Beat local rivals Uxbridge FC to win 150th Anniversary Challenge Cup

Southall's players celebrate with their trophy

150 years after the teams first met, local rivals Southall FC and Uxbridge FC came together to play in the 150th Anniversary Challenge Match.

The original game was played in 1871 in Southall Park the year of Southall FC’s foundation making it one of the oldest clubs in the country.

There has been no loss of competitiveness between the two teams of the last century and a half and Uxbridge took the lead in the game that took place on 24 July. However Southall came back to claim the win with a goal in the last five minutes.

An exciting first half saw Southall FC hit the post once and the crossbar twice in what was a high energy performance all round. With the game ebbing and flowing Uxbridge FC too had their chances after spells of dominance on the ball but Southall FC showed a clear threat on the counter-attack throughout the game. Uxbridge FC took the lead with a shot going in off the post, which was followed by a battling five minutes.

Southall FC got back in the game with an emphatic equaliser from A. McCleish after a low driven cross sent in by K. Robinson. The game entered a tense stage for both sides with penalties looming. However, after a flurry of attacks, A. Santos provided a vital assist to McCleish, who shrugged off two players off to go through on goal before slotting in the bottom right hand corner in the 87th minute. The 200 fans in attendance for the pre-season game were accompanied by representatives of the Middlesex County FA and the FA, who both awarded the clubs with commemorative shields.

Club chair Sanjeev Sharma (second from right) with league officials

The victory is testament to the hard work of Manager Max Howell and Assistant Manager Warren Goodhind’s men, as well as the backroom staff in a promising future for the club on and off the pitch.

Virendra Sharma MP praised the efforts of his local team saying, “I am delighted by the performance of Southall FC in the 150th Anniversary Challenge Cup on Saturday.

“In a momentous year for our remarkable club, I applaud all of the player’s and the management’s efforts and wish them the very best of luck for the upcoming 2021/2022 season.”

Southall FC embark on their 150th year campaign on the 31 July with an away game against Reading City, and will also be competing in the prestigious Emirates FA Cup.

The club aims to improve the health and well-being for all in the community through sport and physical activity, whilst helping the community to flourish. To find out more follow #BringSouthallHome.

July 28, 2021