Dutchman Cup Final 20th June 2021

At long last the season has now been completed with the final of the Dutchman Cup being the last game of an extended campaign, but this game was well worth waiting for.

This took place at Vauxhalls FC Syncreon Arena and was the first time a final was played on a 4G pitch, but the football from both teams was a joy to watch and well marshalled by the match officials.

Vale Athletic began the game strongly before Wallasey Wanderers fought back in a very even first half with chances being few and far between, but just before the interval Frankie Ward fired Vale in front.

The second started at a pace and saw Vale increase their lead to 3-0 as Ward added his second of the game and James Chapman bagged a single. This stirred Wanderers to life and they hit back with three late goals from Connor Jackson, Ollie Lowe and an own goal in the last two minutes to level the game at 3-3.

This without doubt was an excellent final played by two very good teams who gave their all in a thrilling encounter that eventually went to a penalty shoot-out.

Some nerves and excellent goalkeeping saw Vale take the trophy with a 4-2 success to make it a league and cup double in their first season in the league.

Both teams selected a man of the match from the opposition with Frankie Ward (Vale) and Ollie Lowe (Wanderers) taking the accolades despite there being many superb displays to choose from.

Condolences are expressed to Wanderers for their fightback, but both sides provided a large crowd with much entertainment in a memorable match.

Many thanks are extended to Vauxhalls FC in allowing their excellent venue to be hired for this Cup Final.

The Dutchman Cup Final Programme

VALE ATHLETIC

V

WALLASEY WANDERERS

Sunday 20th June 2021
At Vauxhalls FC’s Syncreon Arena

Kick-off 11:00am.

Would all spectators please remain behind the barriers at all times?

Respect for match and League officials is expected at all times!
NO alcohol or pyrotechnics to be brought onto the premises.

Many thanks are extended to the committee of Vauxhalls FC for allowing the league to hire their excellent facilities and this will be the first time a 4G venue has been used for one of our cup finals.

Thanks also go to the League Management Committee who donate many hours in administering the league and have great pride in being part of the oldest existing Sunday league within Cheshire and also the oldest Sunday league within the Wirral.

Some of the LMC are only seen by league members at cup finals (on the gate) or league meetings, but all are hard-working members who help to provide many teams with the opportunity of playing true grassroots football throughout the district.

The two competing teams both have an excellent playing record this season, as they have both finished top of their respective divisions, with Vale actually winning the Third Division, but Wanderers had to take the runners-up spot in the Second Division on goal difference despite losing only one fixture.

Vale Athletic won their division when claiming 14 of their 15 fixtures and notched 70 goals in the process as regular scorers Frank Ward, Harry Taylor and James Jefferies found the net. Ably supported by Connor Edwards, Joey Robinson and Nick Lynch – to name but a few – of a well organised squad are looking to make it a double celebration in their first season in the league.

Wallasey Wanderers also have a well-balanced squad with the likes of Connor Jackson, Joel Hunter, Harry Holt, Ollie Lowe and Mike Madden supporting their goal machine, who is Macauley Lathom who finds the net very consistently as they hope to add silverware to their promotion to complete their season.

Hoping for a trouble-free occasion are the match officials, as the highly respected Liam Ashcroft, Keith Maddox and Matthew Turner who have provided the league with good service throughout this difficult season, are also wished the very best of luck in this final tie. They all fully understand the highs and lows of such a day and will be urging everyone to abide by the Laws of the Game.

The game will be played to a conclusion today, with the use of penalties if required.

The presentation of the cup and individual awards will take place at the conclusion of the tie. The very best of attention is requested for the presentation formalities. Thank you.

VALE ATHLETIC

Squad
James Chapman
Connor Edwards
Harry Hamilton
James Jefferies
Liam Kelly
Max Leigh
Nick Lynch
Matthew Madden
James McAlinden
Owen Reilly
Harry Taylor
Frankie Ward
Lewis Ward
Luke Warrington
Dylan White (Captain)
Theo Woltman

Colours: Yellow (or Blue), blue, yellow

Sponsor: Marine Street Social.

Chairman: Timothy Edwards
Secretary Connor Edwards
Manager: John Paul Lea
Treasurer: John Robinson
Physio: Joe Robinson

WALLASEY WANDERERS

Squad
Johnny Albiston
John Gale
Rory Gibson Paul Gale
Harry Holt
Ben Hughes
Joel Hunter Secretary: Donna Reid
Connor Jackson
Kevin Jardine
Kai Jones
Macauley Lathom
Ollie Lowe
Mike Madden
Declan Neterton
Owen Pulford
Jay Rimmer
Casey Shakeshaft (Captain)

Colours: Purple (or Orange), grey, grey

Chairman: Wayne Sandham
Treasurer: Kerri Davies
Managers: Jay Bradley & Paul Gayle
Secretary: Donna Reid
Treasurer: Kerri Davies

Match Referee:
Liam Ashcroft

Referee Assistants:
Keith Maddox
Matthew Turner

Yet another first for the league as we stage a cup final on a 4G surface for the first time ever and in this elongated and virus disrupted season, but the LMC hope it is an enjoyable and eventful experience for both teams and the match officials and we wish them all the very best of luck. Please respect all officials throughout the fixture.

Programme compiled and edited by Tom Potter. Printed by Phil Kemble.

Roll of Honour for 2020-21

First Div Champions JASGA FC
Runners-up Rockpoint FC

Second Div Champions Liscard Panthers
Runners-up Wallasey Wanderers

Third Div Champions Vale Athletic
Runners-up Vittoria Vaults

Magee Cup Winners Rockpoint FC
Finalists Bromborough Town

Dutchman Cup Winners Vale Athletic
Finalists Wallasey Wanderers

No Divisional cup competitions or Capitol Cup took place due to lockdown causing a reduced season.

Wirral DFA Amateur Cup semi-finalists –
JASGA FC and Poulton Vics

Wirral DFA Junior Cup semi-finalists –
West Kirby United Whites

Wirral DFA Junior Cup finalists –
Vittoria Vaults