LONDON’S FINAL PAIR ENTER THE LIONS’ DEN
MILLWALL FC’S home, The Den, plays host to the all-London clash between Newham’s Baiteze and Highgate Albion in the final of The FA Sunday Cup.
The competition is only open to those players who are not under written contract but the degree of sophistication and professionalism shown by these clubs is mightily impressive.
Clubs provide dietary advice and sleep schedules in the build up to a big cup tie, belying the pre-conceived notion of the pot-bellied Sunday morning footballer.
Andy Westwood, manager of Hardwick Social, who won the cup in 2017 and 2018 said: “The whole itinerary of the day was emailed to the squad, from pre-match to water consumption, our corner routines were carefully mapped out; it was all detailed.”
Baiteze were originally a group of footballers who got together in 2017 to show off their skills to display on YouTube, many of which went viral.
It wasn’t long before the idea of forming a Sunday team took hold despite some mocking their non-traditional origins and they are now flying high in the Essex Sunday Corinthian League.
“People are now sitting up and taking notice,” said their manager 26-year-old Billy Hession said.
“We’ve had some big results, playing teams from Doncaster, Ipswich and
Middlesbrough to get to the final.
“You really need to bring your “A” game if you are going to beat us!”
Barnet Sunday League side Highgate Albion can trace their roots back to 1982 and now run four teams and have over 200 registered players.
Wearing two hats for Albion is their manager and secretary Adam Shahein who has been with the club seven years.
“I started my own club when I was 19, I’m 43 now and I’ve always done everything,” he said. “I prefer it to be honest, as this way I know where the money is going.
“When we are good going forward, we are really good, but we like to soak up and defend, be compact and hit them on the break.
“We are ruthless when we get a chance and we like to play in their defensive third. If we lose it, we want to get it back as soon as possible, we are relentless.”
Westwood’s final parting advice to the two managers: “On the day try to enjoy the occasion and cherish the memories. It arrives and goes so quickly.”