There was double delight for Maryport’s Netherhall School footballers as two of its teams were declared champions this week.
The Under-14s and under-12s are now Cumbria County Cup champions.
The Under-14s retained the title following a 4-0 victory over the Kirkbie Kendal School at the Sheepmount in Carlisle on Tuesday.
Mark Bailey, the school’s deputy head, said: “In a match that will live long in the memory of all who were present, the Netherhall School year 9 boys’ football team produced a dominant display throughout the game to secure the title in an absolutely fantastic game of football.”
Netherhall School took the lead only two minutes into the game when sustained pressing from Tyler Leonard on the right wing saw the Kirkbie Kendal defence under extreme pressure, with Leonard going on to chase down the Kirkbie Kendal goalkeeper and take the ball from the opponents’ number one before smashing the ball into the open Kirkbie Kendal net to give the Netherhall School boys an immediate 1-0 advantage.
Buoyed by this start, the year 9 boys were immediately back at the Kirkbie Kendal defence from the kick-off, and on four minutes, the sustained Netherhall School pressure saw the second goal of the afternoon scored when a delightful Zak Norman cross from the right found centre forward Alfie Holdsworth on the edge of the Kirkbie Kendal area.
Holdsworth delivered a superb volley into the top right corner of the Kirkbie Kendal goal.
The pressure kept coming from the resulting kick off and the Netherhall School boys were again immediately on the attack, this time forcing a corner on seven minutes which was delivered perfectly from the right wing by Tyler Leonard, with the flight of the ball finding Kian Stuart racing in from the edge of the area, meeting the ball at the penalty spot and delivering an unstoppable bullet header past the despairing Kirkbie Kendal keeper to make the score 3-0 to Netherhall School.
The remainder of the first-half was played out without further score, despite a penalty being awarded to Netherhall School on 18 minutes which was superbly saved by the Kirkbie Kendal keeper, giving them hope that a way could be found back into the game, but it was not to be, as superb play by the Netherhall School year 9 boys across the pitch meant that the remainder of the half was dominated in possession by them, without any additions being made to the score.
The second period of the game followed in very much the same fashion as the first-half, with Netherhall School dominating proceedings, and while Kirkbie Kendal did threaten on occasion, the Netherhall School defence of Jayden Faulder, Cameron Pettitt, Ethan Kirkbride, Morgan Towers and Georgie Stevenson, with support from Lloyd Davison, continued to close down any opportunities that arose for Kirkbie Kendal.
Sixteen minutes into the second-half came the goal that would cement the victory for the Netherhall School boys when Kian Stuart carried the ball along the Kirkbie Kendal touchline before pulling the ball back to the six-yard line where centre forward Alfie Holdsworth was waiting to gleefully smash the ball into the net.
At 4-0 to Netherhall School the victory was secured, and while further chances were created by the superb midfield trio of Travis Bromley, Zak Norman and Kian Stuart for our outstanding forward line of Lewis Ousby, Alfie Holdsworth and Tyler Leonard, supported by Aiden Irving, no further goals were added, meaning that the final score remained at a magnificent 4-0 to Netherhall School.
Mr Bailey said: “The performance of the Netherhall School U14 team in this year’s Cumbria County Cup final was nothing short of incredible; it has been an absolute joy to work with the brilliant young men of the squad this season, who have all played their part in this magnificent achievement, and I would particularly like to mention the contributions of Finn Nicholson and Jacob Dlhy who were unavailable for the final but most certainly played their part in this season’s second Cumbria County Cup triumph.
“The year 9 boys’ passion for the game, determination and resilience has been a joy to behold and these young men certainly represent the very best of Netherhall School and Maryport; the success they have earned is a result of their character and sets an incredible example to all students of our school.
“The year 9 boys were determined to mark their own tribute to their peer and great friend, Sadie Reed; they represented themselves and our school to the highest level and they have certainly played their part in honouring Sadie’s memory.”
Netherhall School Year 7 team give 110%
Playing against Morton Academy, Carlisle, Netherhall School ran out deserved 3-1 winners in front of an outstanding travelling contingent to the delight of the whole team.
Netherhall started strongly, testing the Morton goalkeeper on several occasions.
It was good work from Luke Ferguson in goal who kept the score at 0-0, making two good saves under pressure. Netherhall took the lead after good work from Carter Gray, who played Kai Shepherd in on goal for him to slide the ball under the goalkeeper.
From the kick-off, some good tactics from Morton allowed them to equalise after an excellent low finish. The response of the team after this was particularly pleasing as not a single head was dropped, instead the whole team picked themselves up straight away, continuing to apply pressure on the Morton goal.
Netherhall went into half-time with a 2-1 lead, following an outstanding Zach Sadler header from a corner. Zach rose highest and was bravest among a packed six-yard box, and then directed his header into the far corner.
After this, Netherhall endured a lot of pressure from the Morton team who didn’t give up all afternoon.
The resilience and teamwork shown from Leo Wood, Jayden Booty and Bobby Scholey was invaluable.
With Netherhall playing against the wind in the second half, the team started strongly, with Niall Norman and Caleb Scott having good shots saved by the Morton goalkeeper.
Ten minutes into the second half Kai Shepherd kept the ball in-play and beat two men, passing to Bobby Scholey who beat another player and drove the ball into the bottom corner, giving Netherhall a 3-1 lead.
The game became a little scrappy after this, with Morton applying a lot of pressure and Netherhall defending resiliently and bravely to keep the ball out of the net.
Management of the game was a real team effort for the last 15 minutes for Netherhall, heavily reliant on the hard work of our substitutes to get over the line.
More resolute defending, particularly from Zach Sadler, the referee blew the full-time whistle which sparked jubilant scenes from the players, staff and fans.
Before starting the celebrations, the team paid a fitting and moving tribute to Sadie.
PE teacher Mr Smith said: “As a team, we talked at length about the importance of supporting each other, showing resilience during tough situations and making the most of enjoying special occasions such as this result with friends.
“It feels fitting that our performance today embodied the courageous spirit and togetherness that the students, staff and community of Netherhall School have shown throughout the term. Each student has been a credit to themselves, their families and the school this year.”
