London Cup blues banished

WIFC, resplendent in the current all blue away kit, erased the memories of last year’s painful penalty defeat to West Ham by winning the IFA London Cup against Stevenage on Saturday. It was the second piece of silverware in consecutive weeks for the Internet ‘Orns following the Amsterdam veterans tournament win last weekend.

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WIFC line up before the game

Keen to ensure a fast start, WIFC flew out of the traps and dominated the early proceedings. Rob Sterry and Leigh Harrington both had great chances before Sterry coolly lobbed the Stevenage keeper to open the scoring with his 19th goal of the campaign. The lead was doubled as the Internet ‘Orns swarmed forward and Stuart Nicholls slotted home after a superb run and cross from full-back Brad Simmons.

Simmons and Nicholls all smiles after the second goal

Simmons and Nicholls all smiles after the second goal

With WIFC firmly in the ascendancy, thoughts started to turn to how many WIFC might score but Stevenage, who had defeated holders West Ham in the group stages, were having none of that and battled hard to stay in the game. They were rewarded, somewhat fortuitously, when a rare error from Richard Walker was punished by Callum McKechnie to reduce the arrers before the break.

The second half started in similar vein to the first, as WIFC again dominated the chances. Sterry will feel he should have put the match beyond all reasonable doubt as two great chances hit the woodwork, while Ben Pegram and Harrington also tested the keeper.

With chances missed at one end, Stevenage started to throw caution to the wind as the half wore on. With memories of WIFC’s own sterling comeback in last year’s final fresh, WIFC’s defence stood firm under the pressure and repelled the waves of Stevenage attacks. When they were breached, Walker atoned for his first half error with a stunning finger tip save under the crossbar, and a fine run from his line to smother a shooting chance in the last minute.

WIFC's back four stood firm throughout

WIFC’s back four stood firm throughout

At the final whistle, there was delight all round as WIFC celebrated the moment. Captain Moz Clarke was named man of the match and lifted the cup, leaving WIFC to dream of a third Watford win at Wembley this coming Monday.

Skipper Clarke lifts the trophy

Skipper Clarke lifts the trophy

Celebrations continued long after the presentation

Celebrations continued long after the presentation

A moment of reflection on a job well done for manager Chris Davis

A moment of reflection on a job well done for manager Chris Davis

A dapper Moz Clarke with trophy and man of the match cow

A dapper Moz Clarke with trophy and man of the match cow

Team.
Richard Walker; Richard Wenham, Moz Clarke, Mickey Eales, Brad Simmons; Ben Pegram, Leigh Harrington, Rob Stone, Joel Moody; Stuart Nicholls, Rob Sterry. Subs Dave Soloway, Andy Lewers, Richard Muprhy. Not Used Jamie Parkins, Phil McBride, Tom Beck.

 

 

Vets on song in the ‘Dam

WIFC Veterans were celebrating at the weekend, as they won the Amsterdam Veterans 6-a-side tournament and ended a 3 year wait for silverware for the Internet ‘Orns. With a strong Veterans squad led by Pete Fincham and augmented by a few under age additions, WIFC finished the round robin phase of the tournament in 2nd place on goal difference, after convincing wins against Leeds Lards (7-2), Leeds Council (7-0) and a hard fought 2-1 victory over Kingstonian.

An early defeat to Plymouth Argyle had earlier threatened to prevent the teams progression, but the Green Army failed to win their final group game by 4 goals, meaning a re-match with Kingstonian awaited. In a tough, competitive game, a solitary goal from Rob Sterry settled the match as once again, ‘keeper Darren Sear and defensive stalwart Adrian Spender kept a composed back line, shutting out whatever Kingstonian could throw at them.

Top scorer Rob Sterry shows off the latest addition to the WIFC trophy cabinet

Top scorer Rob Sterry shows off the latest addition to the WIFC trophy cabinet

Sear went on to receive the ‘keeper of the tournament award, as well as notching the individual player of the tournament award from the WIFC team itself in what was a truly outstanding set of performances. Leading scorer was Rob Sterry with 6, while brother Ed and Craig Harrison finally notched their 1st goals for the club in the wins over Leeds Lards and Leeds Council respectively, the latter a full 16 years after his debut back in 1997.

With the WIFC regular side preparing to face Stevenage in the London Cup Final on Saturday, and a certain play-off final at Wembley on the horizon for the big boys,  the Internet ‘Orns will be hoping to celebrate a Watford flavoured sliverware treble come Monday evening.