Super Social’s six of the best

The Cannock Chase League side are reflecting on a record-breaking campaign that has seen them collect a staggering six pieces of silverware.

A hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ridware Oak 2-1 in the final of the Cannock Chase Cup completed a clean sweep for Social and rounded off a season to remember, adding to a roll of honour that includes the Premier Division title, Premier League Cup, Staffs Cup, Lichfield Cup and the Brereton Town Cup.

The Social stars have tasted defeat just once all season although manager Ade Sherwood can lay claim to a perfect record.

“We only lost one league game all season – and I wasn’t there for that!” joked Sherwood.

“But in all seriousness it’s been an incredible season and I am so proud of the lads.

“They are a great bunch and they never give me any hassle. There is respect both ways.

“It was a hard-fought game against Ridware but I will take a 2-1 victory after the amount of games we have played recently.

“The finals have come thick and fast and a few of the players have picked up the odd injury.”

And while his players were celebrating the perfect end to the season, Sherwood’s thoughts turned to the other side of the world and former skipper Jack Elcock.

“Jack left for Australia just after we had won the Staffs Cup at the start of May,” said Sherwood.

“He was a key member of the side and I spoke to him after the final to let him know we had won.”

Sherwood’s charges are no strangers to success having won four cups and the Division One title under their former guise of The Talbot in the previous two campaigns.

But the decision to move to Yates Social and take on their name has resulted in them becoming the first Cannock League side to bag six trophies in a season.

“I would like to thank everyone at Yates Social for their help this season,” added Sherwood.

“We have a private pitch and a clubhouse and the best facilities in the league.

“The team was formed about six years ago but this was our first one as Yates Social.

“I used to play my football at Yates’s and Mark Brindley, who runs the club, asked me if I was interested in bringing the side down here.

“When we came down I told Mark that I would bring some trophies here and we have done that, but to win six is just amazing.”

Sherwood highlighted team spirit as one the key reasons for success.

“We have always been a pretty decent side and a few of the lads play a good level on Saturdays,” said Sherwood.

“They all grew up together and everyone gets on really well. There is a great team spirit.

“I played alongside their dads and they all come down to watch, it’s like a reunion.

“There are probably four of the original lads still playing and we have added a couple of players each year. They are all local and that’s the beauty of it.

“Scott Sandland is the leading scorer in the Premier Division but you can’t single any one player out.

“They have all played their part. There were seven players in the running for players’ player of the year which just shows the strength of the team.

“We have 16 players and it’s hard to pick a starting XI because I am leaving five out each week who would play for any other side in the Premier Division.

“Some could have moved on but they have all stayed here.”

Sherwood now faces the tough task of following this season’s achievements and has already set his sights on creating another piece of history.

“We are thinking about the possibility of entering the FA Sunday National Cup, but it’s something we will have to look into,” added the boss.

“But one aim is to try to retain the Staffs Cup because I don’t think any Cannock League side has done that.”