Bruno Magpies win Pepe Reyes cup

The Lincoln Red Imps faced off against the Bruno Magpies in a solemn match that began with a minute’s silence to honor those lost in the Moroccan earthquake. The commencement of the domestic season marked a fresh start for both teams, each eager to assert their dominance early on.

Bruno Magpies had previously beaten Lincoln Red Imps in the Rock Cup and the first round of last season’s competition, but significant changes had since occurred, particularly within Bruno Magpies. At the start of the season, they witnessed the unexpected departure of head coach Nathan Rooney, who made a surprising return just last week.

In contrast, Lincoln Red Imps had retained most of their squad and coaching staff, with 80% of their players remaining. However, injuries to key players like Julian Valarino and Graeme Torilla weakened their starting eleven. Nevertheless, Javi Munoz led a strong side that had previously competed in European competitions.

With Bernardo Lope absent from the starting lineup and Scott Wiseman retiring, Lincoln Red Imps’ defense faced a new challenge. The match began nervously, with neither team controlling possession, resulting in a back-and-forth exchange for the first few minutes.

The first significant attack came after ten minutes when Juampe set up Nano to deliver a ball into Bruno Magpies’ penalty area. Unfortunately, an unmarked Kike missed connecting with the ball, allowing it to pass harmlessly across the goal.

This match marked the implementation of reduced homegrown player rules, with both teams fielding only four local players on the field, a departure from the previous five-player rule. Surprisingly, Lincoln Red Imps, who initially opposed the change, opted for the four-player rule themselves.

The first 25 minutes of the game saw few goal-scoring opportunities for either side, leaving fans expecting an exciting clash disappointed. Bruno Magpies’ first shot on goal came in the 28th minute but was well off target.

Tensions on the pitch grew as both teams struggled to break through each other’s defenses, resulting in a physical game. Lincoln Red Imps earned a corner in the 32nd minute, which provided a rare chance to test the Magpies’ defense, but the keeper confidently collected the ball.

Three minutes later, Lincoln created another opportunity, with Juampe’s header saved by the keeper. However, the follow-up attempt from Ayew missed the target.

The first half concluded with little action and an overall dull preseason performance from two of the league’s top teams.

The second half started similarly, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. Kike had a chance to control the ball but mishandled it, and his subsequent goal was ruled offside.

As the half progressed, Lincoln Red Imps began to dominate possession, pushing Bruno Magpies into their own half. Bruno’s defense held firm, but they struggled to advance.

It wasn’t until the 18th minute of the second half that Bruno Magpies broke the deadlock. A foul by Ayew in the penalty area led to a penalty kick, which Diaz converted, giving Bruno Magpies the lead.

With Lincoln Red Imps now chasing an equalizer, the game opened up, with both teams pressing forward. Lincoln had some chances but failed to capitalize, while Bruno Magpies looked dangerous on the counter.

In the dying minutes of the match, Lincoln Red Imps searched for an equalizer, but Bruno Magpies’ disciplined defense held firm. With few attempts at goal, Bruno Magpies secured victory with the only goal of the match, winning the Pepe Reyes Cup and becoming the sixth team to do so.