EE Disability FA Cup Blind Final highlights courtesy of TNT Sports.
Albion Blind made history as they won the EE Disability FA Cup for a third consecutive campaign following their 5-2 triumph over Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) at St George’s Park.
Having previously beaten their opponents to retain the cup last year, the Baggies were looking to add another piece of silverware with victory over their long-standing rivals.
Albion started the first half brightly and looked likely to take an early lead. Eesa Amjid, who made the headlines for his delightful display last year, opened his account with a brilliant free-kick after he was fouled just outside the RNC box, giving the Baggies the advantage they deserved.
They were soon awarded another free-kick, which this time was perfectly struck by Efe Shimwell, meaning they would hold a comfortable 2-0 lead going into half-time.
The second half saw Albion continue to control proceedings, with Amjid showcasing his characteristic composure on the ball which led to him doubling his tally with a superb shot.
Shimwell then added his second and Albion's fourth. It soon became an afternoon to remember for the Baggies star, as he completed his hat-trick with another unstoppable strike that increased the advantage further.
Belief was now in plentiful supply for the team in blue and white stripes, who continued to push on for more goals. However, they were in for a minor setback during the closing stages as Mikey Puli notched two late consolations to ensure RNC wouldn’t end the match without a fight.
Nevertheless, Albion’s dominant performance proved worthy to secure the cup, in what was a most pulsating final that concluded their season in empathic style.
Shimwell was proudly presented with the Player of the Match award - an experience to remember on a historic occasion for both he and his team.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling”, described Shimwell. “We weren’t excepting to win this competition for a third consecutive campaign, but when you reflect on the result after the end of the match it really does show how a lot of work went into retaining this trophy.
“Although we’ve had a very frantic schedule this year, we are very pleased to end this season with another trophy in our cabinet.
“Everyone played a huge contribution to our success, but I’m sure the headline hunters will be full of recognition for my hat-trick and I feel really proud for that”.
Eesa Amjid also praised the efforts of his group in Burton-upon-Trent.
He said: “It’s a real privilege to win this trophy again. It isn’t always easy to win a competition for a second year, let alone a third, but the hard work in training has really paid off.
“We may have had a lot of ups and downs throughout this year, but it’s the perfect conclusion to what has been a really good season for us.
“Hopefully now, with another accolade to our name, we can continue to build and improve ahead for next season, in the hope it will be just as successful as this one”.
Albion: Locke (Draper), Ahmed, Huraira, Clarke (Turnham), Amjid, Shimwell (Hopkins).
Report written by Dan Whitehouse.
You can view the full match HERE.
