Herts Ad Sunday League Intermediate Cup Final 2023

Chairman's Comment

Welcome to the sixth of our finals for the 22/23 season, The Intermediate Cup.

It is great to be back at Clarence Park after a few years playing our cup finals at various local venues.

We are very grateful to St Alban's City FC for accomodating us today. It is truly a fantastic environment for football in Hertfordshire and I know that the players from both of our finalists are delighted to be given the opportunity to play here.

This is the 47th edition of the Intermediate Cup. Having started with 35 teams and are down to the final two.

The teams in todays final are Welwyn Warriors and Alban Dynamo, who promise to give us an exciting game. Both sides have had excellent seasons thus far.

Warriors finished second in Division 2, winning 11 out of 14 games. They boast the league's meanest defence, conceding only 14 goals all year. Steve Mee, Jon Cross-Hackett and Gabs AsareBekoe are their main threats going forward, having scored over 60 goals between them. Warriors will feel disappointed to have missed out on the league title, but I'm sure that they will be fully up for today's match.

Dynamo are heading for a solid finish in Division 3. They have had terrific success in the Cups also, making it to the Charity Cup final as well as todays. They also carry a major goal threat, having scored in virtually every game this season. Dynamo have defeated several teams from higher divisions on the way to this final and will have no reason to doubt that they can notch another win today.

I would like to thank the league committee for their sterling work this season in facilitating weekly football for 51 teams and over 1800 players from our local area.

I hope that you all enjoy todays match and have a restful summer before we embark on another season of quality Sunday League Football in Hertfordshire.

Pete Fisher Chairman Herts Advertiser Sunday League

Welwyn Warriors

Warriors were founded in 2008 by Ben Winch and a group of friends who had been playing 7s regularly and wanted to move to 11 a side, The club was originally called Warriors XI and joined the North & Mid Herts Saturday league where they spent 5 seasons. The first few seasons were a mixture of low and mid table finishes, whilst the young squad found their feet in Adult football.

Season 4, in 2011/12, was where everything seemed to come together and the club enjoyed a successful year, finishing 2nd to Potters Bar Crusaders in both the league and Bingham-Cox Cup.

A year later, the league folded and the club moved to the Hertford and District league, changing their name to Ware Warriors in the process. Four years were spent in the middle of Division 2, winning as many as they lost. A recurring pattern was a lack of numbers, beating the stronger teams, and losing to the supposedly weaker ones.

The squad grew older, most of the team had played together for 7/8 seasons by then, and family commitments became an issue. A decision was made to move to Sunday football and the team joined the HADSL in 2017, again changing the name to Welwyn Warriors due to a change of home pitch. Their first season in Division 2 was respectable and they established themselves in Sunday league.

As many of the founding members of the Club considered the prospect of retirement in 2018, after 11 years together, they had an exceptional season. They finished a clear 2nd in the league, behind a very strong London Road side, and won the Golding Cup!

Many of the side took this as an opportunity to leave on a high and sadly hung up their boots but the club had an influx of new and young players. So much so that a reserve side was created.

The first team has spent the last few years in Division 2, improving each season but still lacking depth in the squad. The addition of 4 quality players and extra support on the management team has helped the team gain promotion to Division 1 and reach their third final at Clarence Park.

Meet the Manager

Good afternoon everyone,

I'd like to thank you all for coming out to support both teams today.

After a frustrating season last year which was full of draws and some narrow defeats. I was unsure on how this season would pan out.

We managed to bring in 4 or 5 players that have real quality and make a big difference on the pitch. With these new additions it's made the squad very competitive which has benefited everyone.

The two main differences from last season has been how clinical we have been in front of goal and cutting out the silly mistakes at the back. We have one of the best defensive records in the league this season.

The lads have been 100% committed from the first game of the season. Availability each week has been fantastic and made my life a lot easier, although thats given me some headaches over team selection - today especially!

I've played football for nearly 20 years now and I'm not sure I've seen a closer group of lads. The team spirit, togetherness and positivity, combined with the talent that they have, has made this season one of the best I've been involved with.

Come on boys. You got this!

