The 2021‐22 Roger Jones Senior Challenge Cup Final saw Premier Division powerhouse Highgate Albion determined to win some silverware after the devastating National Cup Final loss to Baiteze. Park Royals also suffered cup-final heartache, losing 3-2 to Heavy Hitters in the Premier Cup Final.
As the game kicked off, Highgate began to impose their short sharp passing game with Tage Kennedy picking up little pockets of space, running at the defence.
Soloman Ofori found himself in acres of space early on as he raced through towards the Park Royals goal, but out of nowhere, Ryan Sellers made a brilliant last-ditch tackle to divert the ball out for a corner.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between, with Sellers, Mabbett and Ward all defending well for Park Royals in the opening exchanges.
As the half went on, Billy Hayes began to take control of the midfield, winning everything and showcasing his impressive passing. After receiving a short pass from Mohamed, he advanced with the ball before picking out Ofori with a stunning 40-yard pass. The Highgate forward controlled brilliantly before firing inches past the post.
Midway through the first half, Park Royals put together a great move with Wallace, Spratt and Uribarri at the heart of it, eventually winning a corner which Highgate dealt with fairly comfortably.
Kennedy continued to cause the opposition problems, but Mabbett was alive to the danger stopping one particular dangerous break. As the half drew to a close, Highgate continued to dominate possession without looking like scoring. Uribarri was a thorn in the side of the Highgate defence any time Park Royals broke away.
HT 0-0
As the second half began, Hayes continued to be at the heart of every Highgate move, as he kept everything ticking over. The Park Royals defence continued to be resolute when challenged. Neither team really looked like scoring apart from a few half-chances for Highgate.
Midway through the second half, Billy Hayes again found himself in possession. He released substitute Richard Ennin, who cut in onto his right foot before whipping an unstoppable 25-yard shot past McNicholas.
1-0 to Highgate Albion
Highgate manager Adam Shahein was not resting on his laurels and put on star striker Jake Cass. Soon after arriving on the pitch, Cass made a brilliant run off the shoulder of the Park Royals defender, where he controlled the pass brilliantly before slotting it home to double the Highgate lead.
2-0 to Highgate Albion
Two goals in 2 minutes put Highgate in cruise control. Park Royals continued to battle but couldn’t get a foothold in the game. Following impressive work again from Hayes and Kennedy, Brindle found himself free down the left-hand side. He subsequently stood up a delicious cross met by a diving header from Excellence Muhemba that settled this cup final.
3-0 to Highgate Albion
Highgate remained hungry for more, and after great work from Kennedy, Muhemba played a superb through ball to Cass, who clinically made it four.
4-0 to Highgate Albion
There’s no doubting Cass has been deadly since entering the game, but the midfield work from Billy Hayes and the impact from Richard Ennin has transformed this cup final. As the final whistle approached, Highgate broke clear from a Park Royals corner with Cass marauding forward unchallenged. He continued his run to the edge of the opposition area before slotting the ball into the corner and securing himself the match ball.
FT 5-0 to Highgate Albion
The final whistle blew, and it really was a game of two halves. Park Royals were brave in the first half and defended resolutely. But the introduction of Ennin and Cass, with the brilliant performance of Hayes, ensured Highgate Albion were victorious once again.
Adam Shahein continues to lead this Highgate team brilliantly, and they will be back next season, challenging again on all fronts.
Adam Shahein continues to lead this Highgate team brilliantly, and they will be back next season, challenging again on all fronts.
Highgate Albion
Ward, Kyeremeh, Scott, Lambert, Brindle, Mohamed, Hayes, Kennedy (C), Ofori, Johnson, Muhemba
Subs: Cass, Ennin, Maitland, Osborne, Riley
Park Royals
McNicholas, Ward, Sellers, Mabbett (C), Spratt, Yordanov, Brown, Wallis, Davis, Uribarri, Shelley
Subs: Sadigh, Brown, Croll, Mabbett, Brown
M.O.M
Billy Hayes
