Ryman League stage their first Disability Cup Final

Sunday 19 May 2013
Gallagher Stadium, Maidstone

Maidstone United made history on Sunday (19 May) after becoming the first winners of the Ryman Disability Cup.

The club’s deaf team beat a side from Bury Town by seven goals to one. The Stones had a couple of goals disallowed in the opening 20 minutes and hit the post before Adam Brown opened their account after 26 minutes. Captain Thomas Paull doubled the advantage four minutes later and Steven Wynn added a third before half time.

Bury came out for the second half strongly but Maidstone dealt another blow 10 minutes into the second half when substitute Jamie Chang slotted home. James Paull made it 5-0 after 68 minutes but Bury’s Paul Kidd went straight down the other end for what turned out to be a consolation goal.

Phil Kamps it 6-1 with 80 minutes on the clock and the team were in seventh heaven when Duncan Rowley grabbed another goal with minutes to spare.

There was no hiding the joy from captain Thomas Paull when he collected the trophy from Ryman League chairman Alan Turvey and James Watkins from the Football Association.

"The Ryman Football League are delighted to be working with the Football Association on this important and developing area of football and which enables our League to embrace yet another area of the community into the Football Family" Alan Turvey, League Chairman.

"Sunday’s Ryman League Disability Cup Final proved to be a fantastic advert for the game and the disability pathway. The game highlighted the ability and commitment levels of the players on show. The game also demonstrated the achievements and progress of both clubs in developing opportunities for players with a disability. Many of the players participating had not previously been involved in 11-a-side football and the challenge was embraced. Particular thanks must go to Maidstone United for hosting the event and ensuring that the game was showcased within their outstanding new stadium’. James Watkins, FA National Project Officer - Disability.

STONES TEAM: Michael Roberts, Ryan Marshall, Andrew Belcher, Adam Brown, Aeron Glidewell, Thomas Paull, James Paull, Phil Kamps, Tommy Hobson, Duncan Rowley, Clifford Lane

SUBS: Steven Wynn, James Sullivan-Monk, Michael Harvey, Jamie Chang, Ben Miller

BURY TOWN TEAM: Harry Jordan, Symon Bradshaw, Peter Leathers, Matt Cockle, Dominic Crowhurst, Harry McLaughlin, Jamie Boor, Jamie Howard, Jamie Wilkie, Gary Stammers, Chris Pearson

SUBS: Paul Kidd, Ed Crick, Orlan Thomas, Roland Sinclair

Referee: Mr B. Woodhouse
Assistant Referees: Mr R. Hibbit & Mr N. Bevan
Fourth Official: Mr K. Fraser

Picture courtesy of Steve Terrell, Club Photographer, Maidstone United FC
Match Report courtesy of Ian Tucker, Club Secretary, Maidstone United FC