Congratulations to the U12 Football squad who secured the ESFA Play Station Schools cup at the home of West Bromich Albion, The Hawthorns on Wednesday this week.
This well travelled squad have played the majority of their ties away from home , but this journey to The Hawthorns was one that they embarked on with delight. An early morning kick off at 9:30am meant that the squad travelled down the night before. Their cup run started with their only home tie, a 5-0 win against Bridgewater School, Salford. They then hit the road with away ties at BlacconHS, Chester, Sir Thomas Boughey, Newcastle Under Lyne, St Mary’s, Sefton, Ovingham MS, West Tyne and a semi-final with Caistor GS, Lincolnshire.
On the morning of the final the team were joined by a coachload of excited supporters who had left the College at 6am in order to avoid the M6 rush hour through Birmingham. These passionate supporters really boosted team morale and made it feel like a home fixture. They were ably supported by parents and family of the squad.
The final itself was an excellent game with both teams playing one and two touch football. A close first half finished 0-0 with St Bede’s having the slight edge. The second half exploded into life as Dom made a fine double save to deny the Greneway striker. The balance tilted in favour of St Bede’s when Harry latched onto a through ball from Benat and despatched it in off the far post.