Westminster Casuals F.C.

Hard to believe that it is four years to the day since the unforgettable date 5/5/05 when the Westminster Casuals overcame Old Rutlishians 3-0 to win the Surrey Cup.

The Casuals' finest hour and a half will live long in the memories of those that were there. Relive that brilliant evening - the undoubted highlight of the clubs 18 year history to date - by reading the below match report.

THE CASUALS blew away Old Rutlishians with a breathtaking display to win the Gaffer's Holy Grail - the Surrey Saturday Junior Cup.

And moments after lifting the stunning 120 year old silver trophy, Phil Malcolm proudly declared: "This is without doubt my finest day in football. Not only have we lifted the Surrey Cup but we have done it in tremendous style and no-one could doubt that we were by far the superior team on the night."

Malcolm, who founded the Casuals back in 1991 declared at the start of the season that the County Cup was his number one target. He said, "We set our stall out this season to win this competition and prove we are the best team at our level in Surrey and despite a very tough draw, we have done just that. A whole year's planning, hard work and sacrifice by the squad has come to a fantastic conclusion this evening."

The final was just two minutes old when Casuals skipper Michael Rootes cut inside from the left and struck a fierce right footed shot that Old Ruts keeper James Howarth did well to push around the post. Rootes was highly influential from the start and minutes later combined well with Ian Hardy but shot over the bar from the edge of the penalty area. The Casuals continued to press and John Skelly sent Grant Payne scurrying through but his lob over the onrushing keeper dropped agonisingly over the crossbar.

Old Rutlishians' only chance of the first half came in the 30^th minute when former Tooting & Mitcham United reserve team striker Paul Hull curled a free kick around the wall but Chris Wolsey was alert and saved well low to his right.

The Casuals should have taken the lead soon after when Rootes won the ball in midfield and slid a pass into Payne but for once the prolific striker's control let him down and Howarth was able to smother. Sam Holder then sent Ian Hardy racing through but his poorly stuck effort was comfortably gathered by the Old Ruts keeper.

In the 40^th minute Rootes spurned the best opportunity of the half when his close range diving header from Hardy's pinpoint cross from the right was parried brilliantly by Howarth who was also then equal to Skelly's ferocious follow-up volley.

In first half injury time Hardy was sent clear by a great header from Jim Paley but again sent his lob just wide. Old Ruts could thank profligate Casuals finishing and their impressive keeper for getting them the break on level terms.

The Casuals goal survived a scare early in the second half when an inswinging corner from Adam Clark bounced off the top of the crossbar but normal service was resumed in the 50^th minute when Rootes played a free kick into Payne's path but the former Woking striker fired narrowly wide of the far post. Unfortunately the Casuals top scorer turned his ankle in the process and was unable to return to the action following a lengthy spell of treatment.

Dan Bennett replaced Payne and slotted into central midfield with Jim Paley pushed up front. Bennett made his presence felt almost immediately with his energetic running and tackling which ensured the Casuals maintained their impressive tempo. Right back James Brack went close with a shot from just inside the area but pressure from Gary Langton forced him into lifting his left footed effort high and wide into the night sky.

Skelly's slide rule pass then released Holder but again the keeper dived in at the feet of diminutive wide man to deny the Casuals once more.

With no reward for some their enterprising approach play and frustration beginning to creep in the deadlock was finally broken with just 20 minutes remaining with a piece of route one football.

Bennett was once again first to a bouncing ball in the midfield and volleyed a long ball from deep in his own half into the path of Jim Paley and the 'battering ram' robustly held off a challenge before burying a shot between the keeper's legs to spark wild celebrations.

The Casuals very nearly fell into the age old trap of conceding straight after scoring but Richard Hayward headed Steve Andrews' long free kick wide and minutes later Hull's left footed volley was well saved by Wolsey.

A second Casuals goal on 75 minutes put the outcome beyond doubt. Bennett won a tackle on the centre spot and his midfield partner Skelly sent the increasingly influential Holder into space down the right. The winger rolled a perfect first time pass into the path of Ian Hardy and the Hitman steadied himself before striking a fierce rising shot from 12 yards beyond the helpless Howarth. Game over.

