Team Allianz faced a seemingly unbeatable Team Aston Lark for the latest edition of the FJN Cup, in aid of Wolfram Syndrome UK at the Horsham Football Club, West Sussex.
The two teams had out-performed all of the other eight contesting teams to make it to the final. Having not conceded a goal all tournament, Aston Lark looked like a very tough team to beat. Allianz on the other hand were the tournament’s top scorers with 14 goals from their five games.
It was a fiercely fought contest with both keepers making fine saves before Scott Drummond-Payne – despite injury – took the lead for Allianz.
Allianz held on to the lead until the very last couple of minutes before Aston Lark’s Kyle Tomkins pounced to coolly slot away a late equaliser to send the contest to penalties.
After four penalties, the score was still tied at 2-2 after four penalties, leading to a sudden death scenario.
The man of the match turned out to be Paddy Lawlor of Allianz who firstly stepped up to bury his penalty convincingly – before putting the gloves back on to save Aston Lark’s final kick.
The final score, Allianz 1 – Aston Lark 1 (Allianz win 3-2 on penalties).
The event was to raise funds and awareness for little known charity, Wolfram UK and a total of £1,111 was raised on the day – including via donations and the sale of Wolfram Syndrome UK branded items such as water bottles – that had been specifically designed for blind people.
The sun shone, the conversations flowed, money was raised and there were some fleeting bits of footballing brilliance. That included some brave goalkeeping tactics from Dan Small of FJN.
Allianz, Aston Lark, Now Health International, GBG, Charles Taylor Assistance, Bupa Global, Clear Group, Engage, Axa Global and FJN all took part.
The runners up spots were claimed by Now Health International, who just pipped GBG to the semi final spot from Group A, and Bupa Global who edged out Axa on goal difference after a nail biting finish to Group B.
In the semi finals Aston Lark beat Now Health International 1-0 with a Tom Halls strike, and Allianz defeated Bupa Global 1-0 with a fine finish from Tom Causton.
Wolfram Syndrome, also called DIDMOAD (Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus, Optic Atrophy and Deafness), is a very rare genetic disorder, causing the four conditions that make up the name, as well as various other possible disorders.
Wolfram Syndrome UK is the only charity and website in the UK for the condition. The charity started in 2010 as the only website associated with WS as a worldwide site. There was no easy to read information available and no real support, as many medical professionals had or still have never heard or come across the syndrome. It has been a registered charity since 2013.