In the heart of Liverpool, a grassroots football team are on a remarkable journey to the semi-finals of the Sunday FA Cup.

Home Bargains FC, led by managers Brian Moogan and Joey Gibiliru, have defied the odds and overcome formidable opponents to reach this stage of the national competition.

The FA Sunday Cup is a knock-out competition for English Sunday league football teams. The prestigious tournament has been won by 10 Merseyside teams since its inception in 1960.

Manager Moogan spoke about the team’s journey, highlighting the importance of squad depth and unity.

He said: “The quality in our squad is evident, but it’s the team spirit and togetherness that have propelled us forward.

“Having 20+ players consistently turning up each week is vital at this level of grassroots football.”

Their journey to the semi-finals has been nothing short of extraordinary. They kicked off their cup campaign with a resounding 5-1 victory over The Dock from across the River Mersey. This impressive start set the tone for what was to come.

Their next challenge came in the form of Greenhoffs from Stoke, a team unbeaten for 18 months. Yet, Home Bargains FC delivered a masterclass performance, stunning their opponents with a 5-0 victory.

Undeterred by the prospect of facing out-of-town rivals, Moogan’s side continued their winning streak with another dominant 6-0 triumph over Olympic from Bradford. The team’s star striker, Will Dunne, etched his name into the club’s history with a remarkable five-goal haul.

As the competition continued, the Old Swan based side faced familiar foes in the Brow, a physical side from their own league. However, they rose to the occasion once again, securing a hard-fought 3-1 victory to advance to the quarter-finals.

In the quarter-finals, Belle Vue Rovers stood between them and a place in the last four. Belle Vue threatened a good start but soon went down to 10 men. Home Bargains FC took advantage and emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, cementing their place in the semi-finals.

Despite their cup success, Moogan remains focused on the team’s broader goals.

He said: “We’ve put the semi-final on the back burner for now, as we have important league games coming up.

“But the achievement of reaching this stage of the national cup is testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and committee members.”

His side sit top of the Business Premier Division. A competition they have won four times in their rich 34-year history.

For Home Bargains FC, the journey to the semi-finals represents more than just a sporting achievement. It is a symbol of the passion that courses through the veins of grassroots football in Liverpool.

They will face 2022’s finalists Highgate Albion on Sunday 24 March at the Aggborough Stadium. A win in the semi finals will take the team further than they have ever been in the cup.

With a one in four chance of lifting the Sunday FA Cup, they have a chance to become the 11th Merseyside team ever to lift the prestigious trophy.

 

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