Cup

Joker FC Crowned Champions

Calum Oakenfold
Sunday Senior Cup 2017/18

The stage was set perfectly for the Sunday Senior Cup Final with clear blue sky's and the sun shining over Hillsborough. The 2017/18 final featured Joker FC from the Rotherham Sunday League and Redmires FC from the Blades Super Draw. 

KICK OFF

The opening exchanges saw both teams move the ball forward well looking to create an early chance. Through the opening minutes it was clear both sides were getting used to the surface and space that Hillsborough provided but soon started to move the ball well. Redmires started with some strong build up play and combinations through the central areas of the field but the Joker defense kept its shape to deny any clear chances. On the 9th minute a ball over the Redmires defense found the forward with space on the back post who's shot was driven low and had back across goal to beat the Redmires keeper. Joker 1-0 Redmires. The game kicked off and 2 minutes later another good piece of attacking play saw Joker break into the box but the challenge from Redmires was deemed unacceptable by the referee who signaled straight to the spot. The resulting penalty was tucked into the bottom left corner to make it Joker 2-0 Redmires within a couple of minutes. As a result of this, Joker started to control the possession and move the ball well around the pitch with patience and composure. Redmires started to drop deep and compact areas to try and deny any further opportunities for Joker but on the 17th minute another ball to the back post again found a free player and the shot was drilled back across goal to make it 3. Joker 3-0 Redmires. Joker started to look to attack through wide areas and developed some excellent combination play to move the ball through the thirds. As the half progressed, Redmires started dropping deeper and deeper and as a result could not really create any chances or possession further up the field. On the 35th minute some excellent combination play around the Redmires box released the forward who slotted the ball away only to be ruled offside. Two minutes later and another chance for Joker as ball is slid through for the forward but excellent reaction and positioning for the Redmires number 1 denied the goal. 

HALF TIME - Joker FC 3-0 Redmires FC

SECOND HALF 

With several changes to the Redmires line up, the opening exchanges saw much more quality on the ball from Redmires and the opening chance of the second half as the ball is played through the middle the shot is driven at the Joker goal but is straight at the keeper. Redmires started to move the ball well and look for different openings in between the Joker units but couldn't create any clear chances. On the hour mark, some good combination play into the wide areas saw the Redmires winger drive a cross into the ox but the ball falls on to the top of the Joker net. As Redmires start to gain confidence and look to be the next to score, a quick break from Joker releases the ball through the middle and a superb curved finish around the Redmire GK makes it 4-0. Unfortunate for Redmires who started the half well but a quality goal from Joker. With credit to Redmires for continuing to battle and press for a goal, they got what they deserved as the ball in from the corner falls into the box and is volleyed high into the roof of the Joker goal. Joker 4-1 Redmires. The goal lifted the Redmires spirits and for the next 10 minutes they moved the ball well looking to gain another. Another chance fell as the ball from the right was delivered high to the back post, deflects of the Joker crossbar and the resulting shot is blasted wide of the Joker goal. With time running out, chances fell for both sides but some excellent goalkeeping from the Redmires number 1 kept the score the same as the game came to a close. 

FULL TIME - Joker FC 4-1 Redmires FC

 

A very entertaining and quality game of football at Hillsborough, played with great spirit and determination by both teams. Congratulations to Joker FC for retaining the Sunday Senior Cup and for a very successful season. Well played and good luck for next season. 

Congratulations to Redmires on a great season and cup run and although the result went against them, well done for continuing to battle and compete in the game. A huge credit to all involved at the club and good luck for next season.

Another congratulations goes to the 4 match officials appointed to the final and well done on a great team performance and game management. 

Lastly, many thanks to all at Sheffield Wednesday FC for helping us make this fixture happen and give both side the opportunity of playing in such a spectacular stadium. Thanks to all the staff on the day for their support and management of the final. 

Related News

View All