The Cup Episode Rating Graph

Terry McConnell is desperate for his 10-year-old son, Malky, to get a trial for Bolton Wanderers - so desperate that Malky misses a training session. And, even though he is joint leading scorer, Malky is dropped from Ashburn United's league decider. Terry moves heaven and earth to persuade coach Tom Blackley to relent and play Malky from the start - but Tom's blood pressure is rising fast.

With Coach Blackley in hospital recovering from his seizure, Terry McConnell reckons he's all but got the job as Ashburn United coach. But fitness coach Dr. Kaskar has designs on the job too. The wheeling and dealing begins, and Terry and Kaskar begin to resemble Obama and Clinton in their attempts to lobby Ashburn United owner Sandra Farrell.

The dishy Frenchman Raymond Mercier is appointed as coach, much to the delight of Debbie who immediately sees romantic possibilities, but to the dismay of Terry and Kaskar. Yet more dismay is to follow, however, as Vincent Farrell, Sandra's husband and the local undertaker, informs his wife they are unable to sponsor the Ashes' trip to Birmingham. It looks like the long-awaited trip will have to be cancelled unless Terry can raise the funds in time.

Terry McConnell is hell bent on the Bolton scout coming to run the rule over Malky. But how can he pay the scout's expenses? He wouldn't steal cash from his wife... would he?

The Under 11s Cup in Birmingham brings out the best in the team and the worst in their parents. Single mum Debbie's attempts to snare coach Mercier are put on hold when Terry's best mate Fourbellies reports that Mercier is gay. Janice goes ballistic when she discovers her secret cash stash is missing. Terry half-heartedly joins in the search for the money, but he's more concerned with the whereabouts of Bolton scout Geoff Hinchcliffe, who still hasn't turned up to see Malky play.

Terry hijacks his boss's car and speeds back home to plead with Bolton scout Hinchcliffe to watch Malky play in Birmingham. Ashburn United make it to the final of the under 11's Cup - despite losing the semi-final - and in a dramatic climax everything turns on a last minute penalty for Ashburn. Can Malky McConnell score and answer both Ashburn United's and Terry's prayers?