National cup run delights U15 footballers
The U15 football team embarked on a remarkable cup run as they reached the final of the Independent Schools Football Association’s National Shield.
The team entered the Shield after losing in the Cup on penalties to The King’s School, Chester following a thrilling 3-3 draw.
In the First Round of the Shield, the boys put in a dominant performance to beat Wolverhampton Grammar School 6-0 in an away tie.
The Second Round handed them a home match-up against Merchant Taylors’ School, Crosby and the players were delighted to keep a clean sheet as they saw off the visitors 2-0.
The Quarter Final game saw them edge out home team Queen Ethelburga’s 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller before they faced ACS International School Cobham in the final four tie.
With a place in the final at stake, the footballers held their nerve to secure a brilliant 2-0 victory.
In the cup decider, the team ventured south to face Dunottar School at Burnham Football Club.
The boys started off strongly and two clever finishes saw them enter the half-time break with a 2-0 lead.
Dunottar pulled a goal back early in the second half and the well-matched teams battled excellently as the game entered the closing stages.
It was the Surrey based team who finished the game stronger and they managed to snatched two late goals to win the tie and pick up the silverware.
Reflecting on the cup run, Head of Football Development Mr Mike Elstone said: “Myself and Mr Dixon are so incredibly proud of the U15s.
“They have been a pleasure to coach all year round and I am looking forward to seeing them develop into the Senior squads next year.”
More photos from the final can be found here.
