The home of England’s teams played host to the EFL Central League Cup Final on 28 April 2021, with AFC Bournemouth defeating Carlisle United to lift silverware at St. George’s Park.
With both sides involved in the final located at opposite ends of England, St. George’s Park’s perfect position at the heart of the country was highlighted in its selection as the venue to host the showpiece fixture, which saw League Two Carlisle face Championship outfit AFC Bournemouth’s Under-21s.
Traditionally, the fixture is held at the home ground of one of the finalists; however, as a result of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, utilisation of a safe, neutral venue was decided and St. George’s Park fitted all of EFL’s requirements.
The EFL Central League Cup was formed in 1911 and is the oldest reserve league in England. Since 1921, it has been for reserve teams only, having initially allowed both first and reserve teams to compete.
At the start of the 2014/15 season, the EFL Central League Cup became a national competition for the first time and provides development opportunities for young players aiming to progress from youth football to a first-team environment.
This year, with the final at St. George’s Park, those young players also had the opportunity of enjoying the world-class facilities utilised by England’s national teams.
AFC Bournemouth won the final 2-0, courtesy of goals from Christian Saydee and Jaidon Anthony.
Please click here to read a full match report courtesy of the Cherries.
Bournemouth midfielder Keelan O’Connell highlighted his excitement about playing at St. George’s Park.
“These occasions where you get to play on a nice pitch, and where England train, are really exciting for us,” he said.
“Not many people get to do that, so it’s really exciting for us.”
“It’s good for the club to play at venues and in games like this,” Carlisle United assistant manager Gav Skelton commented. “I was excited about coming, it’s the first time I’ve been here and I know the young lads have really enjoyed it.
“We’ve been treated really well and it’s been a good occasion because of the way we’ve been looked after. The disappointment we feel is that football is all about winning and we haven’t got that from this game. Despite that it’s something they’ll never forget, the facilities are first-class and hopefully next time we do this we’ll go home with a trophy.”
Congratulations to AFC Bournemouth’s Under-21s and thanks to both teams for providing an excellent fixture at St. George’s Park.
