After a mixed league campaign which
at times showed how strong we could play ( Nth Kent 5-0, Sydeham 3-2, Longlands 7-0 + Ravens 3-0) and at other times showed
how inconsistant we could be ( Metrogas 4-6, 4-5, Desportiva 2-3, Longlands 1-3 & Bexlians twice). Other league highlights
included a 10-2 thumping of Blackheath Wanderers a league double over Old Roan B' and a win over Andy Roffe's Bexley both
home and away confirmed 4th Position for Newpark. Newpark boasted their biggest squad yet with welcome additions Tom Gale
and Ben Young signing on the dotted line. Chris Rowley, Stuart Hannan and Tom Bartlett returned after respective stints in
semi-professional football. Bexlians and a strong AFC Sydenham attained promotion
with Longlands narrowly missing out. Newpark finished the league campaign as top scorers netting an astonishing 61 times in
the league. The cup though proved to be the holy grail for Newpark.
Eliminated from the Elizabath Jacques
1/4 finals by Sydenham and woefully inconsistant in the league Newpark put their eggs into one basket and focused on the Beckenham
Cup section B competition. Newpark started their quest in the 3rd round of the Beckenham cup, opponents on the day were Latter
Day Saints of the Bromley league. Newpark demolished them 7-0 in murky conditions. "Strongman" Tom Bartlett stood out as did
playmaker Chris Rowley who bagged four goals in the win. Utility man Tom Gale played as an emergency goalkeeper on the day.
It was the result of the round next stop was Old Roan "A" who resided in the
division above Newpark and were the favourites for the tie.
Going into the game Newpark had beaten
Old Roan "B" twice in the league but Old Roan "A" were somewhat a bogey team for Newpark who had lost four from five games
against the senior side in previous league campaigns. A classy collective performance from Park' ensured a safe passage to
the semi-finals with a 3-1 victory over Roan on a cold and blustery day in February. Goals from McKenna, O'Shaughnessy and
a rejuvenated Norton who saved his best form for this competition sealed the
win.
The semi-final for some was Newpark's
match of the season. After a poor first half trailing 2-1 to Elite Newpark showed what they made of in the second half. The
never say die spirit prevailed and solid performances from Hannan and Edler in midfield who dug deep into their reserves carried
the ball forward at every opportunity. A makeshift side on the day with Rowley at centre half showed the great versatility
of the team. Every player showed 100% and the effort pay dividends as Messrs Norton, McKenna and a brace from the pocket rocket
O'Shaughnessy shot Newpark into their first competitive final in six years.
The final was billed as "David &
Goliath". Old Addayans from the Bromley & District league divison 1 appeared irrepressible judging by their results in
previous rounds. They were the favourites for the final and confidently swaggered into the changing room before kick off.
There were reports of mind games between respective managers in the weekly edition of "The Mercury" a week before. The organisers
touted the attendance as being maybe "15-20p people" and at £3 a program who could blame them? Nerves were showing and with
the clock ticking to kick off Manager Ben Murphy was seen necking a double scotch
before the game. Club sources revealed club secretary Mark Logan was enraged with his actions but kept the incident low key
to avoid upsetting the players.
The final itself was a typical cup
final full of incident, goals and drama. Over one-hundred and thirty people turned up in support for both teams raising nearly
a thousand pounds for the Beckenham hospital trust. Old Addayans took the lead only to be pegged back by a O'Shaughnessy goal,
a neat finish too. Newpark legend Stuart Hannan put Park' infront with a crisp finish and he made it a brace with a tap-in.
3-1 and Park were cruising. A rare McElhatton error allowed the team from Bromley to draw a consolation goal. It was real
end to end stuff. In fairness to the referee he let the game flow producing no cautions throughout. The combination of Ben
Young and Gaz McKenna on the left hand side captivated the crowd. Chairman Martin Roffe was left speechless in admiration
as the two constantly attacked the Addayans rearguard. A moment of genius from Norton crafted an opening for O'Shaughnessy
who bagged his second of the game, 4-2 and the Newpark fans were in raptures. However a deflected corner cut the deficit within
a minute, 4-3 and with three minutes left could Old Addayans force extra time?
Murphy had to play his joker(s) in
his pack. He threw on club captain Liam Maloney, back from a long term illness and the energetic Jack Fox. In the dying moments
Newpark won a free kick, about 35 yards out. The crowd whistled, there was complaints of time wasting. Bartlett floated in a cross, there was confusion in the box and Jack Fox slotted home the
winner, 5-3. Celebrations were extended and the referee called time literally as the disheartened Addayans kicked off for
the 5th time. It was a superb team performance. There were scenes of wild celebrations, club captain Maloney was ecstatic
and was seen running towards a strange figure lurking in the distance. Murphy looked to the heavens and had a moment, Roffe
held his baby aloft and Regan was seen denuding himself in the players bar. A wonderful day for the club. It was Newparks
first major trophy in their history. Enjoy the champagne!!!!!!