Paul Stokes replaced Skelly and made an instant impact when he latched onto a misplaced Old Ruts pass and rounded the keeper. Having been forced wide he pulled the ball back from the byline to Rootes who sidefooted over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

It mattered not as Rootes headed the resulting goal kick to Paley who flicked the ball into the path of Hardy and the frontman unselfishly fed the now rampant Holder who took a touch before clinically curling the ball into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Old Rutlishians had a chance to grab a late consolation in the closing minutes but Foster wildly slashed a volley well over from just eight yards out.

The final whistle signalled the end of a great night's work and a magnificent treble of trophies for the Casuals. The Gaffer awarded to man of match award to the entire squad of sixteen. What a guy. What a season. What a team.

Chris Wolsey, Stuart Richards, James Brack, Dom Edwards, Joe Maughan (Gareth Griffiths 83), Jim Paley, Michael Rootes, John Skelly (Paul Stokes 75), Grant Payne (Dan Bennett 50), Ian Hardy, Sam Holder.

James Howarth, Matt Crowley, Gary Langton (Nigel Watford), Jeremy Capper (Paul Beaumont), David Cundy, Kevin Foster, Steve Berry, Steve Andrews, Adam Clark (Richard Hayward), Paul Hull, John Wood.

DAVID BARNARD Birmingham bred left back who has featured in all three recent championship winning sides. Has a really sweet left foot and has been a great asset to the team, making 66 appearances during the past four seasons. Has latterly been on the bench but a great clubman whatever role he is playing. Good sense of humour which he needs given the stick he takes from his teammates.

DANNY BENNETT Player's Player of the Year in 2002-03 who missed last season to travel the world. Exceptionally fit and determined Dan is highly talented anywhere in the midfield or up front but has endured a season ravaged by injuries. Has recently returned to the squad to make some important contributions. Dan has an impressive tally of 32 goals in 53 games for the club.

JAMES BRACK Club legend known as 'The Horse' (facial appearance not playing style). Quick, highly focused and equally strong on the deck or in the air, James has been one of the outstanding stars of this season. Equally at home at centre back or right back. Has also been dubbed the Gaffer's 'Golden Boy'. A key man who rarely puts a foot wrong on the pitch (off the pitch is a different story).

STEPHEN CATES Former trophy winning Manager, long time club captain and 37 year old midfield stalwart. Has made 220 appearances for the club placing him second in the all time list. A great passer of the ball who still boasts an impressive workrate. His goals are now scarcer but tend to be crucial - namely a brace in last year's KDFL Teck Intermediate Final and the equaliser against Clarkson Hyde in this year's Surrey Cup semi-final. Injuries have hampered his campaign and he has been battling a hamstring problem to be fit tonight.

DOMINIC EDWARDS Outstanding central defender who was Manager's Player of the Year in 2002-03. A huge presence on the air, quick on the floor and highly combative in the tackle. Contributes more than his fair share of goals as well with 13 in 64 appearances to date. Has put in some really colossal performances of late, proving once again if proof were needed that he is a really crucial component of the spine of the team.

GARETH GRIFFITHS Despite the name, Griff is not Welsh! Very dedicated central defender or right back who played in the winning KDFL Teck Snior Cup final team this season. Has now made 76 appearances and finally notched his first club goal this year. One of the country's top up and coming DJ's (resident in Ibiza) but will never arrange gigs that clash with games.

IAN HARDY The Hitman. Tremendously fast and skilful striker who recently broke the all time club scoring record. Now has 114 goals in just 89 games. Also held (until very recently) the seasonal scoring record with 49 in 30 games last year which won him both Manager's & Player's Player of the Year awards. Has scored 26 Surrey Cup goals in two years including a club record eight in one game and our last minute semi-final winner against Clarkson Hyde. Great work ethic and hugely dedicated to his football.

SAM HOLDER Diminutive right winger who is equally adept in the centre of midfield. Made an immediate impression when joining the club last year with his trickery and electric pace. Has notched 14 goals in 27 games this season making him the club's most prolific midfielder. Really exciting player to watch who also does much unheralded defensive work. Also our resident practical joker as the lads have known to their cost on many occasions. Another of the Gaffer's favourite sons.

