Britwell out to stamp their authority on football in Berkshire with a win in the League Cup Final

PICTURE: Britwell meet Old Windsor in the Sid Hurley Challenge (League) Cup Final at the 1878 Stadium in Burnham on Bank Holiday Monday (1st May, 2pm KO).

Britwell manager John Brennan has challenged his team to win the Sid Hurley Challenge (League) Cup Final to prove that they are without doubt the best side in the area.

The Steamteam led the race for the East Berkshire League Premier Division from start to finish this year and retained their title at a relative canter, becoming the 16th team to retain the silverware since records began in 1912.

Only three Clubs have ever completed a hat-trick of Premier Division titles and that challenge will await Britwell next season but, for now, Brennan wants to get his hands on Cup silverware to prove there is no side greater than the Steamteam in 2023.

It has been an incredible campaign for Britwell with the Club still on course to win four trophies; Premier Division, League Cup, Challenge Trophy and Maidenhead Norfolkian Senior Cup. No team has ever achieved such a feat in East Berkshire League history.

But, respects the challenge old foes, Old Windsor, will bring in the Cup final at the 1878 Stadium in Burnham on Bank Holiday Monday (2pm KO). The Os will have a fire in their bellies having conceded a lead late on in defeat to Singh Sabha in the final last season.

Brennan explained: “Preparations in the build up has been okay but there’s always room for improvement. Previous matches and form doesn’t really matter for Cup finals as that’s the beauty of Cup football, it could be anyones day.

“Retaining the Premier Division title is a great achievement as it shows we’re the best team in the league but, in regards to the Cup competitions, we need to win these accolades to show we are not just the best in the league, but the test team in the area.

PICTURE: Britwell Chairman, Sean Wright (centre), lifts the Premier Division trophy and celebrates with his players after a 3-1 win against Southcote at the Racecourse Ground in Ascot in April. PHOTO: Gary House

“I wouldn’t say that we’re favourites though, Cup games are a lottery and Old Windsor has some good form in Cup games. I can’t think of a better opponent for us to be playing on Bank Holiday Monday as our two teams have been the best in the East Berkshire League for a number of seasons, and I myself have a huge amount of admiration and respect for Gary & Luke Wade, and the whole of Old Windsor.”

History is on Britwell’s side as you have to go back to October 2018 for the last time Old Windsor beat the Steamteam in a competitive fixture, although the Os’ reserve side did beat them in the Semi Finals to the Ascot & Fielden District Charity Cup two weeks ago.

And their will be a new name on the League Cup this season as, surprisingly, both Britwell and Old Windsor have never won the famous competition - Britwell Hawks did lift the silverware back in 1990.

Brennan added: “With regards to winning four trophies, I’m not even going into that as we need to concentrate on Monday first. That’s the immediate focal point and a game that we must win.

“It does surprise me that Britwell and Old Windsor haven’t won this Cup competition before but, it also surprised me that we were the first Britwell-based side to win the Premier Division last season.

“When I cast my mind back to the number of good players and teams that the area has churned out it seems crazy but, it also fills me with immense pride to know that I as a part of history in steering us to these two title wins. That being said we still have a lot of work to do.

“A win in the League Cup final would mea a lot for Britwell, the area and the people in my community, as it’s the most prestigious Cup competition in the East Berkshire League. But, more so because it’s another reason to make our Chairman, Sean Wright, happy and to add our names to the history books.

“My message to the supporters would be to come down and cheer on two proper grassroots Clubs and enjoy a great afternoon whatever the result. Good luck to Old Windsor and may the best team win.”

To enter the East Berkshire Football League ahead of the 2023/24 season, or for further information about the league, or an entry form for the upcoming season, please email the team at contactebfl@gmail.com