WIFC suffered the heartache of a penalty shootout defeat in the IFA London Cup Final last Saturday. Following a stirring comeback from two goals down by the Internet ‘Orns, the lottery of penalties was the only way to separate the teams after a riveting final, played at a neutral venue in Harlow.
WIFC line up before the London Cup Final
A crowd that numbered as many as seventy spectators lined the pitch and with both managers picking their strongest sides, the stage was set for a final that delivered on pre-match predictions of a competitive game between clubs who are great friends off the pitch.
In uncharacteristic fashion West Ham started slowly. WIFC seemed to settle more quickly, having the lions’ share of early possession. It was a real cup final, where edginess, and nerves seemed to get the better over both teams undoubted quality. However, as both teams settled down, their collective touch improved, and they stared to play the sort of football that got them to the final on the back of 100% records in the group stages of the tournament.
Jeremy Hinds organises the WIFC rearguard during the first half
Both teams were also looking dangerous on the break, but it was the East London side that struck first. The goal had been coming for a while when the deadlock was broken on the half hour. A free kick was floated into the back post, and Luke Gray headed across the goal for Mark Blackburn to tap in from close range.
To WIFC’s credit their reply was almost instant. In the next five minutes they surged forward, and thought themselves unfortunate not to win a penalty when Chris Dew went down in the box. But the rally was brief, and West Ham finished the half in the ascendancy when captain Will Bush despatched a penalty after a handball by Stuart Holdham to double their advantage.
Skipper Chris Dundon led by example all morning
After a tactical switch to 4-4-2 and some rousing words from joint manager Chris Davis and captain Chris Dundon, WIFC started the half well. Despite this, they could have been three down when another penalty appeal was turned down. This proved to be the turning point and WIFC dominated the next 20 minutes. Having already seen a sighter crash off the crossbar minutes earlier, it was full back Leigh Harrington who halved the arrears when he sweetly curled a second free kick into the back of the net.
Leigh Harrington's sighter thuds against the West Ham crossbar
WIFC sensed blood. Using their height advantage Watford peppered the West Ham area with long throws, and one of these paid off when the ball was half cleared to Frank Smith, whose shot was deflected into the path of Dave Soloway, and the striker poked the loose ball home to bring the game level.
Scorer of the equaliser, Dave Soloway, battles for posession
West Ham came back at WIFC as legs tired and both teams had a great chance each to win it. The Hammers had a goal disallowed when two players broke through and the first inexplicably passed the ball to his offside colleague rather than finish himself. Then Rob Sterry had a header superbly saved at point blank range by John Coates, when it seemed the pint sized striker was certain to score.
In a picture that sums up the spirit of the day, keepers Jeremy Hinds and John Coates share a laugh before the shoot-out
And so the tie went to penalties, as is tradition in IFA Cup ties there is no extra-time played. With both teams lined up on the half way line, West Ham’s Terry Hayes and WIFC’s Maurice Clarke missed to take things to sudden death. At 6 all, Graham Stafford’s kick cannoned off the legs of WIFC goalkeeper Jeremy Hinds and into the back of the net. Paul Whittenbury of Watford then strode forward and his well struck kick thudded into the woodwork. There were tears of joy and sadness from both teams, while Whittenbury was consoled by West Ham and WIFC players alike, as well as his girlfriend and family.
Tension etched on faces as WIFC watch the shootout unfold
After the presentation, West Ham manager Vinnie White was quick to praise the WIFC side. “I’d like to congratulate WIFC on giving us one tough match.. We knew it would be that way and so it proved. I’m delighted to win the cup today, and equally delighted to see the reaction of both teams, as it proves the strength of the relationship we have. Even with a trophy on the line, everybody’s attitude was first class. This may have been the first London Cup final, but I have a feeling it won’t be the last time we meet in the final”
WIFC joint managers Dave Messenger & Chris Davis echoed the sentiment. “That was the best IFA game I’ve ever been involved in” said Messenger. “Our players can be so proud of their comeback”. Davis added “we were a wonder save away from nicking it, and to take a side as good as West Ham that close does us immense credit. That said, if we had to lose, I can’t think of a better group of lads to lose to. Their players were first class after the last penalty and we don’t begrudge them their success for a second”
WIFC. Jeremy Hinds; Rob Stone, Chris Dundon (C), Stuart Nicholls, Leigh Harrington; Joel Moody, Stuart Holdham, Frank Smith, James Hannaford; Rob Sterry; Chris Dew. Subs Maurice Clarke, Paul Whittenbury, Dave Soloway, Andy Lewers. Not used Richard Walker, Aidy Spender, Jamie Parkins, Josh Freedman, Matt Ainsley, Phil McBride, Andy Myall.
All pictures used taken by Martin Pollard.