Hale do the south midlands proud after reaching national final

Hale Leys manager Paul Alleyne and Spartan South Midlands League vice chairman Bill Scholes. Picture by Charter Photography

Hale Leys United have progressed into the final of a national competition run by the English Football Association after winning through four rounds of tough competition.

Earlier in the season, the club were selected to represent the Spartan South Midlands League in this competition which pits various leagues across the country against each other.

Having reached the semi-final stages, Hale were drawn against the West Yorkshire League in the last four for a match that took place at Hertford Football Club.

It was an exciting, end-to-end contest played in good spirit with some impressive football on show by two evenly-matched sides but it was Hale who won through 3-2.

A sublime goal from United’s star man Daniel Parsons opened the scoring and Marcus Hussey added a second with an unstoppable header before Tommy Cooke bagged the winner.

Manager Paul Alleyne said afterwards: “What a game to remember for these boys who really delivered on the day and did absolutely everything that was asked of the and got their reward by getting to the fina.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet and I’m sure that it will hit me when the date of the final is confirmed but I would just like to say a big well done to all involved who did the clubs and league proud.

“This is again another example of our home grown talent at this level of football.”

SSML vice chairman Bill Scholes added: “A big well done to the lads. They have done extremely well to pass the first few rounds and now to get to the final is a huge achievement.

“Previously we have not done well in this competition but Paul and John have done exceptionally well to get there so a huge well done to everyone involved and now we are all looking forward to the final.”

The final will take place at a professional football ground with more details expected to be announced in the next week or so. For more details, visit www.ssmfl.org.

Despite not playing in the league this week, Hale Leys were boosted in their bid for the Division Two title when receiving news of Kent Athletic’s surprise defeat to AFC Hillgate.

Hale are now eight points clear at the top although Kent have three games in hand.

With no league game this weekend, United next play against Kent a week on Saturday for a potentially title-deciding clash.