On Wednesday 19th April, HMS Sultan were crowned champions after they went up against HMS Collingwood in the 2023 Charity Football Cup final at HMS Temeraire.
HMS Sultan secured their spot in the final last month when they took on the 17 Port and Maritime Regiment football club in the semi-final of the Royal Navy Football Charity Cup, securing a win of 7-0.
With HMS Collingwood beating HMNB Portsmouth in their semi-final match, the two prepared to face off for the trophy in the final.
Choosing to have the elements in their favour for the first half, Sultan showed high energy and press from kick off. The first goal of the game came from a fantastic bit of play from Sultan’s Rob Halton, who put an inviting cross into the box which was clinically finished by Matt Iceton.
Both teams were fighting for the next goal of the game which would play a vital role in determining who would lift the trophy but despite their best efforts, no more goals were scored in the first half and everything was still to play for.
As the second half started, it was clear that both teams were fired up as the game became more physical with challenges flying in. This pleased fans, who became more vocal throughout the game, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
It was a fiercely contested battle in the middle of the pitch, with both teams knowing whoever won this midfield clash would likely win the game.
Sultan began to win more of the challenges and second balls, taking control of the game and leading to their second goal of the game from Phil Lawless who showed great composure to slot the ball past the goal keeper and send Sultan’s team into delirium.
As Sultan started to drop back and protect their lead, Collingwood had more possession and created more chances. They just could not quite find the finishing touch to provide them a way back into the game.
The final throes saw fresh legs enter the pitch for both teams, giving Sultan that final push to claim victory over Collingwood with a goal from Kurt Tarrant, facilitated by Elliot Holmes to put the game to bed.
A 3-0 finish for Sultan who went on to lift the trophy with Phil Lawless named Man of the Match.