Scott Taylor

Welwyn Warriors' Squad

Thomas

Spratt

The 2nd longest serving player in the team He has played the last few seasons in goal, much to his dislike! Tom has made some truly unbelievable saves this season and is one of the reasons why we have one of the best defences in the league Let's hope he doesn't turn up hungover or concussed! Goalkeeper. Played – 20, Goals – 0, Assists – 0

Scott Taylor

The player manager, the record appearance holder (238!), the James Milner of Sunday league Without the hard work of the gaffer the Warriors wouldn’t be where they are today! Unsung hero Def/Mid. Played – 12, Goals – 0, Assists – 2

Declan Crummey

The Warrior’s mighty skipper One of the teams most consistent players, great with both feet and loves playing out from the back Mr Reliable when he’s not doing roulettes on the edge of our box Centre Back. Played – 24, Goals – 0, Assists – 1

Calum Paine

Prolific Paine The modern fullback Goal and assist numbers from right back speak for themselves this season Loves getting forward, one-two merchant with an absolute engine Can’t head the ball to save his life and thinks he’s Trent Alexander Arnold Needs to stop hogging the medium tops, you’re a small mate Right Back. Played – 22, Goals – 2, Assists – 10.

Conor Cosgrave

A classy, no nonsense centre back who can read the game incredibly well Been unlucky with injury this season but is a huge asset to the team Loves barking at Alex when he’s not working hard enough Centre Back. Played – 13, Goals – 0, Assists – 0.

Joe Gazza

The man goes to war every week for the Warriors Solid fullback who is very calm on the ball and has a wand of a left foot Real shame about his right foot which is literally only for standing Hasn’t been bodied off the ball as much this season which he’ll take all day long

Left Back. Played – 25, Goals – 1, Assists – 3.

Terence McIver

Every centre forwards nightmare The Terror Been one of the best players for the Warriors this season An imposing left footed centre back who loves a tackle Bagged a hat trick this year, which is probably a highlight of his life, let alone season Would be ideal if he stopped giving away pens

Left/Centre Back. Played – 24, Goals – 4, Assists – 1.

Welwyn Warriors' Squad

Rowan Wallis

A monster centre back who’s incredible in the air and has an eye for goal The nicest bloke you will ever meet Had his season cut short due to a knee injury, which he sustained walking up his stairs?! Needs to stop having kids so he can play more footy

Centre Back, Played – 18, Goals – 1, Assists – 1

David Craggs

Craggsy joined the Warriors this year and is definitely one of the biggest personalities He’s had a few cameos at right back this season, where he’s shown superb composure and work rate The guy loves helping out the team and is brilliant at raising morale Some seriously questionable messages in the group chat and the only man who will order an espresso martini after a game

Right Back. Played – 13, Goals – 0, Assists – 0

Liam Tring

Mr blow up muscles himself Loves a late show but boy can he play Liam has been a great addition to the team this year, slotting in wherever asked

Centre Back/Mid. Played – 10, Goals – 1, Assists – 1

Alex Howard

When he puts the missus excuses aside and plays there’s no stopping the Warriors playmaker who leads the assist charts For a geezer with a big head he’s a heck of a key player on and off the pitch Midfielder. Played – 19, Goals – 4, Assists – 10

Adriano Gil

Suiii The Warriors Portuguese hot head who leaps like a salmon and is never shy from a tackle and argument - especially with the red A true box to box midfielder Midfielder. Played – 16, Goals – 4, Assists – 6

Steven Mee

A big miss last season, Steve has come back and slotted right back in With one of the best left foots in the league he’s having his own goals of the season competition El Parchio Centre Back

Midfielder. Played – 15, Goals – 19, Assists – 3

Ellis Paine

Mr dependable everywhere other than in front of goal In his first season with the Warriors Ellis has become a key individual despite looking like he should be paying U12’s football Striker. Played – 23, Goals – 0, Assists – 5

Welwyn Warriors' Squad

Luke Pidgeon

The old guard who week in week out puts the young guns to shame on and off the pitch. If he’s not on a stag-do he’s dictating play for the Warriors. Midfielder. Played – 17, Goals – 2, Assists – 2.

Femi Taiwo

Another new addition this season Femi settled in very quickly and brings pace, skill and the ability to go past players with ease With Femi in the team we have a real threat down the wings

Unfortunately a few injuries just when he was hitting form halted his progress in the back end of the season. Striker. Played – 6, Goals – 2, Assists – 3.

Kachi Njoku

First full season with us and he has given us a different dimension in attack With his physical presence, excellent hold up play and vision to play the right pass, he has contributed everytime he steps on the pitch I know the defence will be glad to have a few weeks off over the summer so Kachi can't moan at them

Centre Forward. Played – 9, Goals – 1, Assists – 4.

