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PICTURE: Britwell pose with the Sid Hurley Challenge (League) Cup silverware after a 4-0 win against Old Windsor in the final at the 1878 Stadium in Burnham on Bank Holiday Monday. PHOTO: Gary House.
Britwell manager John Brennan has challenged his team to continue to write themselves into the history books after winning a first-ever East Berkshire Football League Cup Final this season.
The local community is revelling in a golden generation of football in Britwell at the moment, with the Steamteam retaining the EBFL Premier Division title as well as reaching the Maidenhead Norfolkian Senior Cup Final.
Britwell were just too good for their league rivals when leading the race for the title from start to finish, and once again proved their dominance with a 4-0 win against Old Windsor in the League Cup Final at 1878 Stadium in Burnham.
Charlie Graves was an unlikely hero in the Final on Monday, the central defender scoring a hat-trick, before Daniel Malloy added to the celebrations with a fourth goal.
It is the first time Britwell F.C. has ever won the League Cup competition - Britwell Hawks lifted the famous silverware in 1990.
Brennan said: “My reaction was of joy and relief because it was a big occasion with a big crowd, and we needed that win to make history again.
PICTURE: Britwell players prepare to lift the Cup silverware and celebrate with teammates. PHOTO: Gary House.
“I think the scoreline was worthy as we were the better team. When our tempo is high and the decision making from the players is on point, there’s no team in the EBFL that can beat us, in my opinion.
“There were a number of emotions for me personally at the final whistle; relief, elation and pride. But, all of that was overshadowed by being able to bring our Chairman (Sean Wright) onto the pitch, with all our players, their children, and sponsors also. The feeling I had was indescribable and I’m so glad that we got these moments on film as they too soon become a memory. That said, these are the moments that I’ll never forget.”
The Britwell boss continued: “Winning the Cup for the first time and creating history is massive for me. Sean messaged me after the game and told me he would die a happy man and that I’m a legend in our area now. For Sean to tell me that, a man who has overseen my football since Under 11s and was my neighbour for the best part of 20 years, means the world to me.
“We need to mention the players also, and people like Stuart Molder and Dean Isernia. These are proper characters and mercurial talents from the estate who are always behind our team and backing us. These are two special players who still follow and stay a part of our Club, and to me that is the Britwell way. We always stick together.”
Commenting on his hat-trick hero, Graves, Brennan added: “It was a cracking performance by Charlie and the goals were a bonus. He backed himself before kick off to score but I don’t think he quite had a hat-trick in mind.
“There was also a special performance from our Club member, George Torpey. And Charlie dedicated them goals to the memory of George’s partner, Isobel England, who very sadly and recently lost her fight with cancer.”
PICTURE: Britwell striker Daniel Malloy celebrates after scoring the fourth goal in the 4-0 win against Old Windsor. PHOTO: Gary House.
Brennan added: “In Britwell’s first Cup final under my management, the 2012 EBFL Presidents Cup, Jack Banks scored a hat-trick as a fresh-faced striker from off the estate. Jack doesn’t play any more due to work commitments but he was some player on his day.”
Britwell booked their ticket to the Maidenhead Norfolkian Senior Cup Final with a 3-2 win at Reading City Under 23s on Saturday. The Steamteam will meet EBFL rivals Southcote in the Final at the 1878 Stadium in Burnham on Saturday 20 May (2pm KO).
Britwell is also favourites to reach the Final in the EBFL Challenge Cup after taking their record in the Group Stage to three wins from three matches with a 2-1 success at KS Gryf on Wednesday night. The two goals came from Alfie Keeler and Connor Moore.
Brennan and his team only need to avoid defeat in their final Group Stage match away at Southcote this Wednesday night (6pm) to secure a place in the Final at the 1878 Stadium on Wednesday 17 May (2pm).
Brennan said: "I would say that in regards to EBFL football, we are probably the best team about but, I can't be definitive with that until we win everything to be honest. There is still two more Cup competitions to win this season and, in order to really cement my claims, we need to win them both to set that bar and make not just Club history but Slough football history."
To enter the East Berkshire Football League ahead of the 2023/24 season, or for further information about the league, or an entry form for the upcoming season, please email the team at contactebfl@gmail.com
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