Southern Amateur League v Amateur Football Combination
FA Carlsberg National League System Cup
Semi-Final
Saturday 29 March 2008
Champion Hill, Dulwich Hamlet FC
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The quest for a place in the Final of The FA Carlsberg National League System Cup continues on Saturday with the first Semi-Final taking place at Dulwich Hamlet FC. 

The south London venue plays host to the battle of the Amateurs with the Southern Amateur League (SAL) taking on their local rivals the Amateur Football Combination (AFC), with not only a place in the Final at stake but also the chance to represent England in the UEFA Regions Cup within touching distance.

With both sides well known to each other, it is not surprising that there is a keen interest developing in the match. 

Bob Leeds, the manager of the SAL, is in the fortunate position of also managing the Amateur Football Alliance representative side, a team comprised entirely of players from both leagues so he is fully aware of the strengths of his opponents and preparation for his side has been going well.

“We have been training regularly at the Beckham Academy for the past month, and have been concentrating recently on set piece plays,” he commented.

“I was fortunate to have the AFA rep side together last week and the banter between the respective players was keen but friendly.  Most of the players know one another and I am expecting a competitive game on Saturday.” 

His opposite number Rory Vermeulen is also looking forward to the match.  His side travelled to Yorkshire last weekend to take on the Yorkshire Old Boys League and although they lost 2-0, he was happy with what he saw from his players.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s match, he commented: “I suppose I would have preferred to play a side that was not known to us but, we have been fully focussed on winning this competition since the first match and we will be ready for a great battle at Dulwich on Saturday.”

Both managers admit that they have thought ahead to the Final and the possibility of playing in Europe. 

“It would be a lie to say otherwise” stated Vermeulen.

Final words to Bob Leeds who, in his capacity as Football Development Officer for the Amateur Football Alliance, stated that he is extremely proud that two of the AFA leagues have reached the last four in this competition.

The second semi final is on Saturday 5 April when the cup holders, the Isle of Man League, play host to the Midland Combination at the Bowl in Douglas.