English Schools' Football Association

ESFA COCA COLA U13 SCHOOLS' CUP FINAL (BOYS)

Archbishop Beck (Liverpool) 2
Parmiter's (Watford) 0
Villa Park, Aston Villa FC - Friday 27 May 2005

First Half

Villa Park in Birmingham was the fantastic Premiership backdrop for the biggest game of Archbishop Beck’s and Parmiter’s seasons – the National Final of the English Schools’ FA Coca-Cola U13 Cup. With the sun shining and the thousand strong crowd generating an unbelievable atmosphere the scene was set for a memorable day.

Both teams came out the blocks with a determination to get the first goal. Consequently the action went from end to end but both defences were up to the task and held firm.

The first half chance of the game fell to Parmiter’s on 10 minutes when young Harrison Crawford, a recent capture for Tottenham Hotspur, created space for himself and struck a left foot effort agonisingly wide of the right post, in front of the legendary Holte End.

Two minutes later Archbishop Beck had their first real chance of the game when Adam Pepper won a free kick 20 yards from goal. Pepper picked himself up to take the set piece himself and his sweetly struck effort was blocked by Jack Ashcroft.

As both midfields battled it out for supremacy there was little goalmouth action but in 26 minutes Archbishop Beck managed to find a way through a stubborn Parmiter’s back line.

Beck’s star striker, Tom Eaves, picked the ball up down the right flank and held off the challenge of Joel Vinnicombe before cutting inside towards the box, holding off two Parmiter’s defenders. As he drove forward he managed to create enough space to unleash a low 18 yard left foot drive which crashed into the back of the net – a fantastic solo effort to break the deadlock.

Parmiter’s never let their heads drop and almost pulled level within 60 seconds. Chris Brothwood found space behind Mike Nixon down the left wing and crossed over for Ben Parkes to glance a header towards goal but once again it went narrowly wide, as well as signalling the half-time whistle.

Second Half

The second half saw Parmiter’s come out with a change of tactics, their coaches had decided that it was time to go all out attack in order to get the goal to bring them level in this National Final.

Two minutes after the restart saw the busy Ben Parkes run 40 yards beating four players before seeing his shot deflected wide for a corner kick.

The rest of the team seemed to get a lift from Parkes’ efforts, especially Jack Ashcroft who had a sublime header from the resulting corner saved by the equally impressive Josh O’Connell.

Charlie Norman was the next Parmiter’s player to try his luck only to see his 30-yard free kick saved once again by O’Connell.

With ten minutes remaining it looked as if Archbishop Beck were happy to sit on their one goal advantage. Parmiter’s laid siege to their goal but could just not create the clear-cut chance for which they were looking.

As the full time whistle drew ever nearer it looked like the game was going to end 1-0, but Parmiter’s fullback Nathan Byrne had other ideas with a speculative 25-yard effort from the right wing. It almost caught O’Connell by surprise, but he recovered well to take the catch from just under the crossbar.

Archbishop Beck were now hitting on the counter attack with Parmiter’s going man for man at the back and goalscorer Eaves almost snatched his second only to watch his left foot effort slide inches wide of the right hand post.

However, Eaves wasn’t to be denied a memorable double. Team mate Jake Doyle caught Jordan Williams in possession and crossed it in for Eaves who picked his spot and coolly slotted home for his, and Archbishop’s, second goal of the game ensuring there was no way back for a deflated Parmiter’s side.

The full time whistle came seconds after the restart and the Archbishop Beck fans hailed their Merseyside heroes – in a similar vein to Wednesday’s celebrations of Liverpool’s fantastic European Cup triumph in Istanbul!

Liverpool Fan Eaves was ecstatic with the day he had, commenting,

Tom Eaves

It was a great team performance – we were solid at the back and managed to get the goals we needed. I am delighted to have scored the two goals in the final, it’s been a long road to get here and we have beaten many great teams on the way.

He also had a word on his week of celebrations

Tom Eaves

I watched the game on Wednesday night and I have been celebrating ever since, I am so tired but I’m sure I still have some celebrating in me!

Additionally remarking on his team’s National triumph, coach Neil Aconley added,

Neil Aconley

I’m really proud of the squad – that was the toughest game we’ve played and the boys had to dig deep.

We were really inspired by the performance of Liverpool mid-week and hoped we could repeat their victory.

I guess the difference was that we were more dangerous in front of goal. It’s a brilliant performance by these boys.

Player of the Match: Tom Carroll (Captain) Parmiter’s School

TEAM LINE-UPS