Selsdon's battling run in the National Christian Cup came to an end at the semi final stage in the Wirral last weekend.

Selsdon's fine run in the National Christian Cup that started in Leeds at the start of November came to an end in the Wirral last Saturday (28 March 2009).

Selsdon had the hardest possible run to the semi final having beaten a strong Morley team 3-1 in the first round with goals from Dan Preston, Ian Hasell and Andre Domingo, their "reward" was a home tie against last year's champions St Wilfrids Newbiggin (Newcastle). Selsdon produced a battling display against a very physical side to secure a 2-1 victory, thanks to goals from Dave White and Tom Coakley, and a third round encounter with another of the favourites for the tournament Bolton Ambassadors.

Despite poor conditions and a horrible injury to winger Steve Evans, Selsdon triumphed 3-2 thanks largely to two emphatic finishes from player/manager Hasell and a strike from Barney Lock.

Next in Selsdon's path was a quarter final against the most successful side in the tournament's history, Kings Sports. Although they fell behind early on Selsdon fought back through Hasell (2) and White to win 3-2 and secure a semi final place for the first time in the club's history.

So the scene was set for Selsdon to travel back to Liverpool (where they had gone out at the Quarter Final stage last year) to take on Newlife's conquerers MEOLS. Despite missing a number of first team players Selsdon travelled with a strong squad and had the best chance of a tight first half, with left back Kent Mercer firing over. In deteriorating conditions and a heavily cut up pitch, the home side settled earlier in the second half with Selsdon relying on counter attacking football. That football brought no less than 4 one-on-ones which Selsdon were unfotunately unable to take and that proved costly as MEOLS were awarded a controversial penalty with 10 minutes remaining. As Selsdon pushed for an equaliser they were cruelly caught on the counter attack when to the surprise of everyone (including their own manager) the MEOLS' striker was not flagged offside and he set up his strike partner to wrap up the game.

Selsdon's players battled until the final whistle and were complemented on both their display and attitude as they were denied a place in this year's final. Despite the result, Selsdon can be proud of their performances in the cup this year but ultimately the travelled back to Croydon on Sunday wonderign what might have been.