[T]he Year 7 Boys’ Football team from St Benedict’s are celebrating after another fantastic win in the English Schools’ Football (ESFA) National Cup last week, taking them through to the quarter finals of the competition.
The round seven game saw St Benedict’s facing another opponent from the North East – Valley Gardens Middle School on Thursday 1st February, with the match being played locally at Lakes College.
The game kicked off and St Benedict’s soon found themselves 1-0 up thanks to some pacey wing play and neat finishing.
The game looked under control but against the run of play Valley Gardens were awarded a penalty which they duly slotted home to make it 1-1. Around a minute later St Benedict’s hit back with a great through ball and finish, only for Valley Gardens to open us up again to make it 2-2.
Both sides clearly wanted a place in the national quarter finals and both sides hit the woodwork as they traded blows. The first half ended 2-2.
In the second half St Benedict’s really upped the ante and were very clinical in their possession and in taking their chances. They hit Valley Gardens on the break four times in quick succession to gain a commanding lead 6-2.
The pace, reactions and fitness levels of the St Benedict’s in creating the chances and following the ball in were the difference here. A neat finish from a free kick wasn’t enough for Valley Gardens and a mere consolation as St Benedict’s were making history by reaching the quarter final of the ESFA National Cup as deserved winners.
Mr Harrison, PE teacher at St Benedict’s said:
“What an historic achievement, as this is the furthest any team from St.Benedict’s has ever reached in a national football knockout event.”
The next round is due to be drawn on Monday 5th February, with dates yet to be confirmed.
