4th Round Draw

Ties to be played on 20th January - 1.00pm kick off

HT Sports v T8s or RCA Grangetown Florists/Eden Vale

Hetton Lyons or Northallerton Police v Allerton or Home & Bargain

Kelloe WMC or South Bank (2006) v Punchbowl

Oyster Martyrs or Burradon & New Fordley v Alder

Upshire or CB Hounslow v Rayners Lane

Barnes Albion v Bedfont

Club Lewsey v Lebeqs Tavern Courage

Sporting Khalsa v Comets Sports Club

Results from Sunday 16th December

2nd Round
Bolton Woods 2 v South Bank (2006) 8
JOB 0 v Hetton Lyons 5
Eden Vale v RCA Grangetown Florists - match postponed
El Sol 0 v Upshire 1

3rd Round
Oyster Martyrs v Burradon & New Fordley - match postponed
Alder 2 v Humbledon Plains Farm Nissan 1
Allerton v Home & Bargain - match postponed
HT Sports 3 v Salisbury Athletic 1 Sporting Khalsa 6 v AC Cadoza 3
RHP Sports & Social 2 v Club Lewsey 5
Hundred Acre 2 v Comets Sports 3
Punchbowl 4 v Britannia United 1
Lebeq Tavern Courage 2 v Sporting Bristol 0
Bedfont Sunday 4 v Loughborough Saints 2
Rayners Lane 2 v Lambeth All Stars 1
AFC Kumazi Strikers 2 v Barnes Albion 5

Many thanks to all who have provided the above results.

2nd Round Results

Hetton Lyons v JOB – Postponed

South Bank V Bolton Woods – Postponed

RCA Grangetown Florists v Eden Vale – Postponed

Coxhoe WMC 0 v HT Sports 5

Canada 2 v Kelloe WMC 3 – tie reversed – played at Eppleton CW

Humbledon Plains Farm 2 v Newton Aycliffe WMC 0 – tie reversed – played at Newon Aycliffe

Thornton United 3 v Punchbowl 7 – tie reversed – played at Highgate United

Stanbridge & Tilsworth 3 v Britannia United 4

El Sol v Upshire – Postponed

Rayners Lane 4 v Belstone 1 - tie reversed - played at Belstone

Sporting Bristol 4 v All Saints 0

2nd Round Results

Oyster Martyrs 5 St John's Fisher OB 0
Poulton Royal 0 v Northallerton Police 3
Clumber 1 v Hundred Acre 4
Sporting Khalsa 3 v Bilsthorpe Celtic 2
Bedfont Sunday 4 v Manor House 1
Barnes Albion 3 v Knighton Arms 1
Marquis Rangers 2 v Lambeth All Stars 4
FC Camberley 0 v Kumazi Strikers 5
Comets Sports Club 3 v Windmill (Yarmouth) 2

Many thanks to those who emailed/text messaged the above results.

3rd Round Draw

Only three games survived yesterday's torrential downpour. The remaining 29 ties are scheduled to be played this coming Sunday.

Congratulations go to Burradon & New Fordley, T8's and CB Hounslow United, who all made it through to the third round

3rd Round Draw
Games to be played on 16 December - 1.00pm kick off

Suttonfields or Alder v Humbledon Plains Farm Nissan or Newton Aycliffe WMC

Oyster Martyrs or St John Fisher OB v Burradon & New Fordley

Canada or Kelloe WMC v South Bank (2006) AFC or Bolton Woods

T8's v RCA Grangetown Florists or Eden Vale

Allerton or Paddock v Home & Bargain or Dawdon Colliery Welfare

Hetton Lyons Cricket Club or JOB v Poulton Royal or Northallerton Police

Coxhoe WMC or HT Sports v Salisbury Athletic or Nicosia

Thornton United or Punchbowl v Stanbridge & Tilsworth or Britannia United

Clumber or Hundred Acre v Comets Sports Club or Windmill (Yarmouth)

Sporting Khalsa (Sunday) or Bilsthorpe Celtic v AC Cadoza or Seven Allstars

RHP Sports & Social or Whitwick Compass v Club Lewsey or AC Sportsman

El Sol or Upshire v CB Hounslow United (Sunday)

Bedfont Sunday or Manor House v Loughborough Saints or Wymeswold

FC Camberley or AFC Kumazi Strikers v Barnes Albion or Knighton Arms

Rayners Lane (Sunday) or Belstone (Sunday) v Marquis Rangers or Lambeth All Stars

Lebeqs Tavern Courage or The Railway Inn v Sporting Bristol or All Saints

Blog Update

1st Round Review
I was hoping to have updated the blog with a review of some first round games by now but unfortunately, I've been far too busy clearing a house that we have for sale! I'll try and get this for done by the end of next week.

2nd Round Results
I may struggle to update the blog with 2nd round results tomorrow, as I'm setting off shortly to Plymouth for a family christening! I won't be setting off back home until Sunday tea time and yes, I will miss a 2nd round game because of this :(

With an anticipated 6 hour journey home (probably longer with 3 young children with us) I don't expect to be back until late. However, if you can text your result to me on 07791 546597, I'll try and update it when I return.

If the weather forecast is accurate, it looks like a lot of games will fall foul of the weather. Being selfish, I hope this does happen, so I can watch a game next week!