Jon Cross-Hackett

One of our main goal threats this season He has been a contanst thorn in defenders sides With his electric pace, unrelenting pressing and clinical finishing, he has bagged himself 20+ goals this season Which is quite astounding as he is normally still opening fifa packs at 9 30 and his idea of a warm up is to watch everyone else

Striker. Played – 22, Goals – 22, Assists – 10.

Gabs Asare-Bekoe

Last seasons top goal scorer has been just as prolific this season but due to work commitments has played less games than we would of all liked With 21 goals & 7 assists in 15 appearances, he has still lit up games With Warriors sealing promotion and Chelsea avoiding relegation, it's been good season for him

Striker. Played – 15, Goals – 21, Assists – 7.

Loz Garland

Joined at the start of the season looking for a team to help out with. He has been a huge asset this season with his wealth of experience and knowledge of the game. He also brought with him a few players which added some real quality to the squad I think he likes coming to matches as he can wear a pair of trousers, which he certainly doesn't at home! Hype Man. Played - 1, "Come on Lads" Shouts - 423

Road to the Final

Round 1: 4-2 v Hadham Rovers

This was tricky first round match for the Warriors. Hadham had started the season strong and had a good start to the game. Once the boys settled, a couple of quick fire goals put the team ahead. A missed penalty help us see out the game comfortably.

Alex Howard

Jon Cross-Hackett x2

Gabs Asare-Bekoe

Round 2: 4-1 v Brookmans Park Res

After losing two cup games against Brookmans Park first team earlier in the season, we hoped we would fair better against the reserves. A solid defensive display limited them to a few chances. A first hat-trick for Johnny helped us to a 6-1 win.

Goals

Jon Cross-Hackett x 3

Calum Paine

Round 3: 3-1 v Oceans XI

Following an easy win earlier in the season, Warriors knew Oceans would be a tougher opponent this time around. A much closer game saw us come out 4-1 winners

Goals

Jon Cross-Hackett x 2

Steven Mee x 2

Quarter Final : 3-1 v Rose & Crown Mosquitoes

A very competitive game saw us clinically race into a 3-0 lead. The game turned sour and was abandoned due to 3 players being sent off, and most of the team losing their head. Not how we had hoped to go through.

Goals

Gabs Asare-Bekoe

Adriano Gil

Steven Mee

Semi Final : 6-2 v Phoenix Res

A nervy start saw us go a goal behind. A lovely finish from Alex saw us draw level before half-time. A 6 minute hat-trick from Steve took the game away from Phoenix. Two goals from Johnny saw us cruise into the final

Goals

Jon Cross-Hackett x 2

Steven Mee x 3

Alex Howard

Welwyn Warriors' Media

Welwyn Warriors' Sponsors

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Soca Kitchen is a new destination for all Hertfordshire foodies. They can be found at Bedtime Beers, in Welwyn Garden City, which in its own right is building a booming reputation for their craft beers and their sporadic entertainment nights.

Soca Kitchen are serving up all the best dishes from the Caribbean. Their menu includes traditional dishes such as Curry Goat, Jerk Chicken and Oxtail Stew, as well as new style items; Pepper Steak Burritos and Buttermilk Fried Jerk Chicken burgers.

You can collect takeaways or have it delivered to your door exclusively through Deliveroo or come and dine in house with a wonderful selection of craft beers.

Soca Kitchen was founded in 2020 during the first national lockdown by Theo in his Mum’s kitchen. The idea was sat on for years prior, as Theo always felt as though there was a need for more representation for good quality Caribbean cuisine in Hertfordshire. What started out as a family business at home, is now a well established destination in WGC town.

He was joined by Jamie in 2022 and the two took Soca Kitchen to the next level, doing events for the likes of Boohoo and Deliveroo in London. Soca Kitchen is going from strength to strength, gaining more recognition for its flavours and style. The family passion for food can still be seen in the recipes and techniques passed down, but most importantly….tasted!

With Summer 2023 around the corner, the team is working hard to produce some memorable dates for the community. Check us out on Instagram @soca_kitchen and we will have a website coming soon! Whilst your there give @bed_time_beers a follow too! Keep you eyes and ears open for updates!

We hope to see soon for food, beers and laughs!