JOE MAUGHAN A product of the famous Wallsend Boys Club (Shearer, Beardsley etc) 'Geordie' is in his sixth season with the club and has been a vital presence in the side this season. Sidelined with injury during the middle part of this campaign he has returned to the team to re-form his impressive central defensive partnership with Dom Edwards. Reads the game very well, strong in the air and skilful on the deck. A commanding and cool presence in the side he is also a former club Manager.

PHILIP MALCOLM The Gaffer. Known as 'Mad Dog' in his playing days he is now restricted to only occasional on field cameos. The founder of the club and in his third stint as Manager he has led the team to five trophies in the past three seasons. Completely dedicated to the club and hasn't missed a single game in the past three and a half years. Still the club record appearance holder with 264 games under his belt, Phil also lies fourth in the all time goal scorers with 93 strikes to his credit. His tremendous will to win as a player is now equally evident as a Manager.

JIM PALEY In his sixth season with the club, Jim is equally adept as a striking battering ram (his phrase) or commanding events in the centre of midfield where he has usually featured this season. Very creative player with a wide passing and crossing range, he is exceptionally powerful in the air. Big physical presence who is deceptively tricky in tight areas on the deck as well. Brings his innate intelligence to the football field. Known as 'Grumpy' he may crack a smile if his team lift the trophy tonight.

GRANT PAYNE In his first season with the club Grant has scored 51 goals in 26 games - a new club record. Has scored in every match in his first season. Already rewriting the club record book with his achievements. Ex Wimbledon professional who has also played for several top non-league clubs including Woking and Aldershot Town. Fantastic at holding the ball up, superb passing vision and a clinical finisher who scores some amazing individual goals. 'Payneeeee' has also won the Surrey Senior Cup but says victory tonight would be just as sweet.

STUART RICHARDS One of the club's longest serving players in his ninth season and with 173 appearances making him third on the all time list. Aged 37 (although some say he looks nearer 60). Struggled with injury last season but has enjoyed a clearer run this time and has played regularly at full back since Christmas. Very strong tackler with a great winning attitude. Bad luck has meant he has never started in a cup final for the club but that unfortunate record will certainly end tonight. A complete football anorak who also moonlights as the club statistician.

MICHAEL ROOTES The assistant manager has made a tremendous comeback after nearly two years out with injury. Michael has scored 106 goals for the club in just 109 appearances. Equally adept anywhere in the midfield or up front, Rulo has played for a number of non-league clubs including Tooting, Dulwich, Leatherhead and two spells at today's hosts Molesey where he was latterly Captain. Provided one of the highlights of this campaign when scoring one of the best free-kick's you will ever witness from 30 yards against Hook in the County Cup Second Round. Twice Player's Player of the Year.

JOHN SKELLY Liverpudlian midfield enforcer. Skel is in his second year with the club and is one of the most talented player's ever to represent the Casuals. Has made 55 appearances with 21 goals. Formidable tackler with a terrific all round game, John has the fortunate habit of scoring some great goals with an excellent strike rate for a midfielder. Enjoys huge respect from his team mates who would rather not play against him in training. Possesses an almost insatiable will to win.

PAUL STOKES Enigmatic but very talented wide midfielder, Stroker was a regular in the team prior to being injured in the autumn. Has recently made some vital contributions from the bench and has scored several stunning goals this season. Deceptively quick and when the force is with him, an undoubted matchwinner. Do not be surprised if he is highly influential this evening.

ROD VAN DER LAAN Second season with the club and played in last year's double team. Has been travelling abroad for much of this season. A very versatile player with pace, a terrific engine and a fantastic attitude. A real club man who has spent much time on the bench this season due to the fine form of the side. Utterly reliable and does a superb job in whatever task he is faced with.

CHRIS WOLSEY Very popular club member and tremendous goalkeeper. Fantastic in one-on-one situations. Great command of his box with almost exemplary handling. Temperamentally Lofty is a typical goalkeeper who is prone to the occasional bout of histrionics. Not the most sartorially elegant man in the club, he has often been compared to a badly dressed scarecrow. All round nice guy who has recently embarked on a new career as a ratcatcher (a real test of his handling!).