Outstanding 1st round results

Britannia United 6 v Highfield Social Club 0
Upshire 6 v Torrun United 1
Windmill (Yarmouth) 5 v Enfield Rangers 0
Sungate 0 v El Sol 1
Worthing Park Vale 0 v Barnes Albion 2
Sporting Bristol 5 v Kings Tamerton CA 1

Thornton United 4 Hessle Rangers 0

Debutants Thornton United from the Bradford Sunday Alliance made a great start to their Sunday Cup campaign with a 4-0 home win against Hessle Rangers from Hull.

However, despite the convincing score line, this was a very close game and going in to the last ten minutes, there was only one goal between the two sides.

Hessle nearly opened the scoring in the tenth minute, when Thornton keeper Ryan Blythe stopped a certain goal, when he outfoxed a Hessle forward in a one-on-one situation. The home side then went close when they hit the bar six minutes later.


It's kick off time! Thornton United are playing in the white shirts and black shorts.

The opening goal was scored just before half time. Thornton forward Chris Lever showed the opposition how to finish a one-on-one, as he rounded the Hessle keeper to slot home from close range.

Blythe produced another superb save (high and to his right) five minutes after the restart to deny Hessle another certain goal. Five minutes later, it was the turn of the Hessle keeper to come to his team’s rescue, when he pushed a Deroy White effort around the post (the referee and his assistant failed to spot the save and awarded a goal kick instead of a corner!).

Both sides continued to create chances but it was Thornton who scored the crucial goal in the 81st minute, when a cross from the left was expertly side-footed home on the volley to double their advantage.

The Hessle player’s heads began to drop at 2-0 down and the home side saw an opportunity to kill the game off, which they did with ruthless efficiency, as two quick goals secured a 4-0 win.

Three goals in a six minute spell late in the game did not reflect what had been an even contest for the vast majority of the 90 minutes. In fact, you could even make a case for Thornton’s goal keeper to be their man of the match, as he played a significant part in their victory.

This was the 100th time I have watched a game in the FA Sunday Cup and it was fitting that I achieved this milestone at Manningham Mills in Bradford, which was the ground where I watched my first football game, way back in March 1984.


Above is what is left of Manningham Mills stand which was built 80 years ago in preparation for an FA Amateur Cup tie against Northern Nomads. The ground is now home to Campion of the West Riding County Amateur League.

2nd Round Draw

Ties to be played on 25th November with a 1.00pm kick off:

Oyster Martyrs v St John Fisher OB

Home & Bargain v Dawdon Colliery Welfare

Thirly v Burradon & New Fordley

Hetton Lyons Cricket Club v JOB

South Bank (2006) AFC v Bolton Woods

RCA Grangetown Florists v St Sebastians

Suttonfields v Alder

Coxhoe WMC v HT Sports

Poulton Royal v Northallerton Police

Canada v Kelloe WMC

Humbledon Plains Farm Nissan v Newton Aycliffe WMC

Salisbury Athletic v Nicosia

Allerton v Paddock

Loughborough Saints v Wymeswold

Clumber v Hundred Acre

Sporting Khalsa (Sunday) v Bilsthorpe Celtic

Thornton United v Punchbowl

RHP Sports & Social v Whitwick Compass

Advance Couriers v T8's

Stanbridge & Tilsworth v Britannia United or Highfield Social Club

Club Lewsey v AC Sportsman

AC Cadoza v Seven Allstars

Comets Sports Club v Windmill (Yarmouth) or Enfield Rangers

Bedfont Sunday v Manor House

Sungate or El Sol v Upshire or Torrun United

FC Camberley v AFC Kumazi Strikers

Worthing Park Vale or Barnes Albion v Knighton Arms

CB Hounslow United (Sunday) v Dee Road Rangers or Hammer

Marquis Rangers v Lambeth All Stars

Rayners Lane (Sunday) v Belstone (Sunday)

Lebeqs Tavern Courage v The Railway Inn

Sporting Bristol or Kings Tamerton CA v All Saints

1st Round Results

RCA Grangetown Florists 2 v Sportsmans 1
Club Victoria Athletic 0 v Northallerton Police 9
Newton Aycliffe WMC 3 v Winlaton Commercial 1
Dawdon 4 v Hartlepool Athletic Rovers 1
Coxhoe WMC FC 2 v Cleator Moor FC 1
Kelloe WMC 3 Rosegale N&SA 1
Herrington CW 2 v South Bank 4
St John Fisher OB 3 v Oak Tree Pub 0
West Bowling 1 v Thirly 1 (Thirly won on penalties)
Chapeltown Fforde Grene 0 v JOB 2
Thornton United 4 v Hessle Rangers 0
Bolton Woods 2 v Drum 1
Duke of Rutland 2 v Hundred Acre 3
Wymeswold 3 v Pattesons 2
Clumber 3 v Sparta Moshdock 2
Magnet Tavern 2 v T8’s 5
New Salamis 1 Manor House 2
Bedfont Sunday 5 v Broadfields United 2
NLO 1 v CB Hounslow United 3
Worthing Park Vale v Barnes Albion – postponed, due to a waterlogged pitch
AFC Donsville 3 v Belstone 5
Comet Sports 5 v North Wembley Eagles 1
Gadeside Rangers 3 v Rayners Lane 5
Lambeth All Stars 5 v Artois United 0

Preliminary Round Review

FC Labour 0 Sportmans 6

Sportmans of the Hambleton Combination enjoyed their Sunday Cup debut, which involved a 220 mile round trip to Whitehaven, where they notched an impressive 6-0 win at Egremont & District side, FC Labour.

Sportsmans were gifted an early lead, thanks to an own goal, before Col Anderson doubled their advantage at the break. Second half goals from the  Ramsbottom’s Aaron and Andy together with a brace from Scott McNichol, clinched another away tie, against RCA Grangetown Florists.