For any catering enquiries email socakitchenbiz@gmail.com

Alban Dynamo FC

Club History

Founded in 2021 by Kieran Wall and first team manager Lewis Wall Alban Dynamo had a rocky start to life as a club not winning a game in the first 6 months of our competitive history it was an incredibly difficult start to life as a team that wanted to change Sunday League Football

Not the start we wanted and we were debating whether to fold the club in Christmas 2021 No wins to work with and players looking to leave because of that We had a turn of good fortune in January 2022 when we beat then Division 1 team Blackberry Jacks on penalties after drawing 3-3 in 90 minutes Some achievement for us considering we couldn’t put the ball in the net or hold onto any results

The Blackberry Jack game sparked what was a huge revival for the club only going on to lose two more games and winning the rest in the second half of the season

During the summer of 2022 we decided then would be the best time to introduce a reserve team to the club and expand our brand The family unit we had spent a year and a half building quickly gathered interest reaching as far as Potters Bar The first season has been difficult for the reserves however I’m sure they will use the first team as an example that any results can be turned around with patience Reserve Team manager Aimee Smith has all the credentials to take Alban Dynamo Reserves to a trophy win in the 23/24 season

The first team has come on leaps and bounds under First team manager Lewis Wall and assistant Darren Wall Adding players like Corey Rodriguez and Sean Oliver introduced to the club by our first ever goal scorer Brodie has really helped us develop into a free flowing team that have a hunger for goals The addition to our captain Mark Read and experienced goalkeeper Ashley Rudge has also help playing our system and the ‘Dynamo Way’ Our second season has been superb but for us the club is only getting started Here’s to a long future in the Herts Ad Sunday League UTD!

Meet the Manager

Firstly I would like to thank the Herts Ad Committee and St Albans City for organisin opportunity for my players to play at this magnificent ground and the chance to play fo trophy

This season has been a real upturn in fortunes for us as a team. The season started off rocky with back to back 2-1 defeats to BWFC and Herts Vets The season quickly turned around as we found form in all the tournaments we were in, including defeating some big teams in the County cup and eventually losing in the quarter finals (unlucky in my non bias opinion)

The football we have played this year has been nothing short of superb and I cannot fault the boys for anything year Whether it’s Sean’s 30 yard screamer in the county cup or Corey’s 40 yard screamer in the league We’ve been quality this year finishing potentially 3rd in the league with the chance to do the double with the intermediate cup and charity cup

Highlights for me have to be Ash Rudges continued penalty heroics throughout the season Having 4+ players on 15+ goals and playing free flowing football that benefits both attack and defence

The chance to win two trophies is a phenomenal achievement for any football club and the lads have played like that all year. While the pressure is all on Welwyn Warriors to beat a fairly new club I know my lads can put a performance in capable of winning anything

A cup final is a massive thing for everyone involved and as my second season as a manager it’s a real honour and privilege to be here I would like to thank all the lads for their efforts this season and as we reach the final stages of 22/23 I hope we can get what we deserve.

I would like to thank my dad for his continued support and words of wisdom as I take the long path into management and my brother kieran for his excellent work both on and off the field Without either of them the club wouldn’t be what it is today Also a special mention to our sponsors, JJ Roofing who have enabled us to do what we love. The Peacock for being our number one fans and providing us with our home and 7 Sins tattoo studio for whom without we would have no reserve squad

Carpe Diem Dynamo

UTD

Lewis Wall

Alban Dynamo Squad

Ashley Rudge - Goalkeeper

Spongeyyy! The only man who can go out with £10 and come back with £20, a man that’s transformed the team since coming to us from Beehive, he loves the badge and we love him!

Aaron Morrisey

The knee brace is very deceiving, blink and you’ll miss him, Dynamo's very own Messi.

Kieran Wall

Compared to Henderson or Milner, put him there and he’ll do the job

Harry Peter

HP like the sauce! Lightening quick and got us through the first round with a 90th minute equaliser!

Sean Oliver

He’s a player you want on your team believe me, incredible footballer and loves a rave his footwork shows that!

Gene Taylor

Loved by everyone! we’re pretty sure he’s a secret black belt with some of the clearances this guy does!

Alban Dynamo Squad

Corey Rodriguez

True story he turned down a contract in Spain to come play with his mates on a Sunday (he turned it down because it wasn’t right for him but we enjoy the other story better) What a footballer this boy is!

