James Ayres, after captaining Battersea Old Salesians to victory over Farnborough in the National Don Bosco Cup on April 27th, captained the Southern Amateur League (SAL) to victory in the FA's National League System Cup Final at Coventry City's ground (the Ricoh Stadium) on 2nd May 2008.
James was one of five Battersea Old Salesians in the Cup Final squad. Nick Haynes (who notably missed a penalty in the Don Bosco Cup Final last Sunday) scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out to win the game, and had earlier scored in normal time.
The SAL team will now represent England in October in Turin (Yes TURIN!) in a play off against Italy, Scotland and Republic of Ireland, prior to a 'UEFA Final' tournament in June 2009.
The FA National League System Cup was created with the intention of finding a winning league representative side to fly the flag for England in the UEFA Regions Cup. Competition is strictly for amateur players who must not be, or have been under a written professional contract at any time in their career.
Read John Ward's account of the event for more details and photographs.