JOB 4 v Queens Park 3

JOB from the Liverpool Business Houses league came through a thriller against Birkenhead league Sunday Cup veterans Queens Park, courtesy of goals from Mark Styles, Paul Thorpe, Ross McDowell and Jimmy Weincke.

JOB’s reward is a visit to West Yorkshire, where they will face Chapeltown Fforde Grene at Garforth Town’s ground.

Enfield Rangers 2 v London Macabbi Lions 1

Last season, a patched up Lions side were well and truly put to the sword by Falcons, where their 12-1 loss was the heaviest defeat in the first round.

This season they have ended up with the dubious honour of being the first team to exit the competition, as their defeat by Enfield was the only morning kick off in the preliminary round.

Blog Update

Regular followers of the blog will have noticed that recent updates have not been as frequent as in previous seasons. This is due to a combination of factors, the main one being that the hard-drive on my PC died in July.

A replacement was installed but a few weeks later, the computer was then infected with a virus (despite being protected with anti virus software!). Thankfully, years of research were not lost, as most of it was backed up to a disc in July 2011. Unfortunately, all work since then will have to be recreated.

Hopefully things can now return to normal and I will be updating the blog with a match report from the first round game I’ll be watching tomorrow along with the scores from the other games (please email any results you know to me at fasundaycupblog@hotmail.co.uk)

Preliminary Round Results

JOB 4 v Queens Park 3
FC Houghton Centre 2 v AC Sportman 4
Enfield Rangers 2 v London Maccabi Lions 1

Preliminary & 1st Round Draw

Preliminary Round - 30/9 - 2:00pm KO

1 FC Labour v Sportsmans

2 JOB v Queens Park

3 Alder v Lobster

4 FC Houghton Centre v AC Sportsman

5 Enfield Rangers v London Maccabi Lions

First Round - 21/10 - 2:00pm KO

1 Humbledon Plains Farm Nissan v Witton Park Rose & Crown

2 Kelloe WMC v Stockton Rosegale N&SA

3 RCA Grangetown Florists v FC Labour or Sportsmans

4 Herrington CW v South Bank (2006)

5 Hartlepool Rovers Quoit v Burradon & New Fordley

6 Newton Aycliffe WMC v Winlaton Commercial

7 Coxhoe WMC v Cleator Moor

8 Club Victoria Athletic v Northallerton Police

9 Dawdon Colliery Welfare v Hartlepool Athletic Rovers

10 Thornton United v Hessle Rangers

11 Kirkdale v Nicosia

12 Garston v Alder or Lobster

13 Mariners v HT Sports

14 St John Fisher OB v Oak Tree Pub

15 Home & Bargain v Larkspur

16 Suttonfields v BRNESC

17 Pineapple v Poulton Royal

18 Eden Vale v St Sebastians

19 West Bowling v Thirly

20 Bolton Woods v Drum

21 Salisbury Athletic v St Johns

22 Chapeltown Fforde Grene v JOB or Queens Park

23 Paddock v AFC Blackburn Leisure

24 Derby Lane Gym v Oyster Martyrs

25 Liverpool North v Allerton

26 Bilsthorpe Celtic v Premier Sports

27 RHP Sports & Social v Birstall Stamford

28 Whitwick Compass v Sileby Athletic

29 Plough Barfly’s v Loughborough Saints

30 Magnet Tavern v T8’s

31 Clumber v Sparta Moshdock

32 Wymeswold v Pattesons

33 Travellers v Sporting Khalsa (Sunday)

34 Seven Allstars v Pelsall Bush 2012

35 Advance Couriers v Albion

36 Duke Of Rutland v Hundred Acre

37 Punchbowl v Bartley Green Sunday

38 FC Houghton Centre v Co-op Sports or AC Sportsman

39 Britannia United v Highfield Social Club

40 Cube Old Boys v AC Cadoza

41 Crawley Green (Sunday) v Club Lewsey

42 Wycombe Town v Stanbridge & Tilsworth

43 Upshire v Torrun United

44 New Salamis v Manor House

45 Windmill (Yarmouth) v Enfield Rangers or London Maccabi Lions

46 Sungate v El Sol

47 Bedfont Sunday v Broadfields United

48 Comets Sports Club v North Wembley

49 Dee Road Rangers v Hammer

50 Gadeside Rangers v Rayners Lane (Sunday)

51 NLO v CB Hounslow United (Sunday)

52 AFC Donsville v Belstone (Sunday)

53 Rosehill Athletic v Marquis Rangers

54 FC Camberley v Putney Town

55 Lambeth All Stars v Artois United

56 Worthing Park Vale v Barnes Albion

57 AFC Kumazi Strikers v Ajax LA

58 Knighton Arms v Windmill

59 The Railway Inn v Cutters Friday

60 All Saints v Queens Park (Hampshire)

61 Sporting Bristol v Kings Tamerton CA

62 Navy Inn v Lebeqs Tavern Courage

2012/13 Round Dates

Preliminary Round - 30 September

1st Round - 21 October

2nd Round - 25 November

3rd Round - 16 December

4th Round - 20 January

5th Round - 17 February

Semi Final - 17 March

Final - 21 April (provisional)

FA Sunday Cup final - match report

Hetton Lyons extended their own record-breaking run of success in the FA Sunday Cup, as they claimed their fourth title when they steamrollered Canada at a very wet Stadium of Light, Sunderland.

Hetton were dominant throughout and the score line completely does justice to the way they dismantled a very disappointing Canada side, who just failed to perform on the day.

