, was a superb advert for this level of the game with both teams giving their all.

In the early exchanges, both sides went close with Finney for Cambridge and the impressive Nick Hurt for the Islanders forcing saves.

Callum Morrisey almost put the Manxmen in front on 12 minutes when he just failed to meet a cross from the left. Then midway through the half he picked up the ball in the Islanders territory before skipping past two defenders and firing in a powerful, long-range shot which Blair in the Cambridge goal had to be alert to keep out.

The home side almost scored after 40 minutes when Chris Hunter fired just over the bar from the edge of the box.

There was no let up at the start of the second half as both sides gave everything and it was the Isle of Man that finally broke the deadlock on 60 minutes when 'Man of the Match' Nick Hurt shot through a crowded box much to the delight of the vociferous travelling support.

This proved to be the turning point as the Islanders turned the screw with their superior stamina proving vital. In the 70th minute Morrisey fired home a free-kick from 20 yards and followed this up five minutes later with a fine looping header from the edge of the box which gave Blair no chance.

The victory was sealed in the 82nd minute when Johnny Myers forced his way into the box and his cross took a deflection on its way into the net.

The light blues never gave up despite knowing the inevitable and almost scored in added time when a shot from Danny Ivatt came back off the post to safety.

There were jubilant scenes at the final whistle as the Manxmen not only celebrated their Cup win but also contemplated their forthcoming trip to the Czech Republic to represent their country.

All credit must go to the Cambridgeshire County League who fought bravely to the end.

After the game the Isle of Man manager Kevin Manning paid tribute to his small squad for their dedication throughout their Cup run, made all the more impressive by playing all five games away from home.

“I had to change things at half-time if we were to win the match. Some of my younger players wanted too much time on the ball," said Manning.

"My first substitution was vital and I knew that once we went ahead our superior fitness levels would see us through.

"Everyone is now looking forward to the UEFA Regions Cup, although we do have the Island Games coming up in the summer. We have enjoyed this competition. We have acquitted ourselves well”

There is little doubt that the side can continue to improve and give England its best opportunity of reaching The Finals of the UEFA competition.

The dream for the Islanders lives on

Referee: Rob Lewis (Shropshire FA)
Assistants: Adam Watts (Worcestershire FA) and Stuart Attwell (Birmingham FA)
Fourth Official: Simon Hooper (Wiltshire FA)