MAN v FAT Preston XI’s Take Third Consecutive Title
The official MAN v FAT XI’s came to a close this weekend, with Preston taking the title at Bury FC’s Gigg Lane after a long and hard fought season. The win ensured they have a clean sweep of official MAN v FAT XI’s titles under Manager John McNamara, having won the tournament for the previous two seasons.
They encountered a physical and busy Millwall side and whilst Preston dominated, both managers were clear that it did not feel like a 6-1 game. Whilst the scoreline looked vast, the majority of the damage was done in the first 15 minutes, with Preston scoring early goals in the 6th, 8th, 9th and 15th minutes. After the early flurry Millwall started to find their groove and improve their ball retention, that didn’t stop a fifth goal for Preston landing before half time though.
A rejuvenated Millwall side came out for the second half, keen to avenge their first half performance. The goal of the game saw a 35yd thunderbolt fly into Preston’s net from Millwall’s midfield in the 72nd minute – by this point, at six nil down, having also conceded in the 53rd minute the Lions had already been tamed. Preston’s renowned Donaldson brothers took plenty of the plaudits having had five goal involvements between the pair.
The game was played with the same love, rigour and mutual respect that managers Brad and John showed for each other. Whilst both teams wanted to win, they played in a fair and disciplined manner which showcased how XI’s football should be played – all in front of around a hundred adoring fans who were buoyant and loud from the minute both teams left the tunnel.
Prior to collecting their medals and trophies the Millwall XI’s side build a guard of honour to show their admiration for Preston’s back, to back, to back tournament wins. In an act of class Preston the built their own guard of honour as Millwall collected their runners up medals to the applause of those in the stands.
In the post-match interview Preston Manager John thanked Brad and the Millwall boys for travelling to the North West for the final. He reflected on some of Preston’s toughest competition, and mentioned his respect for sides like Warrington and Crewe who he felt were also worthy title contenders in the knockout stages. He also reflected on the weight loss and community impact that being part of a team had brought to his players, and thanked the MAN v FAT HQ team and Bury FC staff for a night that will be remembered by both teams and their supporters.
The final saw the close of the official MAN v FAT XI’s competition. Much thanks should go to Paul Baker, previous MAN v FAT Event’s Co-ordinator for the success of this year’s tournament. We know that the legacy built from XI’s will continue to see that many MAN v FAT players are now confident to once again play eleven a side football in a competitive environment. MAN v FAT would like to thank all XI’s managers and players for their participation and support this season.