Despite being champions of the highly regarded Liverpool & District Sunday league and having beaten Sunday Cup holders Oyster Martyrs three times this season, Canada went in to this game as underdogs, bearing in mind Hetton’s incredible record in the competition and the fact that they clearly had an advantage in playing the game in their native North East.

Hetton opened the scoring in the third minute, when they took the direct route to the Canada goal. Lyons keeper, Keith Finch, launched a huge free kick from ten yards outside of his penalty area, which was headed on by rangy striker Mark Davison in to the path of prolific goal scorer Warren Byrne, who just managed to beat the advancing Canada goalkeeper, Ryan Brookfield, to the loose ball and give the Lyons the lead.

Byrne doubled the Hetton lead on 17 minutes, when he slid in at the far post to convert right back Kallum Griffiths cross, to leave Canada rocking at 2-0 down.

Canada’s own hot shot Steven Tames found himself with an ideal opportunity to drag his team back in to the game on the half hour mark, as he bore down on goal, following a run from the half way line. Unfortunately for him, he drilled his shot just wide of the post.

Half time score: Hetton Lyons 2 Canada 0

Things went from bad to worse for Canada, as they found themselves 3-0 down in the 51^st minute, when a daisy cutter of a free kick was somewhat fortuitously swept home at the near post by Hetton captain, Daniel Moore.

It was nearly 4-0 a minute later, when Warren Byrne was presented with his hat-trick chance, which he only just failed to take.

A mazy run from the half way line from Stephen Capper, set up Mark Davison in the 59^th minute, and he was unlucky to see his effort rebound off the post. However, the loose ball fell straight to the unmarked Capper, whose superb left foot finish evaded Brookfield’s despairing lunge.

Capper is no stranger to big match football and already has two Sunday Cup winner’s medals, prior to today’s final. He also captained the Republic of Ireland in the FIFA World Youth Championships in 2003 and the following year, he came on as a 13^th minute substitute for Scarborough in their glamorous fourth round FA Cup tie against Chelsea.

There was to be no hat trick for Hetton’s Warren Byrne, as he was substituted in the 66^th minute. Canada then pulled a goal back three minutes later, when Joe Fargan headed home from a corner.

However, this proved to be just a mere consolation and with Canada unable to reduce the arrears further, it was left to Hetton sub Daniel Craggs to complete the scoring in stoppage time, when he sprung the Canada offside trap and rounded Brookfield to score from close range. 

Craggs has another big day to look forward to shortly, as he is a member of the Dunston side who have reached the FA Vase final. No doubt he will look to join Sandor Gyalog who lifted the Sunday Cup and Vase in the same season, back in 1995.

So, in the end, a very easy final game for Hetton and the big challenge they face for next season is retaining the Sunday Cup, which, despite all the success they have enjoyed over the last decade or so, is the one honour they have been so far unable to achieve.

Hetton Lyons 5 Canada 1

Congratulations to Hetton Lyons who comfortably lifted their fourth FA Sunday Cup title at a very damp Stadium of Light this afternoon.

The game was as one sided as the score line suggests. Hetton had a 4-0 lead by the 59th minute and Canada's goal in the 69th minute was a mere consolation on what was a pretty miserable day for them.

Full report with photos to follow shortly.

Final Preview

In the run up to the 48th FA Sunday Cup final, the big question on everyone’s lips is are Canada able to derail Hetton Lyon’s 4th title bid and clinch the Sunday Cup, which they have been chasing for over 40 years?

In my opinion, Canada will start as underdogs and I say this despite the fact that they have recently been crowned as champions of arguably the Country’s strongest Sunday football league, the Liverpool and District.

I think the combination of them going up against the competitions best ever side in Hetton Lyons and having to enter the ‘Lyons den’ as Hetton have ‘home’ advantage in playing the game at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, will prove too big a hurdle to overcome.

However, Canada have enjoyed their travels this season and have recorded wins at Hull, Aylesbury and Saltash, so know what it takes to win away from home. And in Stephen Tames, they have a quality striker who is in top goal scoring form.

Canada have competed in the Sunday Cup since the early days of the 1960’s and have come close to reaching the final on several occasions.

They were formed in 1965 and spent their early years playing in the Liverpool Business Houses league (they were league champions in 1965/6 and 1966/7) before moving on to the stronger Kirkby Newtown Combination, which was home to many of Liverpool’s strongest Sunday sides (former winners Lobster and Fantail both played in this league).

Canada proved their class by finishing runners up in debut season (1967/8) and were crowned league champions in 1968/9. They were Liverpool’s first Sunday Cup semi finalists the season after, when they went down 2-0 to 1966 champions Ubique United at Dudley Town’s ground.

Canada also reached the quarter final in 1973, where they came up against one of the competition’s legendary sides, Carlton United, who ran out 4-1 winners on their way to lifting the Sunday Cup for the second time.

Canada’s second semi final appearance came in 1987, when they locked horns with champions Avenue from Birkenhead. Avenue were bidding to reach their third successive final and were packed full of Merseyside’s finest players.

However, they Canada a tough nut to crack and after the first game ended in a 2-2 draw, the pair reconvened at St Helens Town a week later, where Avenue narrowly won 2-1.

Their was another 17 year gap to Canada’s next semi final, when they played local rivals Nicosia in 2004 at Marine. Once again, Canada were edged out by the tightest of score lines, losing 3-2.

