The Mark Milsome Memorial Cup finally returned for 2021 after the COVID delay. 2019’s inaugural edition had been a small affair on a cold December evening, with The Crown FC beating Last Letter United, to take the Cup.
The match however did show there was potential for a film industry annual football match, and founder Andy Woodcock, was eager to reignite the competition once restrictions allowed. With the help of industry sponsors he secured Selhurst Park, the home of his lifelong club Crystal Palace for a date that was close to Mark Milsome’s birthday, 23 May, and they set about creating an event that honoured Mark in his ability to unite friends from across all departments and productions in the industry. Mark was not a sportsman, he did like to watch odd game of football, but was not an avid fan, however on 29 May, many colleagues, friends and family were brought together for a much needed day out, and an occasion that Mark would have relished.
The teams were from the crews of the new Indiana Jones film and Essex (production working title, Netflix series). Forming a squad from one production brings together players with very different experience levels, and this along with allowing mixed sex teams brought a high level of inclusivity and set a friendly tone to the day, on the pitch and off.
However it was a hard fought game. The teams set about on one of the first hot days of the year with a determination about them. Essex won the toss, and started organised passing that got the ball into Indiana Jones’s box on numerous occasions. However, both teams were prone to losing possession at any moment, and it was going to be the players with turn of speed who could capitalise on this. Essex had them in midfield with the likes of Siggy Stone and Jake Bowers, but Indiana Jones also had this speed and flair up front with Gary James, and who could quickly receive a long ball and set up a shot, or make devastating runs from his own half. He also had a superb finish. His resulting hatrick and Bickers Action Player of the Match was well deserved.
Essex showed plenty of fortitude however and despite the game going heavily in Indiana Jones favour toward the end of the second half they kept fighting, a quality goal from Jake Bowers, from a through ball from Elliot Kay-Jessop, was worthy of the Premier League pitch they were on. Louis Holland also converted a corner. But it was MMMC founder Andy Woodcock who took the glory he’d been looking for on stepping up to take a penalty in the 68th minute, and realising a childhood dream for any Crystal Palace fan.
It was not enough, as Indiana Jones kept the pressure on and even when Gary James was not on the end of the ball there were excellent finishes from Josh Bradley and Duncan Steven.
Full Time: Indiana Jones 6 – Essex 3
Given the success of the event, and the great day out it proved to be with the post match social, The Mark Milsome Cup will certainly return in 2022.
The Mark Milsome Memorial Cup Was organised by the MMMC committee with all proceeds for the benefit of the Mark Milsome Foundation.
