Many county and league cup finals are played at a Football League ground, and for the players it may be the only chance they have to play there. The Liverpool FA's practice of drawing it at the home of one of the participants probably makes a virtue out of a necessity. Anfield and Goodison are unlikely to be available, and a crowd of 750 would rattle in Prenton Park or the Halton Stadium. In the Marine Travel Arena, however, it made for a lively atmosphere with two sets of enthusiastic supporters.
Having the match ball on a stand seems de rigeur these days. Another photographer, with commendable attention to detail, made sure the Nike swoosh was the right way up.
The referee giving the ball his total, undivided attention ... |
... phew, no accidental comedy moment. |
Valter Fernandes |
Harry Cain |
The first half an hour was a cagey affair, with neither side looking to take risks early on. We opened the scoring with a penalty, dispatched by Chris Almond.
Chris Almond scores from the spot |
Ben Barnes |
... and a third just after. The corner arrangement of floodlights meant I took up position behind the goal, with satisfactory results.
The definitive use of a shiny advertising board for reflecting a goal celebration |
As I was behind the goal, I heard the steward briefing our supporters on the logistics - giving the players five minutes' rest after the final whistle, and then bringing the supporters on to the pitch to watch the presentation in the stand. I missed Josh Klein-Davies completing the scoring.
Josh Klein-Davies |
... I realised I was heading away from the imminent celebrations, so retraced my steps.
Scenes |
It was easier to get an image pitchside.
Unlike last year, when the County FA seemed keen to rescue their silverware from all those people with their collapsing fences, the trophy was allowed in the dressing room.
After a rather anxious looking chap popped his head round the door fifteen minutes later to ask if we had finished with their cup, the management took their turn in the more restrained atmosphere of the board room.
After this, the pictures needed to be processed - first up were a couple of the presentation, then the game. I had to disappoint the players, when pictures from the dressing room went in the queue behind those from the next game, although they had plenty of their own selfies to keep them going.
The rest of the pictures from the game can be seen on the club website here, and on Google Photos here, those from the presentation on the club website here, and on Google Photos here.
Final score: Marine 0 Prescot Cables 4 (Almond pen, Dean 2, Klein-Davies)
* The first rule is to remove the lens cap.