A penalty in the final minute of extra time gave 479 (Rubery) Squadron Air Training Corps Victory in the final of the Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing 11-a-side football final.

In a re-run of last years final against 8F (1 st City of Coventry ) Sqn, the final was played at DCAE Cosford, both Sqn's knew it was going to be a tough match. It was the third time in four years that 479 had been in the final, twice being runners-up.

Early in the first half 479 went a goal down, but brought it level by half time. The second half 479 went ahead 3-1, but 8F came back strongly and by full time the score was 3 all. With penalties looming, extra time was filled with good goal scoring opportunities for both sqns.

However in a similar ending to the final the previous year, the winning goal was decided in the last few minutes of extra time when a penalty was awarded. It was fired home from the penalty spot, but that wasn't all! With the goalkeeper making a good save but not keeping hold of the ball, it the goal was scored from the re-bound, making 479 the champions of Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing 11-a-side football tournament, the first time in over 20 years.

Cadet Flight Sergeant Richard Trezise, team captain said: ‘We knew it was going to be a tough match and that 8F would push us all the way, but we worked hard as a team and that showed by the final whistle'

Flight Lieutenant Pam McAuley Commanding Officer said: ‘Having being runners-up twice in previous years, I am really proud of all the players and their dedication and commitment in the final and in the previous rounds to get to the final.'

Articles Submitted by:-
Flt Lt Pamela Mcauley - 479 (Rubery) Squadron
08 Apr 09