Driving down the M1 we were passed by some Leeds fans heading south. Stopping at Trowell Service Station we chatted to the Greene twins, in the Costa queue, who were on their way to West Brom to play for Leeds United Women in the Women’s League Cup. Unfortunately I later learned they went out on penalties after drawing 1.1.
I ended up passing through the centre of Nottingham just after midday, where Nottingham Forest and Leeds United fans were making their way to the City Ground nearly two hours early.
However, I drove by, along the river Trent to Dunkirk FC, to watch a second round FA Sunday Cup game between Beeston Cosa Nostra, representing Nottinghamshire and Athletico Magna, representing Leicestershire, in this year’s competition. FA Sunday Cup games have to be played at grounds reaching a certain standard to ensure safety and security.
It was one of those grey, damp autumn days that was made worse by a chilling wind making the temperature only 8 degrees. The club house for Dunkirk is outside the ground but unfortunately was not a warm haven nor did it offer a hot drink. However the bar was in use for the roughly 50 spectators and the teams afterwards.
The pitch here is quite long grass, a bit of an undulating surface but with good cover. There is a small covered standing area on one side and two small covered seating areas on one side and behind a goal.
Unfortunately there is little information about the two sides but I looked forward to a good match as each team try to progress to the final which will be played at a league ground next spring. Don’t you just love some of the names in Sunday Football.
Beeston Cosa Nostra 4 Athletico Magna 0
Sunday 9th November 2025, 13.00 pm kickoff. FA Sunday Cup – Second Round
Dunkirk FC, Lenton Lane, Nottingham, NG7 2SA
The first 15 minutes were very equal but as the game progressed Beeston started to look more dangerous with attacks on both wings and long throws. In the next ten minutes the away team made some good blocks to keep out shots and were able to make one break away that nearly lead to a goal.
On 26 minutes though the ball was worked well from the right for Thomas Teece to squeeze the ball under the keeper for Beeston to take the lead. Only 4 minutes later it was 2 nil when centre back Alex Beno made no mistake to head the ball into the net from a corner from the right. There were no more goals in the first half and despite not over running their opponents Beeston Cosa Nostra looked in control.
Athletico Magna showed more intent in the second half and for the first 10 minutes looked as if they may get back in the game. However the constant wing play and midfield domination of the home team was rewarded on 61 minutes when Scott Litchfield received a pass on the left side of goal, outside the penalty area and hammered the ball into the top right hand corner. His thumping right foot curled shot was met with cheers for the player who I believe heard is nicknamed the tank.
Beeston made it four, around the 70 minute mark, when two players tried to kick the ball in the sticky goal mouth, and with both falling to the ground, Isaac Morledge hooked his foot around it to score.
At four nil it was definitely all over, and the last 20 minutes petered out. Beeston Cosa Nostra made it through to the next round and the team from Leicester must wait for next year. Great to see that Sunday football is alive and well and still creating dreams.
No chips so a packet of crisps and a diet Coke had to be my Sunday Lunch.
payonthegate 