Football

7 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps v 3 Regiment Royal School Military Engineering

Army F.A. Major Units Challenge Cup Final

Wednesday 30th September 2020

Kick Off 15.00 Actual 14.59

7 Regt Royal Logistic Corps 4 3 Regt Royal School Military Engineering 0, attendance 129

4’ 1-0

22’ 2-0

54’ 3-0

90’+2, 4-0

@ Army Rugby Stadium

Queen’s Avenue

Aldershot

GU11 2JL

No Admission or Programme.

With the Aldershot Military Stadium (next door, behind the south goal end) undergoing refurbishment of the stand, it meant that for the first time in it’s 131 year history an Army F.A. Cup Final was played at a Rugby Stadium. Neutral supporters (groundhoppers) were made very welcome, for what was actually the 2019/20 final that had been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which meant it was a much more scaled down event than it would normally be, but it is good to see that the competition has once again been completed, which has happened every year since 1889 excluding wartime. It was the first time I have had to use the new NHS track & trace app since it’s introduction. All very easy and the seated area was set out for everyone to remain socially distant, which is the first time I have seen this done, although to be fair, I don’t visit that many grounds these days that actually have seats anyway!

RLC took an early lead with a low shot into the far corner of the net, before doubling their advantage midway through the half when a free kick on the right flicked off a defender and was scored from close range. Without doubt the third goal was the pick of the bunch. The ball was played out to the left hand touch line about 15 yards into the RSME half, and with one touch to steady himself, the No.10 then lobbed the ‘keeper with a superb finish. A fourth goal was slotted home in stoppage time rounding off a thoroughly deserved win. RSME just never got going.

I have now seen football played on the three grounds that run end on to each other here in Queen’s Avenue. I had seen a Combined Services XI lose 1-4 versus Isthmian League XI in a Representative Match at the Aldershot Military Stadium on 3rd February 1999, then visited The Wavell Ground 3G Pitch (behind the north goal end of the Rugby Stadium) on 23rd January 2012, where I saw Royal Signals Corps 4 Adjutant General’s Corps 5 in an Army F.A. Woolwich Cup semi-final.