ESFA Boys Under 16 Premier League Small Schools’ Cup

(semi-final)

Gordon’s School 2

HOLSWORTHY Community College’s Year 11 football team are out of the ESFA?Boys Under 16 Premier League Small Schools’ Cup after an agonising 2-1 defeat to Gordon’s School in Woking last Thursday afternoon.

The North Devon school had never reached the last four of the competition, and despite Josh Down’s 40-yard screamer, a failure to take their chances proved crucial.

However, the school are rightly proud of their phenomenal achievements as students Max McDonald, Ben Furber and Sam Quance explain.

“Last Wednesday we set off from Holsworthy on the long journey to Woking and were looking forward to the tough game ahead of us against a strong Gordon’s School team.

“After a long bus journey, with some banging tunes, we arrived at our cosy Travelodge and settled in. The team then headed out for a scrumptious meal at Frankie & Benny’s and carbo-loaded in preparation for the next day.

After a good night’s sleep and a pre-match meal, we were prepped for the biggest game in Holsworthy history.

“From kick-off both teams were battling hard and the game looked very even. However we conceded a corner, which was fumbled about the box and came out to the Gordon’s striker’s feet. He slotted it in the top corner, and give Gordon’s the half-time lead.

“We came back on, confident that we could still win and we seemed to be dominating the second-half, but after some sloppy defending Gordon’s had another shot, which Sam Quance saved, but their striker soon came in and scored the rebound.

“Despite being 2-0 down we kept our heads high, and were soon rewarded with a goal with Josh Down scoring the best goal in Holsworthy history— a 40-yard screamer that flew past the despairing dive of the home goalkeeper.

“The rest of the game was very tense, with both teams having lots of chances - with one of our shots being cleared off the line.

“However the home side held on much to their relief to advance to the final against Church Stretton School from Shropshire.

“The lads travelled home disappointed with the loss, but happy to have got so far in such a big competition.”

Head of PE, Steve Vanstone, was delighted with the team’s efforts, saying: “I’m so proud of the boys; an incredible achievement to get so far in a national competition. Hopefully we can do as well again next year.”