Like Manchester City the previous day, Game Changer FC picked up runners-up medals after they were defeated 9-1 by Division One outfit Futures FC in the Sheffield & Hallamshire Flourish League Cup Final – held at Kiverton Park FC.
Futures FC, who beat the Reds 8-0 in a friendly just over twelve months ago, proved too much for the Barnsley side who produced a spirited performance, yet, gives them hope that next season they might go one better.
Game Changer had reached the final after eliminating RvB Hillsborough 6-3 in the Quarter-Finals at Concord Park, before they defeated Division One side Yorkshire Athletic FC 3-0 on 10th April, which was played at Frickley. Meanwhile Futures FC reached the final of this year’s competition following an 8-2 victory at Soccer Club (SC) Wanderers Flourish on 3rd March, before claiming a landslide 7-0 victory at the Eco-Power Stadium (Doncaster), on 7th April against Aston Swallownest Juniors White.
The Reds came into this fixture without; Joe Stones, Dean Noble, Lewis Ripley, and Tom Watson – who were all absent. Manager, Matthew Townsend, was further thwarted after winger Jack Riley pulled up injured in the warm up and wasn’t available for the match. Levi Wilkinson took his place.
Futures FC 9-1 Game Changer
Sunday, 26th May 2024 – 10:00 AM
Flourish League Cup Final @ Kiverton Park FC
Game Changer won the kick-off, but it was Futures who got off to the better start - scoring after 4 minutes. Prior to this, keeper Ryan Hunter was tested at his near post by their #21. At the other end, Callum Brammer's deep cross was connected by Jamie Moore’s stretching left foot but couldn't steer the ball goalwards. Futures broke away and got their goal when there pacey #10 winger cut the ball across goal and was easily tapped home from close range.
Moments later, the Reds were awarded with a free-kick on the edge of the area after their keeper collected the ball narrowly outside of the area, but Dean Crawford's effort was blocked by the wall.
The Sheffield side doubled their lead on 19 minutes after they were awarded a free-kick 25-yards from goal. #10's strike took a deflection off the wall before nestling in the bottom left-hand corner.
They added a third on 32 minutes but, beforehand, a rash clearance from Hunter passed the ball to unmarked striker on the edge of the box but he recovered the first time shot at the expense of a corner. From the delivery they hit the crossbar before Brammer cleared for another corner. It was from this set piece that the delivery cruelly bounced off Townsend’s head as he attempted to duck out of the way and the ball nestled in the bottom corner.
The break went in with Futures three goals to the good and Game Changer rarely threatening the final third.
Game Changer started the second half well, but Futures almost scored a fourth after an unmarked player from a corner headed the ball against the foot of the post on the angle. However, it was 4-0 moments later after a powerful effort from the edge of the area from #21 proved too powerful for Hunter.
Twelve minutes into the second half, Changer pulled a goal back through a Crawford double. After Brandon Jones won a corner Dean Crawford's set piece was punched by the keeper and his brother, Scott, volleyed home!
Two minutes later Futures extended their lead after #10 raced clear to fire home past Hunter. At the other end, a delicious ball through to Moore from substitute Kevin Laws found the striker in shooting range. He opted to feed the ball to his left to an unmarked Dean Crawford, but the attacker couldn’t get his shot on target from the angle.
Despite defeat the Reds didn't give up the ghost as they created opportunities in the final third but struggled to test the keeper. They came close to adding a second three minutes from time after a loose ball fell to the edge of the area and substitute Paul Holland narrowly fired the ball over the top.
In total, Futures had scored nine goals throughout the 90 minutes but were denied the opportunity of double figures after Hunter pulled out impressive saves. As the ninety minutes drew to a close, they were gifted a penalty following a trip in the box from Jordan Ibbotson. From twelve yards out, Hunter expertly dived the right way to push away the spot-kick to safety.
The sound of the referees whistle brought and to the match and the 2023-24 season. A guard of honour was given to both participants as all players involved were awarded medals for their efforts.
Team (4-4-2): Ryan Hunter, Brett Hanson, Joe Deakin (C), Matthew Townsend, Callum Brammer, Brandon Jones, Jordan Ibbotson, Dean Crawford, Levi Wilkinson, Callum Brown, Jamie Moore. Subs: Liam Potter, Tyler Carlton-Smith, Paul Holland, Scott Crawford, Cameron Harrison, and Kevin Laws.
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