There was no big wait for the next semi final appearance, as this came the following season, under a new name of Canada Edinburgh Park. This time they cantered to a very convincing 4-0 win against Gossoms End. However, they were removed from the final, following a protest over player eligibility.

Hetton, by way of contrast, have a 100% record from their four semi final matches. They have the same record in the three finals they have contested, all of which were played at Anfield.

However, unlike Canada, they didn’t have to experience facing a local side in the final, as their opponents came from Luton (St Joseph’s in 2006), fellow Durham outfit Coundon in 2008) and Boston (Magnet Tavern in 2010).

Another factor could be the weather, as heavy rain is forecast and perhaps the side that deals best with the conditions will triumph.

Good luck to both sides and lets hope that the weather doesn’t spoil things today.

Final venue announced

Sunderland FC's Stadium of Light will host the final on Sunday 29th April.

Kick off is at 4.00pm and the admission is £5 and £1 concessions.

I think it's a big ask for Canada to travel up to the North East and beat Hetton in their own back yard. It would have been difficult enough on Merseyside but now that Hetton have, in effect, home advantage, you have to make them strong favourites to extend their record to four victories.

This will be the first final to be held in the North East since Nexday from Northampton beat Humbledon Plains Farm from Sunderland at Newcastle United in 1988.

Semi Final Results

Lakeside Athletic 0 Canada 1
Hetton Lyons 2 Oyster Martyrs 1

Congratulations to both Canada and Hetton Lyons on reaching the final, which takes place on 29th April. Commiserations go to Lakeside and Oyster Martyrs.

Highlights of the Hetton and Oyster game can be found on the following website - http://www.northernleaguefootball.co.uk/

A DVD of the full game will be available shortly for the very reasonable price of £5 (inc p&p). Please email Hayley Revell at hayley@northernleaguefootball.co.uk for more details.

Semi Final Preview

Hetton Lyons v Oyster Martyrs
This standout semi final tie, features two sides who between them have contested five of the last six finals.

Three time winners Hetton are bidding to continue a trend that has seen them lift the trophy in 2006, 2008 and 2010, whilst holders Oyster Martyrs have been given a reprieve after their controversial defeat to FC Tripimeni in the quarter final.

At the start of this season, I was hoping that this eagerly awaited game would be the final, as with all due respect to Canada, Hetton and Oyster are the North’s finest Sunday sides. I have been looking forward to these two playing each for some time, although they have met before in a 3rd round game in 2007, with Hetton beating debutants Oyster 3-1.

Whilst I don’t expect a game from four years ago to have any bearing on tomorrow’s match, what could well affect the outcome is the fallout from Oyster’s ill disciplined defeat to Tripimeni, which saw three of their players red carded. Two of those players, Stephen Porter and prolific goal scorer Thomas Rooney are suspended for the semi final. Rooney, in particular, will be a big miss for Oyster, as he links up well with their key man Leighton McGivern.

On the plus side, Captain Tony Rendell served his one match suspension last weekend and his return is a major boost for the Scouse side.

Hetton’s 5-0 quarter final win at Lea Hall was their 21st consecutive win of the season. However, in the four games they have played since, Hetton have lost twice; a 4-1 defeat to league rivals Kelloe WMC in the Durham Sunday league Cup Winners Cup final and a 1-0 defeat to Hardwick Social Club from Stockton in the semi final of the Durham County FA Cup.

This is hardly ideal preparation for their biggest game of the season but I still make Hetton the favourites to make the final.

Lakeside Athletic v Canada
With all the FC Tripimeni v Oyster Martyrs shenanigans dominating the competition’s news in the last few weeks, this semi final has been rather overshadowed, which is a great shame, as both Lakeside and Canada are very good sides, with impressive Sunday Cup records.

Whilst neither can match the final achievements of Hetton Lyons or Oyster Martyrs, both sides have reached the semi final stage before. Lakeside lost a closely fought game at Hucknall Town in 2009 against Scots Grey.

However, they don’t have to travel very far for this semi final, just over the Tamar Bridge to Saltash for what will be a very rare foray in to Cornwall for the Sunday Cup.

Canada, meanwhile, have the distinction of being the first Merseyside team to reach the last 4, which they did for the first time in 1970.

And they are becoming accustomed to making long trips in this season’s competition, after their quarter final win in Aylesbury, so a 600 mile round trip to Saltash will not phase them.

I have Canada down as slight favourites for this game and they will undoubtedly be doing their best to set up another all Liverpool & District league final against Oyster Martyrs.

FC Tripimeni

The FA have announced that FC Tripimeni were guilty of three separate and deliberate breaches of the rules regarding fielding ineligible players in their game against Oyster Martyrs and consequently, they have been removed from the competition and Oyster have been reinstated.

The FA have also confirmed that Tripimeni were guilty of deliberately breaching the same rule in previous rounds and have been fined £750 and banned from entering the Sunday Cup for 5 years!

This is the first time that I am aware of a side being banned for 5 years due to fielding ineligible players. This punishment is normally reserved for sides whose matches were abandoned due to crowd trouble, such as Buttershaw Whitestar v Coppelhouse in 2007 and Halton Moor v Flathouse in 2009.

Clearly, the FA were fully satisfied that Tripimeni had knowlingly committed numerous offences of playing ineligible players and in my opinion, their removal from the competition, their fine and ban are entirely justified.

So, Oyster Martyrs have another chance to reach their third final in four seasons, although a trip to Billingham Synthonia to meet Hetton Lyons is a daunting prospect for a full strenght Oyster side, let alone one that could be missing three key players, following their indisciplined defeat to Tripimeni.