Harrison Baker

Proper lad, loves a Guinness, as much as we love him! Scored 3 goals this season (All unintentional) Cracking player

Ollie West

Unreal on the pitch, unreal in the octagon. Top top lad.

Jenson Read

This man loves a night out, it’s a weekly occurrence, but we let him off because of that beauty of a right foot!

Leo Collier

A Pitbull, no other way to describe him! The good looks and charm are very deceiving

Cain Joseph

A real fan favourite, loves the badge, we love him. A true love story.

Alban Dynamo Squad

Mark Read

The General, The Skipper, the man in the middle of the park, this geeza is mustard. Also known as the Dad of the group (Could be grandad but we don’t want to be harsh)

Ben Smith

Or as we call him, Brexit! You’ll see today, that man loves a header, rumour has it he once split a bowling ball in half with that head.

Louis Batstone

Wow, just wow. 40 yards, 30 yards, 20 yards no problem, 5? We’re working on it.

Jamie Jay

There will never be a day this man’s hair doesn’t look freshly cut, 3x a week he gets it cut we reckon and he loves a pint that man!

Brodie Carrington-Pearce

If you know, you know. The name and left peg has its own reputation.

Kade Beeson

KDB - not a nickname just genuinely his initials, some of the tidiest feet you’ll see in Herts this lad!

Road to the Final

Round 1: 7-1 v Moretown

Playing a lower league opposition is always tough to motivate a group of lads however today was not one of those days To describe us as red hot would be an understatement, everything we touched turned to goals with goals coming from Ben and Cain with one each, Brodie getting 2 and Sean getting a Hat-trick Some questionable lino skills (Dazza still thinks he was on) got Moretown their consolation but for us it was into the next round!

Round 2: 3-3 (5-3 Pens) v Strafford Arms Res

A game that could arguably win game of the season in any league Strafford were top of division 3 and had already battered us the week before 5-1 in the league! It was end to end stuff for the majority of it with goals coming from Sean and Westy The equaliser coming in the 95th minute from HP to send us into extra time Limbs is an understatement! Extra time quickly came and went as it was time for penalties and our ginger hero Ash stepped up and pulled off two saves that Neuer would have been proud of The start of our solid cup runs started here!

Round 3: 2-0 v Pinewood FC

At the time top of Division 2 and undefeated going away to Pinewood is always tough, played them last season and lost in the last second of the game, revenge was always on the cards for us A day where simple yet beautiful football took control We quickly established dominance in the game and made the opposition do all the running. Quality goals from Louis and Brodie took the game away from Pinewood, into the next round!!

Quarter Final: 4-0 v BWSC

Quarter Final: 4-0 v BWSC

BWSC are always a tough game, often to compared to the lines of Burnley with their robust style of play, Another game another top of the league opposition that went tumbling over against Dynamo, 2 Goals from Louis, added to by Cain and then arguably a goal capable of winning the Puskas award by Corey sees us sail through into the Semi Finals, Dynamo worthy winners on the day.

Semi Final:

3-1 v Hatfield Seniors

A game where again Dynamo go into it as the underdogs (again). To simply sum up our semi final performance, perfect football and perfect shape. Beating the Division 2 Champions with excellent goals coming from Cain, Corey and Leo we controlled the game for large portions of it and played champagne football Arguably the performance of the season when needed it most Big game for Big players and Dynamo came out on top!

Alban Dynamo Media

Alban Dynamo Sponsors

Intermediate Cup History

1967/68 - Hatfield United

1976/77 - Fox & hounds

1977/78 - Jolly Sailor

1978/79 - Fox & Hounds

1979/80 - Fox & Hounds

1980/81 - Abbot Gunners

1981/82 - Rose & Crown

1982/83 - Gt. Northern

1983/84 - Queens Head

1984/85 - Collinsons J.F.

1985/86 - Napsbury Hosp

1986/87 - Michaelians

1987/88 - Folly

1988/89 - Ryan Plant Hire

1989/90 - Fox & Hounds

1990/91 - R/Castle Gr Res

1991/92 - Warriors

1992/93 - Cotlandswick

1993/94 - Redbourne C.C.

1994/95 - Datalogic

1995/96 - Wheathampstead

1996/97 - De Havilland

1997/98 - Mile House

1998/99 - Rats Castle

1999/00 - London Col/BCH

Adam Knight