TROPHY ARTICLE SERIES: Cumberland Senior Cup
Thu 31st October 2019 | General | By Stewart Taylor
Our metaphorical journey this week takes us to the ancient county of Cumberland. Why use the word “ancient” you may ask and the answer lies in the Local Government Act of 1972 which brought about the formation of Cumbria and the demise of Cumberland.
The whys and wherefores of this need not detain us here but, as we might expect, the venerable organisation which is Cumberland County FA did not fall into line with this and retain the name of Cumberland. We could argue that as the now ancient county of Cumberland was formed well over 800 years ago and the County FA formed in 1885 this was an entirely laudable approach.
The Cumberland Cup which, after all, is the main focus of this short article, is the most senior of the competitions administered by Cumberland County FA and is open to all clubs whose first affiliation is with that County FA.
Early records of the competition are hard to discover but we have a complete record of winners from the 1985/86 season onwards. These recent records show that the competition has been dominated by Carlisle United although former NWCFL side Carlisle City appears on the roll of honour. Carlisle United have won the competition no fewer than 11 times since that 1985/86 season and were runners up on 5 occasions.
The only current NWCFL member club to qualify for this competition is Cleator Moor Celtic. They have won the trophy at least three times with the most recent victory coming in the 2017/18 final when they beat Penrith of the Northern League in a match played at Brunton Park, the home of Carlisle United, in front of 604 spectators. Current Cleator Moor Celtic player Callum Birdsall scored the winner in extra time after the two sides were locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Amongst the list of winners of recent times, we note the name Celtic Nation who won the trophy at the end of the 2013/14 season. Although originally formed as Gillford Park Spartans in 2004, the club became known as Celtic Nation in 2012 and attracted sponsorship to such a level that they were able to sign several ex-professional players. However, as the financial support dried up the club folded in April 2015 with that win in the Cumberland Senior Cup being their only honour during their incredibly short existence.
For readers interested in the history of Celtic Nation and other clubs which called the Gillford Park ground their home then there is some fascinating detail to this story and additional reading is highly recommended.
But back to Cleator Moor Celtic who started their campaign this season with a victory away at Wetheriggs United in the first round. They will travel to Crown Newlaithes in the second round.
As to the trophy itself, we know very little. If you know anything of the history of this trophy then please get in touch.
TROPHY ARTICLE SERIES: Cumberland Senior Cup
Thu 31st October 2019 | General
By Stewart Taylor
Our metaphorical journey this week takes us to the ancient county of Cumberland. Why use the word “ancient” you may ask and the answer lies in the Local Government Act of 1972 which brought about the formation of Cumbria and the demise of Cumberland.
The whys and wherefores of this need not detain us here but, as we might expect, the venerable organisation which is Cumberland County FA did not fall into line with this and retain the name of Cumberland. We could argue that as the now ancient county of Cumberland was formed well over 800 years ago and the County FA formed in 1885 this was an entirely laudable approach.
The Cumberland Cup which, after all, is the main focus of this short article, is the most senior of the competitions administered by Cumberland County FA and is open to all clubs whose first affiliation is with that County FA.
Early records of the competition are hard to discover but we have a complete record of winners from the 1985/86 season onwards. These recent records show that the competition has been dominated by Carlisle United although former NWCFL side Carlisle City appears on the roll of honour. Carlisle United have won the competition no fewer than 11 times since that 1985/86 season and were runners up on 5 occasions.
The only current NWCFL member club to qualify for this competition is Cleator Moor Celtic. They have won the trophy at least three times with the most recent victory coming in the 2017/18 final when they beat Penrith of the Northern League in a match played at Brunton Park, the home of Carlisle United, in front of 604 spectators. Current Cleator Moor Celtic player Callum Birdsall scored the winner in extra time after the two sides were locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Amongst the list of winners of recent times, we note the name Celtic Nation who won the trophy at the end of the 2013/14 season. Although originally formed as Gillford Park Spartans in 2004, the club became known as Celtic Nation in 2012 and attracted sponsorship to such a level that they were able to sign several ex-professional players. However, as the financial support dried up the club folded in April 2015 with that win in the Cumberland Senior Cup being their only honour during their incredibly short existence.
For readers interested in the history of Celtic Nation and other clubs which called the Gillford Park ground their home then there is some fascinating detail to this story and additional reading is highly recommended.
But back to Cleator Moor Celtic who started their campaign this season with a victory away at Wetheriggs United in the first round. They will travel to Crown Newlaithes in the second round.
As to the trophy itself, we know very little. If you know anything of the history of this trophy then please get in touch.
