EAGLES TO MARK JUBILEE OF CUP HISTORY

THE Generation Cup Finals take place at St George’s Park next Sunday with Crystal Palace, Civil Service and Upton Park battling it out to lift a trophy to mark the FA Cup’s 150th anniversary.

Nine clubs from the inaugural competition came together this season to celebrate the world famous competition and are now down to a final three.

Dubbed The Generation Cup, and supported by Fruitflow+Omega3, the competition aims to celebrate the inclusiveness where club legends of yesteryear can share the same pitch with players of today.

Maidenhead United, Royal Engineers, Clapham Rovers, The Wanderers and Reigate Priory also took part.

Split into groups of three, the teams battled it out in 60-minute games at the end of October and early November at Hitchin Town and Park Lane in Reigate.

Palace’s team for the group stage was managed by Mark Bright and featured former striker Andy Johnson, with the Eagles hoping to put another good side out.

Civil Service are on for a unique double having also reached the London Amateur Cup semi-final, while Upton Park have five sets of fathers and sons, including England Over-60 international Neil Banfield.

The Bobby Charlton pitch, where England’s senior teams train, at St George’s Park will host the games.

The Jeff Astle Foundation are also supporting the event, with Dawn Astle due to attend.

Organiser Jon Hunter said: “We’re delighted and thankful for their support. What Dawn and the foundation have done so far has been amazing with looking out for those players that need support. From a personal point of view, Jeff Astle’s goal in the 1968 FA Cup final was the first final I remember, plus him being the first striker to score in every round of the cup, so it’s very fitting.

“We’re hoping for a full crowd for what we are allowed on what we hope will be a really good day.”

Tickets are available on Crystal Palace’s website or contact Jon directly on Jonathan.hunter42@gmail.com