Bobby has a dazzler in cup final

BOBBY HOPKINSON gave Ian Holloway a reminder of his ability in the Joma 2010 South West Challenge Cup final.

In 2006, while manager at Plymouth Argyle, Holloway signed the midfielder on schoolboy forms.

Hopkinson, now 20, did not make the grade at Plymouth.

But he showed his natural talent with a man of the match performance as his new club, Havant and Waterlooville, gave Holloway’s Blackpool a fright at the Sports Ground on Sunday.

Family and friends had travelled up from Plymouth to support Hopkinson and he got the biggest cheer of the day when he was substituted in the 75th minute.

The announcement of his man of the match award was equally well received, even though the crowd were told the winner was “Bobby Wilkinson”.

Hopkinson said: “Man of the match against a Premier League team — happy days.

“My Mum is originally from Middlesbrough and Dad from Yorkshire, put them together and it’s the loudest crowd you will ever get.

“They try to come to every game I play, so this tournament has been easier for them.”

Hopkinson has done his fair share of travelling since leaving Argyle.

He was a popular figure at Tiverton Town and has also turned out for Aldershot Town and Farnborough before a move to Portsmouth saw him sign for Havant this summer.

His creativity is likely to be an important factor in their Blue Square South campaign.

And after playing four games in five days at Joma 2010, Hopkinson was probably looking forward to getting a break when the league season starts.

“In seven days we have trained five times and played four games,” he said.

“To do that with 16 fit players is remarkable.

“Most of the boys have got jobs and it’s been hard.

“A few of the lads are getting stick from the missus and one (Ian Simpemba) has just dashed off because his missus is expecting a baby.

“But it’s been good fun. The people representing Joma have given us a good, organised tournament.”

Hopkinson’s Havant team-mate, Mustafa Tiryaki, was the competition’s top scorer with four goals.

The striker also shared the player of the tournament award with Keith Southern, the Blackpool midfielder.

Both players will be given boot deals by Joma for the new season.