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SEASON REVIEW 25/26
Joining a team halfway through a season is never easy.
For Chandlers goalkeeper Stephen, the campaign ended in the best possible way as the club lifted the Challenge Cup and secured the first trophy in its history.
Looking back on that success, he shared his memories of the final and the celebrations that followed.
After narrowly missing out on the league title, finally helping the club bring home silverware made the afternoon at New Western Park one worth remembering.
“It means everything for the boys,” Stephen explained.
“That’s why we play football — to win games and hopefully silverware.”
“Coming in half way through the season, meeting the boys who are all great guys and helping them go on to win a cup is a great feeling.”
Although Chandlers controlled large parts of the final, Stephen says concentration levels still remained important throughout the game.
“Staying switched on is very important.”
“Games can change in a split second which showed when Hillwood got one back — it gave them a bit of a boost.”
“Luckily the boys were also switched on and defended brilliantly.”
“And then the sending off and third goal kind of takes the wind out their sail.”
Like many inside the Chandlers dressing room, Stephen says the biggest memory from the day ultimately came after the final whistle.
“Watching Craig lift the trophy will stay with me the most.”
“And the joy of watching all the boys celebrating after a tough long season where we were just piped to the league.”
“Again overall they are a great bunch of guys and I’m glad I could be a small part of helping them win the cup.”
Cup-winning squads are often judged by what happens on the pitch.
Stephen’s answers offer a reminder that dressing room spirit matters too. From his arrival midway through the season to watching teammates celebrate at the final whistle, this is a player’s view of a memorable day for Chandlers.
The Challenge Cup Final provided a fitting end to Stephen’s first few months with the club.
For Chandlers, it was another reminder that a close-knit group can create memories that last long after the final whistle.
