Happy Appeal

On 14 November 2007, twelve local companies and four specially invited teams (including ones from Stoke City and Port Vale) took part in the biggest football tournament of the year.

Organised by BBC Radio Stoke's Happy Appeal, footballers from all over north Staffordshire and south Cheshire turned up at the Pro 5 Soccer Centre in Sneyd Green to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support.

A collection was made on the night for the Happy Appeal, which raised funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. So a big thank you to everyone who helped out on the night.

Former stars of the local teams wowed a 400 strong crowd with the likes of Ronnie Sinclair, Phil Robinson and Paul Ware pulling on the red and white stripes of Stoke City. Members of arguably Port Vale's greatest ever side - John McCarthy, Kevin Kent, Andy Porter, Gareth Griffiths and Martin Foyle - flew the flag for the Valiants.

It was a tense but exciting atmosphere before the first group games kicked off at 7.30pm. The cold night was soon warmed with the anticipation of the night ahead…

GROUP STAGES

The six, seven minute games started and finished in what seemed like a flash. In group 1; it was a strong start for the Port Vale Masters team, winning all three games without even conceding a goal. With the Pro 5 B team also progressing into the quarter final stages.

Group 2 also saw our masters team through to the knock out stages – with Stoke City finished top and Britannia safely through.

Group 3 was the scene of an organisers nightmare! Pro 5 A started as they meant to go on with a strong showing which saw them comfortably through. However, ScrewFix A and the seeded team of the group, The Sentinel finished level on points, goals scored and goals against resulting in a nerve jangling penalty shoot out and heart break for the local paper.

Group 4 opened with a six goal thriller between BBC Radio Stoke and Alsager Town. It was divided loyalties for the Alsager Chairman and BBC Radio Stoke Sports Editor, Graham McGarry who was satisfied with the result.

However, it went on to be a disappointing night for the group seeds, BBC Radio Stoke, with table-toppers Asda and Alsager Town pushing them into third. 

KNOCK OUT STAGES

So into the knock out stages, where any mistakes could leave your side with an early drink in the bar. Port Vale cruised past Britannia Building Society with Stoke City comfortably seeing off the challenge of Pro 5 B in the first two quarter finals.

Their colleagues in the Pro 5 A team faired significantly better, eliminating Alsager Town from the competition. In the final game of this stage, Asda ensured that there would be supermarket representation in the semi finals with a win over ScrewFix A.

However, Asda's hopes of a supermarket sweep were dashed by the Port Vale Masters. Goals from Gareth Griffiths and an Andy Porter penalty won the first semi and guided the Valiants into the final of the 'Happy Cup'.

But as the growing crowd were anticipating the dream final against Stoke City, Pro 5's A team spoilt the party. Two last minute goals punctured the Potters and handed the hosts a 4-3 win in the other semi.

THE FINAL

With the crowds flocking from the warmth of the bar to witness the showpiece finale, Port Vale started strongly and took the lead through midfielder Kevin Kent.

But just as the Valiants had one hand on the trophy, Pro 5 proved that their semi final come back was no fluke and again netted twice in the closing moments, breaking Vale hearts and ensuring that the 'Happy Cup' stayed in Sneyd Green.

Pro 5 were worthy winners and were brilliantly lead by the influential Liam Cope, who was unanimously voted player of the tournament.

Special thanks go to everyone at the Pro 5 Soccer Centre with a special mention to the referees. Thank you also to all the teams that took part and made the night so memorable.

ORIGINAL LINE-UP

Port Vale
Leek United Building Society
Pro 5 A
Pro 5 B
ScrewFix A
ScrewFix B
Royal Mail
Staffs Police
Stoke City
Britannia Building Society
The Sentinel
Sainsbury's
Radio Stoke
Alsager Town
Dunelm Mill
Asda