On paper it looks like a David vs Goliath battle but this tournament has thrown up its fair share of surprises in the past.
Route One Rovers will take on Prestwich Marauders in the final of the annual Star Tissue UK Football Championships on Sunday June 12.
Bradford’s Route One reached their second consecutive final with a comprehensive victory over 2019 champions Bolton United.
What began as a close contest, with Bolton taking the lead, soon turned into a one-sided-affair. The Bradford side looked a little nervy despite having gone 2-1 up after a thumping 30 yard free-kick but a third and then a fourth goal soon put the tie to bed.
Both sides came through the quarters on the back of comfortable wins. Route One overcame new boys FC Galligreaves in their first round and looked every part champions in the making again. Bolton had taken on Coppice and never looked like going behind to a team undergoing a transformation of sorts.
The Bradford side have now scored more than five goals in four matches since their debut in this tournament last year and have nothing to show for it.
Prestwich’s route to the final began with a cagey affair against Blackburn United. Maybe the side was still a little apprehensive having come from 3-0 down in 2020 only to lose 6-5 in a mind-blowing match at the same stage last year. This year there were no mistakes and they managed to get themselves over the line despite a valiant effort by a young United side.
In the semi’s they up against another side - Crompton Academy - who have learnt how pull out victories from the jaws of death.
In their first match, Crompton were 2-1 down and looking to be heading out until they turned the game on its head against AFC Preston. They eventually ran out 4-2 winners but this tie could have gone either way.
Against Prestwich, both sides were locked at 1-1 for long periods until a goal with 20 minutes to go broke the deadline and drove the Prestwich faithful wild. They soon got a third and the celebrations lasted well into the night.
Boyed by an army of fans this Prestwich side certainly do put on a show for the neutrals and you have no idea what is going to happen for periods of the match.
In the final though they are up against a side who won’t show any mercy this year and will be looking to put the memory of last August’s horror last 30 minutes to rest.
A side that loves to attack against a side that loves to attack even more. Bring the popcorn.
Route One Rovers vs Prestwich Marauders from 6.30pm - Sunday June 12 at Witton Park 3G Pitches, Blackburn
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