The two sides have met before. Hetton Lyons beat Oyster 3-1 in a 3rd round tie in 2007/08, which was Oyster's debut in the competition.

Semi Final News

Venues
Hetton Lyons v FC Tripimeni will be played at Billingham Synthonia

Lakeside Athletic v Canada will be played at Saltash United

FC Tripimeni
The FA have announced that FC Tripimeni are under investigation for playing an ineligible player. The outcome of the investigation is expected shortly.

Lea Hall Sports & Social 0 v Hetton Lyons CC 5

Three time winners Hetton Lyons remain on course to lift the FA Sunday Cup for the fourth time, as they put debutants Lea Hall from the Birmingham Festival league to the sword at Solihull Moors.

After a fairly even opening 10 minutes, Hetton came close to opening the scoring in the 16th minute, when a shot from outside the penalty area cannoned off the cross bar.

However, they did find the net a minute later, when Lea Hall failed to clear the ball and Hetton forward Mark Davison drilled the ball home in to the bottom left hand corner to give his side the lead.

Hetton nearly made it 2-0 on the half hour mark, when a curled effort hit the post. By this stage, Hetton were well on top but could not add to their goal tally, whilst the home side had enjoyed some possession but could not produce either the killer pass or a shot on target to trouble the men from Durham.

Lea Hall’s chances of getting back in to the game were dealt a severe blow midway through the second half, when following an incident on the halfway line, one of their players was sent off.

I must admit that, from where I was stood (at the top end of the ground, near the rugby scoreboard) I didn’t have a great view of the sending off and we were all surprised to see the referee brandish the red card.

Hetton revelled in the extra space that their one man advantage gave them and eight minutes after the sending off, they doubled their lead, through a cracking individual goal from Joe Walton, who finished well from just outside the 6 yard box.

A superb save from the Lea Hall keeper who tipped the ball over the bar in the 82nd minute denied Hetton a third but the respite was only temporary, as substitute Nicky Kane made it 3-0 three minutes later.

Two goals from Mark Davison in four minutes completed the 5-0 rout and his hat trick.

5-0 sounds a hammering but as four of the goals came after the sending off and three of those came in the last 7 minutes, the score line was harsh on Lea Hall who just did not possess the creativity needed to make the most of the possession they had.

Semi Final Draw

Ties to be played on 18th March:

Hetton Lyons v FC Tripmeni
Lakeside Athletic v Canada

So, Tripimeni's reward for knocking out the holders is a long trip up the A1 to face Sunday Cup legends, Hetton Lyons!

The FA will anounce the venues shortly. From memory, I believe that Hetton played a previous 'home' semi final at Durham City, so the FA may well choose the same venue this time.

Quarter Final Results

Lakeside Athletic 3 v Comets Sports Club 1
FC Tripimeni 1 v Oyster Martyrs 0
Elm Farm 1 v Canada 2
Lea Hall Sports & Social 0 v Hetton Lyons 5

I was at the Lea Hall and Hetton Lyons game and will publish a match report with photos tomorrow.

No guesses for the result of the round...well done to Tripimeni for ending Oyster's reign, in what sounds like a feisty encounter, as Oyster had 3 players sent off!

Thanks to Ian Porter and John Treleven for the results.

5th Round Preview

Elm Farm v Canada
Surprise package Elm Farm of the Aylesbury Combination are bidding to reach the semi final in their debut season in the competition. Whilst they are an unknown quantity on the national stage, they have a superb domestic record, which saw them crowned league champions last season, with a 100% record from their 14 games.

They also raised a few eyebrows with their impressive 3-1 win over the highly rated Barnes Albion in the 4th round. Their reward for this fine run is a home tie against Canada, who in stark contrast to their hosts, have a long and distinguished Sunday Cup record.

Canada will no doubt look to the prolific Steven Tames for their goals, as they strive to reach another semi final.

Lakeside Athletic v Comets Sports Club
This is probably the closest quarter final tie to call, as both sides have appeared in the semi finals in recent seasons and appear to be well matched.

Comets have proved that last season’s achievements were no fluke and have notched up some impressive wins this season, most notably their 4-0 win over Essex side Sungate (2010 quarter finalists and 3-0 winners over last season’s semi finalists, Northampton Duke of York).

Lakeside have also had some great wins this season, as they beat last season’s quarter finalists Club Lewsey on penalties in the 4th round and their old adversaries Lebeqs Tavern Courage the round before.

FC Tripimeni v Oyster Martyrs
The London FA Sunday Challenge cup has been dominated by the Kopa League for the last few years and Tripimeni are former winners of that competition, under their previous name of Aris. It’s good to see the Kopa’s best sides (New Salamis and Tripimeni) test themselves against the best sides in the Country and given their standing in the Capital, this, for me, makes this tie the game of the round.

It’s been business as usual for Oyster this season. Ritchie Rooney may no longer pick the side but the key personnel that he put in place are still there and Oyster are still on course for their 3rd final in 4 seasons.

I think Tripimeni will give the holders a game but I can’t see Oyster slipping up.

Lea Hall Sports & Social v Hetton Lyons
Like their fellow debutants Elm Farm, Lea Hall progressed quietly through the early rounds and then produced the result of the 3rd round, when they ended the hopes of London FA giants, New Salamis.

Standing in their way of a semi final appearance, are Hetton Lyons, the greatest ever team in the history of this competition!!!

Hetton enjoy close links with Spennymoor Town, the 2009/10 and 2010/11 Northern League Champions. When Spennymoor decided to place the majority of their squad on contracts, doubts were cast over Hetton’s chances of adding to their record haul of three Sunday Cup titles. However, this has not affected Hetton’s on the field performances and once again, they remain the side to beat in this competition.

