Catholic team wins national football cup

ST ALBANS ROMANS FC have become only the second Catholic team to win the National Christian Cup.
The Romans and their fellow finalists from Doncaster Evangelical Churches battled through six rounds of the competition, which featured over 70 Christian teams from all over the country.
St Albans Romans was formed 10 years ago by Catholic parishioners in the city and runs two teams that play in local Christian leagues in Hertfordshire. The National Cup win rounds off a spectacular season in which the first team have only lost twice and have achieved the league and cup double for the second year in a row.
The final was held at Nene Park, home of Rushden and Diamonds, and was refereed by Dermot Gallagher, the Premiership referee, who was in his last competitive fixture before retirement.
St Albans beat opposition from Chelmsford, South Wales, Bradford and Liverpool en route to the final. Both teams were making their lust appearances in the final and started nervously. The defences remained in control and there were few chances in the first half.
However, in the second half, St Albans made their pace and fitness count. A couple of quick goals put them in control before two breakaway goals took the final score to 4-0.
The trophies were presented by Derek Jefferson, the former Ipswich and Wolves player, who now runs Sports Pursuits, a charity that encourages young people to take up sport. After the match he spoke to the players and spectators about his conversion to Christianity and how it had changed his life.
The National Christian Cup, which is in its 15th year, is a nationwide competiton open to all Christian-based football teams. Catholic teams thinking of entering next year's competition can contact members of the St Albans Romans club via www.romans.org.uk.