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Who will win the premiership

Hetton Champions of England

Hettons Big Day Out
Sunday 30th April 2006 Annfield Liverpool kick off 3.00pm
Stepys Coaches Durham and District Sunday League side Hetton Lyons Cricket Club came close to running up a cricket score in the final of The FA Sunday Cup at Anfield but thanks to a stubborn late surge , Leading 4-1 against fancied opponents St Joseph's (Luton) there was still 30 minutes of the match left when midfielder Stuart Brightwell rifled in to put the match way beyond the reach of their opponents. That St Joseph's were able to stem the tide and strike back twice in the last quarter was a testament to their own skill and remarkable courage. With 26 goals in six outings before the final, it wasn't entirely unexpected that Hetton Lyons would become the first side to score five times in a one-off Sunday Cup final.
And St Joseph's contribution, pulling the final score back to a respectable 5-3 ensured this blood-and-thunder contest was the highest scoring final in the competition's 42-year history. "They were simply outstanding," said a generous St Joseph's manager Mick Conneely, who had won the title twice as a player in the 1990's. "No team has ever done that to St Joseph's in all my time at the club. What can you say? They were absolutely brilliant."

Conneely clearly felt that despite the defeat, his side had played their part in a special game that went way above expectation. "We stayed with them for half an hour and then they blew us away," he said. "But I was immensely proud of the way we fought back to score twice near the end. Hetton kept the ball down and moved it around superbly. And when we had it, they put us under enormous pressure. They were hunting us down in threes. It was frightening at times. "I can't be despondent about being beaten by the better team in a cracking game at one of the most fantastic grounds in the world." Hetton's manager Bradley Groves said that the final scoreline might not have been a reflection of his side's dominance but that St Josephąs had deserved reward for showing enormous spirit with their late surge.
"It takes two sides to make a game like this and it was a classic. Everyone who participated knew they had been involved in something very special".
Itąs not the end of the season for Groves who, with his side, is on target to win a staggering six competitions. Last season Hetton Lyons were unbeaten in the league, dropping just four points and won three competitions in all.
"Our goal, is to win both the Cup competitions outstanding and to finish the season unbeaten again in the league."
Brightwell was Carlsberg's Man-of-the Match for a thrilling hat-trick scored in a 25 minute period either side of half time.
Also on the scoresheet were Gary Pearson who bagged the opener in the 13th minute and Adam Johnston, who belted in a 30 yard special soon after the break.
Tommy Hayes equalised Pearson's early strike in the 15th minute and then substitute Tony Fontanelle and Hitchin striker Tommy Hayes spared Luton's blushes late on.

The Road to the Final.

HETTON LYONS CC – ROUTE TO THE FINAL
First Round
Hetton Lyons 4 v Seaton Sluice 1
Hetton were pleased to have their first home draw in two seasons in the competition and in front of 200 strong crowd dispatched Seaton with goals from Stuart Brightwell, Patrick Little and a double from Sub Roy Allen in an eventful second half.
Second Round
Shankhouse United 1 – Hetton Lyons 8
Having been drawn against Shankhouse the year before the Lyons knew they were in for a tough game, an Adam Johnston hat-trick supported by strikes from Darren Roulston, Gary Pearson, Steven Leadbitter, Paul Hinton and Stuart Brightwell saw off the Northumberland side.
Third Round
Queensbury 0 – Hetton Lyons 5
The Lyons travelled to Bradford for this game knowing little of their opponents, but produced a solid display to progress into the last 16. Steven Leadbitter scored a hat-trick with further goals from Roy Allen and Leon Ryan
Fourth Round
Nicosia 2 – Hetton Lyons 5
Playing against the former two-time winners was to prove to be a real test of character for the Lyons, one that they surpassed with flying colours, Roy Allen scored 4 as the Durham side made it to the Quarter-final for the second season in succession, Steven Leadbitter was also on the score sheet.
Fifth Round
Seymour KFCA 0 – Hetton Lyons 2
On a severely weathered pitch Hetton won through to the Semi- Finals for the first time in their history, the Lyons overcame an early onslaught from the home side to deliver a goal in each half from Ben Ryan and Stuart Brightwell to send the travelling support into raptures.
Semi-Final (Durham City FC)
Hetton Lyons C.C. 2 - 1 Birstall Stamford
A pulsating match at Durham City saw the Lyons make to their first National Final at Anfield, Stamford's Stephen Weafer opened the scoring but Lyon's front-man Roy Allen hit the equalizer before the break, a great 2nd half saw the Lyons hit both Post and Bar before Adam Johnston scored the winner with 6 minutes to go.

The FA Sunday Cup

The FA Sunday Cup gives the country’s leading Sunday League sides the unique chance to compete against each other in a nationally recognised competition and the chance to reach the final at a prestigious ground. Last season’s final is between Durham’s Hettons Lyons Cricket Club and St Joseph’s (Luton) at Premiership giants Liverpool’s famous Anfield ground on Sunday.
Hetton Lyons C.C. was founded in 1955, playing both cricket and football for many seasons.
The team is largely made up of players from the Northern League Division One and Two and their 5-2 win over former champions, Nicosia in the Fourth Round certainly made everyone sit up and take notice. St Joseph’s were founded in the 1970/71 season from the Harp Social Club in Luton and started playing in the South Beds Sunday League. They first entered The FA Sunday Cup in 1987/88 season, their performance improving each year. A semi final appearance in 1993 was followed up by two wins, in 1995 they beat B&A Scaffolding from Hull 2-1 and 1996 Croxteth & Gilmoss RBL 2-1. Since then they have made two further appearances in the National Final, losing both games on penalties. Former Liverpool and Wales legend Ian Rush will be the FA’s Chief Guest at the final. The nation’s flagship Sunday League football competition was bigger and better this season with more clubs than ever before vying for the ultimate glory at this level of the game. This is the fourth season that Carlsberg has been the FA’s Presenting Partner for the FA Sunday Cup, which forms an integral part of their support of football in this country. Carlsberg is also the FA’s Presenting Partner for the FA Trophy and the FA Vase, highlighting their commitment to non-league and grassroots football.

