Six and counting as Aston Villa secure another HKFC Soccer Sevens title
The Villans extend their incredible winning record in annual showpiece, defeating West Ham 2-0, while the Citi All Stars win the masters’ tournament
Aston Villa extended their incredible winning record at the HKFC Soccer Sevens on Sunday when they were crowned champions for a sixth time after overcoming the early loss of their goalkeeper to beat West Ham 2-0 in the Main Cup final.
It’s brilliant. I’ve been coming for the last three years and we had a great team two years ago
In an action-packed finale at Sports Road, the Aston Villa goalkeeper Matija Sarkic had to be taken off with an elbow injury early on after making a superb reflex save. With no substitute goalkeeper available, Villa were forced to send on defender Mitch Clark to deputise in his place.
That early blow didn’t affect the Villans, who last won the competition in 2010, as they dominated possession before forward Harry McKirdy put them 1-0 in front with a cool finish under the West Ham goalkeeper Nathan Trott after a burst from midfield.
Their advantage was doubled early in the second half when forward Rushian Hepburn-Murphy finished a fine solo effort by burying a right-footed shot in the bottom corner after taking on a defender on the edge of the penalty box.
McKirdy finished the tournament as leading goalscorer with six goals.
“It’s brilliant. I’ve been coming for the last three years and we had a great team two years ago,” said the 19-year-old. “We were disappointed last year, but I think – with a young team – all the boys have been unbelievable. To win a tournament like this is brilliant. It’s what we wanted.
“We won every game, only conceded one goal. We were the best team here to be fair so we deserve to win.”