I’ve just found out that Hetton Lyons have travelled down for the game today, so hopefully, I’ll see another absorbing game in this fantastic competition tomorrow.

4th Round Review

Birstall Stamford 3 Oyster Martyrs 4
Champions Oyster Martyrs were pushed all the way by experienced Sunday Cup campaigners Birstall Stamford and needed extra time to squeeze past their Leicestershire based hosts.

Once again, it was Oyster’s big guns who delivered the goods, as their goals were courtesy of a Leighton McGivern brace, one from Thomas Rooney and Captain Tony Rendell weighed in with the other, as Oyster recorded their tenth consecutive Sunday Cup win. Adam Webster (2) and James Dodd replied for Birstall.

Sungate 0 v Comets Sports Club 4
Comets Sports Club reached the last 8 for the second season running, as they beat Essex Corinthian outfit Sungate.

The first half was a very open game, with both teams playing an expansive passing game. The only goal of the half was scored by Comets as Ashley Addison benefited from a melee in Sungate’s penalty area to drive a shot home.

During the second half, Comets adopted a strong defensive formation and looked to utilise the pace of Luke Sharpley to attack the home side on the break. With Sungate pushing for the equaliser, they were vulnerable to Comets counter attacking style and the Berkhamsted side doubled their lead when Sharpley won a penalty, which captain Shane Wood converted.

Two further goals from Wood completed his hat trick and an excellent win for the Comets.

Hetton Lyons CC 3 Kelloe WMC 1
The Brewery Field, Spennymoor has played host to some of Durham’s finest Sunday sides over the years, with both Brandon United and Langley Park Rams Head lifting the Sunday Cup there, whilst nearly 4,000 watched Wear Valley from Willington push Carlton United all the way in the 1973 final, before losing in extra time.

This time around, a crowd of approx 240 watched Durham Sunday League rivals Hetton Lyons and Kelloe WMC battle it out for a place in the quarter- finals.

Both sides created chances and it was Hetton who came the closest to opening the scoring, when a free kick hit the bar and the follow up effort was well saved by Kelloe keeper Carl Morris. However, Hetton were not to be denied for long and they took the lead on 24 minutes, following a swift counter attack and a good finish from Joe Walton.

Kelloe almost levelled on 38 minutes with a free kick from Kieran Megran but keeper Keith Finch made a good save at the foot of a post. The official had been fairly lenient with a few tasty challenges but had little option but to show a straight red card to Kyle Davis for a bad tackle after 44 minutes, which reduced Hetton to 10 men.

Despite the one-man advantage, Kelloe were unable to control the game and it was the 10 men of Hetton who played the better football. Hetton should have regained the lead on 63 minutes but Morris made a good save to deny Walton. The respite for Kelloe was only temporary, however, as Hetton did score again a minute later, when Mark Davison was allowed a free header, which looped over the keeper and into the far corner.

Kelloe enjoyed much possession but rarely threatened and it was Hetton who wrapped it up in the 81st minute when substitute Daniel Craggs cross from the right hand side fortuitously dropped just inside the far post.

Thanks to Malcolm Mudd for the match report

Canada 2 Stockton Rosegale N&SA 0
Despite some difficult conditions, there was another excellent contest at Burscough, where Stockton Rosegale were perhaps left to rue a lack of discipline that could have cost them the chance of pulling off something of an upset.

Whilst Canada have a long pedigree in the FA Sunday Cup, their visitors from the Stockton Sunday League are in their debut season, but with three away wins already under their belt they were always likely to prove tough opponents, particularly as a number of their squad play in the Northern League on Saturdays, with Thornaby, Norton and Stockton Ancients and Billingham Synthonia represented.

With the wind at their backs in the first half Canada made most of the running without getting the breakthrough, and in fact the visitors came closest on 35 minutes, when a Mark Lilley shot from 25 yards crashed against the base of the post. The crucial moment of the game came just a minute later, when Stockton Rosegale skipper Liam George foolishly left his foot in against a grounded opponent, and although contact (if any) was minimal, the referee was left with only one option, which was to produce the red card.

Canada grabbed the lead a minute before the break, when Paul Parles wind assisted cross from the left dipped in at the far post. They doubled their lead in the 55th minute, when Stockton keeper Stuart Newbold got little distance on his punch from a Danny O’Brien’s free kick and Andy Williams was on hand to turn the ball home.

From then on it was very much a case of the ten men of Stockton Rosegale having much the better of the play with the wind behind them, whilst Canada were reduced to the occasional counter-attack. However, the chances wouldn’t go in for the visitors, with Jamie Dawson and Danny Earl both denied by the woodwork, and the final margin could have been wider had not a stoppage time Steven Tames penalty been saved by Stuart Newbold, but the visitors biggest regret must have been not keeping 11 players on the pitch.

Thanks to Andy Gilman for the match report

FC Tripimeni 4 Dee Road Rangers 3
Reading & District league outfit Dee Road Rangers took the lead after less than five minutes, when Tripimeni’s keeper rushed out and was beaten to the ball by Ray Spence, who rounded the keeper to score.

Tripimeni battled back in to the game and after a period of sustained pressure midway through the half, they equalised through Darryl Cox. Minutes later, Dee Road hit the bar from a free kick that was taken just outside the penalty area.

