Challenge Cup Final Report 2004/05

KPMG 4 Stephenson Harwood 0, Wednesday 6th April 2005 at Dulwich Hamlet F.C.

Report courtesy of KPMG and Stephenson Harwood.

Going into the game, both sides knew that the Legal League Challenge Cup final would be a high quality match.  Although the sides had not met previously, KPMG had recently sealed their second consecutive first division championship, while Stephenson Harwood were champions elect of the second division and had seen off Linklaters (first division runners-up) in their semi-final.

The first half was very keenly fought.  KPMG pushed hard in the early phases.  A free kick was awarded on the edge of the Stephenson Harwood penalty area and a quick pass to the side of the wall led to Rob Melvin slotting from a narrow angle. Stephenson Harwood were cheered on by their fans and responded by passing the ball well in the midfield.  They had several promising attacks but the KPMG defence managed to clean these up well.

Near the end of the half, following a period of Stephenson Harwood pressure, KPMG's Nick Marsden received the ball from ’keeper Greg Smith and dribbled almost the entire length of the field before his fierce shot was blocked by the Stephenson Harwood keeper.  Marc Ashdown was unlucky not to tuck away the rebound.

The sandy pitch proved to be much different from the Astroturf that both sides were used to playing on.  Not only did it make passing somewhat more difficult but when combined with the fast pace of the game, both teams began to tire as the game wore on.

In the second half, KPMG’s midfield started to control the play and enjoyed the majority of possession.  Nick Marsden and Mike Jolley chased every ball and drove the team forward in the middle, whilst Oliver Dickinson (on at half time for Jon Latham) and Rob Melvin enjoyed more space out wide as the opposition stated to tire.

Early in the half, Nick Marsden initiated a forward move and after receiving the ball back struck a good shot into the lower right hand corner from the edge of the box.  Soon after, with Stephenson Harwood throwing caution to the wind despite fading fitness, KPMG's Marc Ashdown skillfully flicked a cross into the same corner of the net.  The fourth goal was blasted in by Peter Oliver from the right hand side of the box.

With a four goal buffer, KPMG started to enjoy the game much more and had several other good chances.  Mike Brown was unlucky not to score after coming on as a substitute.

By the final whistle both teams were exhausted.  The match was hard fought in a good spirit and both teams enjoyed an end of season drink in the Dulwich Hamlet FC clubhouse after the game.

Thanks go to the League from both teams for all their efforts in organising this year’s League and Cup competitions.  I’m sure we speak on behalf of all teams in recognising the tireless efforts that allow us to enjoy our weekly football.