Four strong teams, but a late surge from Shields takes the title.
Four evenly matched teams battled it out in a single evening, producing one of the best tournaments to date.
Sassco, South Shields, MADAS, and debutants Roseberry Reunion all had their moments, but it was a late surge from South Shields that sealed the crown.
Sassco opened with a narrow 1–0 victory over Roseberry, while MADAS looked the early favourites after defeating pre‑tournament favourites South Shields and then drawing with Roseberry. Shields struggled to find momentum, managing only two draws against Sassco and Roseberry, as MADAS appeared to have the competition under control. At one stage they were cruising 3–0 against Sassco, only for Sassco to produce a stunning three‑goal comeback in as many minutes to snatch a draw. Sassco’s joy was short‑lived, however, as Roseberry claimed their first win immediately afterwards.
The twists continued. South Shields drew again, this time with MADAS, before finally breaking through with a 3–1 win over Roseberry. Sassco then stormed into pole position with a resounding 4–0 victory over MADAS, leaving MADAS needing a big win over Roseberry to stay in contention. They managed a 3–0 scoreline, but goal difference favoured Sassco.
That set up a decisive finale between South Shields and Sassco. Shields raced into a 2–0 lead, were pegged back to 2–1, then stretched it to 3–2 (after a bizarre own goal to make it 3-1). Sassco only needed a draw to clinch the title, but couldn’t find the equaliser. Shields’ victory propelled them to the top on goal difference, leapfrogging MADAS and pushing Sassco into third. All three leading teams finished with two wins apiece, while Roseberry ended with one — but the night belonged to South Shields, who timed their surge to perfection with mind games, by boring the opponents into early submission, before the dramatic two final game wins.
Season 27 – December Tournament
Season 27 December Tournament
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Shields FC | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 9 |
| 2 | MADAS FC | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| 3 | Sassco.co.uk | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 9 | 3 | 8 |
| 4 | Roseberry Reunion | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | -5 | 5 |
