English Schools Premier League Cup Final
638
teams entered the English Schools Premier League Cup and the final two teams
fought out a close encounter at the home of Birmingham City FC, St Andrews.
With the match being streamed live on the internet and the coach loads of
supporters from both schools, this was the biggest stage for these boys to show
their ability.
After a tentative start from both teams where nerves were evident, it was the Liverpool school who settled into their stride, closing down the Beechen Cliff players and stifling their usual expansive game. Boasting three academy players from Blackburn Rovers, Tranmere and Liverpool, West Derby School threatened in the 20th minute but as always in the 10 games played in this tournament, Thomas Easterbrook in the Beechen Cliff goal showed his class. Yet again it showed the signs of being a one goal game as the scores stayed level at the interval.
The second half was a more open affair with both sides creating chances but the defences remained in charge. With the game heading for straight penalties after the 90 minutes, the West Derby centre forward broke clear into the Beechen Cliff penalty area on 87 minutes and as the advancing keeper made the slightest contact with him, the referee pointed to the spot. The penalty was taken with aplomb and despite a frantic last three minutes in search of an equaliser, Beechen Cliff’s dreams were shattered with the final whistle.
This has been a gallant and unprecedented journey for this group of unassuming boys in search of the treble. Having already won the BANES Cup, they now face King Alfred’s School in the final of the Somerset Cup on Thursday at Street FC. Let's hope that they can quickly bounce back and complete the double.
Mr K Mann
Assistant Head
After a tentative start from both teams where nerves were evident, it was the Liverpool school who settled into their stride, closing down the Beechen Cliff players and stifling their usual expansive game. Boasting three academy players from Blackburn Rovers, Tranmere and Liverpool, West Derby School threatened in the 20th minute but as always in the 10 games played in this tournament, Thomas Easterbrook in the Beechen Cliff goal showed his class. Yet again it showed the signs of being a one goal game as the scores stayed level at the interval.
The second half was a more open affair with both sides creating chances but the defences remained in charge. With the game heading for straight penalties after the 90 minutes, the West Derby centre forward broke clear into the Beechen Cliff penalty area on 87 minutes and as the advancing keeper made the slightest contact with him, the referee pointed to the spot. The penalty was taken with aplomb and despite a frantic last three minutes in search of an equaliser, Beechen Cliff’s dreams were shattered with the final whistle.
This has been a gallant and unprecedented journey for this group of unassuming boys in search of the treble. Having already won the BANES Cup, they now face King Alfred’s School in the final of the Somerset Cup on Thursday at Street FC. Let's hope that they can quickly bounce back and complete the double.
Mr K Mann
Assistant Head