Report

Brentham FC eventually got to play their MCFL Senior Open Cup final against FC Romania at Uxbridge FC on Saturday 12 May following a postponement due to a waterlogged pitch on the previous scheduled date. 

The weather on this occasion was almost perfect as were the playing conditions. FC Romania had made the trip over from Leyton and brought a considerable number of noisy supporters with them.

Things started well for Brentham who enjoyed a considerable amount of early pressure and looked dangerous on several set pieces which FC Romania struggled to deal with. The Romanian side eventually began to create opportunities of their own but both sides failed to find the target. 

Whilst the forwards were missing their lines, the goal keepers were the main talking point. The Brentham custodian, Fraser Coxhill, was resolute and agile throughout, making some superb saves to thwart Romanian attacks, both on the break and at set pieces. What Romania’s number 1,  Teodor Ursachi, lacked in agility and kicking power, he gained in height at 6'7" tall. He was quite literary a colossal obstacle but Brentham were still determinedly pushing to find a gap. 

Brentham finally took the lead on 25 minutes following a series of passes which lead to Rob Aitken pulling the ball back across the penalty box and out to the edge of the area where it was met by the advancing Luke Budden. His side footed effort found the top corner of the goal giving the tall keeper no chance.

Within minutes, Romania were on level terms when Sergiu Pitaru broke through and slotted past the advancing Coxhill.

The first half was a great end-to-end encounter with both teams creating scoring chances but only FC Romania were to find the net again. Coxhill brilliantly parried two efforts from close range but Ovidin Copcioae followed up to give Romania the lead.

Moments later, Jack Townson had a great chance to level the match but his close range shot blazed high over the bar and into the car park.

One last Brentham attack before the break saw Elliot Turton-Cumberland latch on to a pass from Martin Mee and his cross-cum-shot from an acute angle drifted over Ursachi and off the cross bar back into play.

The second half was not as exciting as the first from a spectator viewpoint and both sides began to show some tiredness in the legs from their first half exertions.

Midway through, FC Romania opened the gap in their lead when Sirbu deftly flicked the ball with the back of his boot and sprinted away from his marker. Coxhill tried to make himself as big as possible but the Romanian slotted the ball out of his reach and into the corner.

Brentham heads began to drop and whilst they harried and hustled the Romania players, they could not find the goals they so desperately needed.

Player/ Manager, Jamie Cuttica made some late substitutions and with fresh legs on the field, Brentham did manage a few late efforts, notably, a shot from Greg Sykes which sailed wide and further misses from Rob Aitken and Martin Mee who had put in a shift in centre midfield throughout.

It had been a glorious afternoon where fans and officials from all corners relaxed in bright sunshine, and players contested a fine “international” final. Both teams were equally committed but one ultimately was stronger.

Photos

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•