Presidents Charity Cup Final – Preview: 21 Apr, 2017
The OBDSFL showpiece cup final takes place this weekend and after last season where the final was competed between two sides out of the top flight this season sees tow Senior Division sides looking to claim the Presidents Charity Cup. Two times winners Vista face an FC Elmstead side who have returned to the OBDSFL after a few seasons absence. Who will prevail in this one?
Vista go into this match as favourites. They are challenging for the league title with defending champions FC Bickley and they have also booked their place in the Paul Picard Cup final where they will meet Midway. This potentially is the first part of a treble that was done by Kenningwell United in the 2013/14 season and, all be it in a slightly different way, Ex-Blues Colts last season. Vista won this competition in 2013 where they put in a fantastic performance to beat Baldon Sports 5-0. That day they were the under dogs against a side that up until the weekend before, where Baldon lost in the Paul Picard Cup final, were looking to claim a treble. This time that pressure is on Vista, although their route to the final would suggest this is a side that doesn’t feel pressure. In the 3rd round Vista opened up against last seasons winners Ex-Blues and they beat the Division 2 side 5-1. In the next round Vista had another potential banana skin as they took on Division 1 side Barnehurst. They were also dumped out with Vista winning 8-3. In the Quarter Finals, Premier Division side Groundhoppers were swept aside as Vista saw off the one time Senior Division side 6-0. In the semi-finals Vista met cup experts Orpington Rovers. Rovers might be in Division 3, but they are not to be underestimated, and Vista didn’t fall into that trap seeing them off 4-2.
Elmstead won’t be bothered by their underdog status here. Currently the side are at the bottom of the Senior Division table but that hasn’t stopped them in reaching this final. They have never won this competition but Elmstead have won an OBDSFL cup competition. That was way back in 1990 when they lifted the Jack Standen Cup. 27 years is a long time to wait and we are going to take a good guess that none of the players from that day are in the current squad. Although we can’t find the details, Elmstead did have their joy in the Metropolitan Sunday Football League and big game final experience shouldn’t be a factor favouring any side here. Elmstead started their run to the final in the 3rd round when they beat Division 1 side West Wickham 3-1. It was Premier Division opposition in the 4th round as they took on Craven Park, who were having a good run in the Kent FA Junior Cup competition. Elmstead beat them 3-0 to set up a quarter final clash against Division 2 side Greencourt. Greencourt are another side having a good run in Kent FA competition this season but Elmstead avoided slipping up here beating them 4-1. In the semi-finals they met fellow Senior Division side Hatcham and despite the league position not being in their favour Elmstead won through beating Hatcham 2-1.
The sides have met twice this campaign. The first meeting came in the Paul Picard Cup where Vista won 3-1 at Elmstead. In the league, Elmstead were again the hosts but despite the match being played in December, Vista was in hot form as they won 6-1. The second league meeting between these sides is due in the coming weeks.
This is due to be the last game on the hallowed grass of Bromley FC before the 4G Pitch is laid down, so it is a great honour for both sides. Not that will feature much in either teams build up to this game. Cup finals can produce some excellent stories and of course there are likely to be heroes and villains. There is definitely a favourite going into this match but with the magic of the cup who knows what will happen. Both sides have the big game experience behind them so it will be a case of who can produce cup winning form on the day. Should be a cracking final.
Good luck to both Vista and FC Elmstead ahead of the final and we hope both sets of players, coaches and indeed supporters enjoy the day.
Article Extracted from : https://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/kingsdalefc/News/view/938709