The Squad that got them their

HETTON LYONS CC PLAYER PROFILES
Craig Sheilds (Goalkeeper)
This is Craig`s first season with the club, a great goalkeeper who absolutely loves his mobile phone.
John Caffrey (Goalkeeper)
“Spiderman” was absolutely outstanding last season got injured half way through this season and went AWOL, but we found him in “Witherspoons” and he’s back now.
Andy Bowes (Defender)
Andy’s in his 4th season with the club he’s an outstanding defender with a crappy haircut…He had a 6 month break in 2003/04 when he was in “Cherry Knowle”.
Leon Ryan (Defender)
The best player, the best looking and the best lad in the whole world………what more can I say…….in his first season with the club.
Ian Dixon (Defender)
In his second spell at the club, one of the two “rat boys”….a great songwriter who loves telling people he has won The FA Vase.
Martin Bowes (Defender)
In his third season at the club, came as a forward, last season played in midfield, this at the back, next season he’ll be in goal. He also has crappy haircut like his brother
Matty Hyson (Defender): In his 6th season with the club, one of the Teeside boys who is always smiling and a quality singer…..Not a bad player either
Graham Liddle (Defender)
Liddsiano in his 3rd season with the club had a stop start season with work commitments injury and suspensions…….Great lad who loves a tackle
Matty Taylor (Defender)
In his 7th season with the club, when he is fit and switched on there is nobody better…….but the problem being over the last two years he’s never been fit or switched on
Paddy Little (Defender)
PC Paddy in his second season with the club, Mr. Consistent never has a bad game……….Pity he’s a copper
Jason Ainsley (Midfielder)
Team Captain and Assistant Manager, been outstanding in the 6 years he has been here, the leader of the Teesiders, who rivals Dicka as top songwriter….P.S. Jase was a pro with Hartlepool who played at HIGHBURY
Darren Roulston (Midfielder)
Another one of the Teeside boys, in his 5th season the other “rat boy” little Daz loves covering every blade of grass and tackling anything that moves
Steven Leadbitter (Midfielder)
In his 1st season with the club has had an outstanding season, a great lad who has hair like wire wool
Gary Pearson (Midfielder)
Returned to the club after 4 years in the pro game with Darlington and York, “Chesney” is a tremendous player who plays exactly like his older brother Reg except, doesn’t get sent off as much
Jon Cullen (Midfielder)
Jon has been a pro with Hartlepool and Sheffield Utd…Now he’s just working his way down the league’s……Joined us halfway through this season because we were still in All England Cup
Ben Ryan (Midfielder)
Ginger Ben is in his 6th season with us, a flying wide man who is only second to Canna with the sick notes
Stuart Brightwell (Midfielder)
In his 4TH season with the club tricky winger who is re-discovering his form after an absolute nightmare season last season where he nearly got his P45
Alan Pearson (Midfielder): Longest serving player, who just plays the odd league game because of a serious knee injury which kept him out for 3 years, he started this season but had a five month suspension, because of a violent assault-fantastic….The club captain “Reggie Hotdog” is the life a soul of the club along with his side kick Stuey Buckshot
Adam Johnston (Forward)
“Knashers” is in his 2nd season with the club, another one who is always smiling except when he has to pay his fine for always being late…..Adam is pure quality
Roy Allen (Forward): “Tracy Chapman” is in his third season with the club, but missed all last season through injury, a great goalscorer who can catch pigeons, everybody loves Royston
Paul “HE`S BLUFFING”Hinton (Forward)
In his 5th season with the club, when he’s not modeling or playing poker he does a great job for the club
George Woodhouse (Forward)
Georgie is in his 3rd season with the club and the 4th member of the Teeside boys…..George is the oldest man in the world but has got tremendous goals per game ratio
Michael Canavan (Forward)
The “Can Man” when fit is great player at the back or up front, but he is always injured, been here 5 years and played about 20 games
BRADLEY GROVES (Manager): “Roman A”BRAD”ovitch as we like to call him, Brad has worked wonders with the club since it was reformed 8 seasons ago……But thank god he doesn’t put his boots on too often now
Stuart Gooden (Assistant Manager) Buckshot has been Assistant Manager for past three seasons after two seasons as a player……Everybody knows he’s “the real manager” except Brad, and along with his best pal Reggie Hotdog he is the life and sole of the club
Colin Shanks (Management Team)
Shanko Baresi retired as a player four seasons ago, but has rejoined the club this season on the management team…..Shanka is also a great river dancer
Sean Carr (Committee)
Sean “Cudgey” Carr has been with the club since it was reformed; only this year has stepped down from the management team because of work commitments
John Defty (Physio/Committee)
“Chicken Dipper”, Little Jonny is the physio and entertainments manager, who is a white soul man
Kenny Wade (Kit Man)
Leitchy`s little helper, Kenny has been with the club for two seasons, although nobody knows because he says nowt until he’s drunk……One half of Max and Paddy.
David Leitch (Secretary)
Leitchy has been with the club since it was reformed first as kit man and the last couple of years as secretary, Davie eats, drinks, sleeps and breathes for the Lyons………….The other half of Max and Paddy who everybody loves even though he’s Scottish

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