Tooting & Mitcham joint-boss targets promotion after London Senior Cup success
Tooting & Mitcham won the London Senior Cup on Monday – with joint-manager Cornelius Nwadialor once again setting a target of promotion next season.The Covid-19 pandemic saw the Terrors only play seven matches in the Isthmian League South Central Division before the campaign was aborted.
And the 2019-20 season was also ended because of the virus.
Jake Rose and Mark Waters netted for Tooting as they defeated a young AFC Wimbledon side 2-1 in the London Senior Cup final. Morgan Williams halved the deficit late on. Nwadialor said: “When we took the job it was always about trying to get Tooting promoted into step three.
“We always said if we could somehow win this competition [London Senior Cup] then the players would be buzzing and they will believe in themselves and what we, as a club, are trying to do.
“It’s easy for us to go at it next season.”
It is also a first piece of senior silverware for Nwadialor and Ashley Bosah.
“All my trophies, apart from when I played, have been with the U23s and U18s,” said Nwadialor.
“Since me and Ash have stepped up to this level we have got to a few finals – it’s been that nearly-miss kind of thing.
“A bit of doubt creeps in – you’ve done it at youth level but can’t do it at senior level. You know you can, but until you’ve done it you can’t really say that. The fans have taken to us and know we try our best. We feel this win can open the door to more things.
“It feels fantastic, especially after what the nation has gone through – it’s been really difficult for the club, players and coaching staff.
“The aim was to go as far as we could to get us ready for pre-season.
“A fan who has followed the club for 40 years said the cohesiveness of the team was one of the best he had seen.
“A lot of teams from above come in for our players. This time we wanted to keep the players engaged and get something competitive for them to see out the season.
“They were motivated, which I don’t think they would have been for friendlies or a made-up tournament.”
PICTURE: DAVE BUDDEN