SALE FC did the Manchester Publicity Sunday Football League proud by winning the prestigious Manchester FA Shield in a dramatic finale at Brantingham Road.

It is the first time that a side from the MPSL has reached the final and Sale went one stage further, winning a penalty shoot-out against Charlestown CYC at the end of extra-time.

The club is managed by Phil Howard, whose dad Pete is club secretary, and his son Chris played his part in the win.

The scores were locked on 1-1 at the end of extra-time after Sale had hit back to level Charlestown CYC’s first half strike through Mark Goodson.

Sale keeper Steve Nihill saved the first spot kick and then Chris Howard, Mark Hughes, Matthew Simpson, Michael Lee and Shane Goldrick all converted their penalties to win the shoot-out 5-3.

Manager Howard said: "If anyone had told me as recently as two months ago that we’d win the County Shield, I’d have said they were barmy.

"This achievement exceeds my wildest expectations, but I don’t think anyone could say we haven’t deserved it."

The Manchester Publicity League was formed in 1962. At its peak the League had around 40 teams playing in it.

As grassroots football has seen a decline in the number of teams playing many leagues have been forced to fold and in 2001 the MPSL was in danger of becoming one of them.

A change in committee and a different approach has seen the League become one of the strongest in Manchester, and as many Leagues continue to struggle the MPSL is determined to buck the trend.

The Football Association kite mark for clubs, the Charter Standard has been awarded to many MPSL teams.

A third of the Greater Manchester clubs that have obtained the mark play or have recently played in the league.

In addition, the MPSL is one of the few leagues that has managed to engage with minority groups and has two clubs made up of players from refugee and asylum seeker communities.

The league, however, is currently experiencing a shortage in trained referees.

The league is willing to pay for the short course for those wishing to become match officials and would also welcome those who are already trained.

Referees are paid between £20 and £25 per fixture.

The MPSL is also open to new teams for next season.

For more information on joining the league as a team or a referee email colin.moore@oldhamathleticct.org.

Tweet