The second half started with another early goal for Dee Road, who hit the post and fortunately for them Ray Spence was once again on hand to drill the ball home. Dee Road extended their advantage ten minutes later, leaving Tripimeni to score at least two goals with 20 minutes remaining. However, it was far from game over as both teams continued to play end-to-end football and more goals looked likely.

With the wind calming down and the introduction of Alex Philippou, Bambos and Alfie Cox, combined with the steadying influence of Terry Paul changed the game for Tripimeni and they got a goal back, when Dee Road conceded an own goal and with just 5 minutes left, they equalised when Darryl Cox scored his second and sent the game in to extra time.

Both teams continued to play open football but neither were able to convert their chances, so with a penalty shoot-out looming, Tripimeni launched one final assault on the Dee Road goal. Alfie Bartram made a run into the penalty area and was fouled by the Dee Road defence, which earned Tripimeni a last minute penalty, which Naim Essiaghi duly dispatched.

Dee Road are a successful team and are accustomed to winning more games than they lose. Unfortunately, they let their frustrations get the better of them and during the game one of their subs was red carded from the dugout for descent and another was shown the red card after the game had ended for the same reason.

Thanks to Mishi Morath for the match report

5th Round Draw

Ties to be played on 19th February:

Lakeside Athletic (Plymouth & West Devon) v Comets Sports Club (Berkhamsted)
FC Tripimeni (KOPA - London) v Oyster Martyrs (Liverpool)
Elm Farm (Aylesbury Comb) v Canada (Liverpool)
Lea Hall S & S (Birmingham Festival) v Hetton Lyons Cricket Club (Durham)

Tripimeni v Oyster Martyrs is probably the tie of the round, closely followed by Lea Hall v Hetton Lyons.

Lakeside and Comets have both reached the semi finals in recent seasons and should be another quality match up. The remaining game is between debutants Elm Farm and the vastly experienced Canada, who were the first Liverpool side to reach the semi final, way back in 1970.

4th Round Results

Hetton Lyons 3 Kelloe WMC 1
Canada 2 Stockton Rosegale N&SA 0
Sungate 0 Comets Sports Club 4
FC Tripimeni 4 Dee Road Rangers 3
Elm Farm 3 Barnes Albion 1
Whitwick Compass 0 Lea Hall 1

More results to follow - the blog will be updated later.

As always, if you know any results from today's games, please email them to me at fasundaycupblog@hotmail.co.uk

Many thanks to those who have provided the above results.

4th Round Preview

Whitwick Compass 2008 v Lea Hall Sports & Social
This east v west midlands derby pits two debutants against each other, as Whitwick Compass of the Charnwood league take on Birmingham Festival league side Lea Hall.

Lea Hall notched an impressive third round win over New Salamis who are arguably London’s finest Sunday side, having won the London FA Sunday Challenge Cup three times in the last four seasons and were heavily tipped to do well in the Sunday Cup.

Whitwick Compass have already accounted for Lea Hall’s Festival league rivals Bartley Green in round one and ended the Sunday Cup hopes of Lobster in round three (after they had beaten last season’s runners up, Paddock in round two).

I make Lea Hall favourites to win this game and become the first Festival league side to reach the quarter final since Wernley in 2007.

Hetton Lyons v Kelloe WMC
These two sides know each other very well, as they both hail from the Durham Sunday league.

Three time winners Hetton are bidding to become only the second team to appear in four finals – St Josephs (Luton) were the first – and reclaim the trophy they lifted in 2006, 2008 and 2010. So, will this pattern continue in 2012? If they can maintain their current form, there is every chance, as Hetton have a perfect record so far this season, having won all of there 19 league and cup games.

Kelloe beat Hetton in three cup competitions last season, with the most memorable victory coming in the Durham County FA Sunday Cup, a tournament that Hetton had won for five consecutive seasons! However, Kelloe are struggling in the league (Hetton have already beaten them twice,
5-1 and 7-0) and have only won three of their eight league games.

Hetton start as clear favourites to reach the quarter finals and for me (along with Oyster Martyrs) they remain the teams to beat in this competition.

Birstall Stamford v Oyster Martyrs
This is probably the tie of the round and should be an absolute cracker of a game.

Like Whitwick Compass, Birstall Stamford hail from the Charnwood league and have an impressive Sunday football pedigree, which I have covered previously, so I won’t repeat again.

Their opponents from Croxteth in Liverpool, an area rich in footballing talent, which has produced three FA Sunday Cup finalists.

I think Oyster will win this one but I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Birstall Stamford push them all the way to extra time.

FC Tripimeni v Dee Road Rangers
Another tie that caught the eye sees Tripimeni of the Kopa league entertain Dee Road from Reading.

Both teams made their Sunday Cup debut last season. Dee Road were first round casualties, losing 5-3 to Club Lewsey. FC Tripimeni-Aris as they were known last season, reached the third round, where they lost narrowly to eventual semi finalists, Duke of York from Northampton.

Dee Road quietly navigated their way through the early rounds this season, as they dispatched Broadfields United from Harrow and C. K. from Bristol. However, it was their very impressive 5-0 third round win over 2010 semi finalists Hazelhurst, that has made people sit up and take notice.

Tripimeni have comfortably progressed through three rounds without being pushed to hard. I think Dee Road will certainly give them a game but I find this tie too hard to call.

8th January results

Outstanding 3rd round results:

Salisbury Athletic 0 Oyster Martyrs 3
Lakeside Athletic 4 Lebeqs Tavern Courage 2
Lobster 2 Whitwick Compass 2008 3

If you know any results from the other games taking place today, please email them to fasundaycupblog@hotmail.co.uk