English Schools' Football Association

Kesgrave High School (Ipswich) 0
Horringer Court Middle School (Bury St Edmunds) 1
Venue: Gainsborough Sports Centre, Ipswich
Date: Wednesday 10th January

On Wednesday 10th January at Gainsborough Sports Centre, Horringer Court Middle School from Bury St Edmunds won the Minute Maid Suffolk County Schools' FA Cup (boys) with the solitary goal of the game in a closely contested match against Ipswich rival's Kesgrave High School.

After a morning of wind and rain, the sun broke out for kick-off allowing the match to be played in dry conditions 'supported' by strong winds. For the duration both sides competed in a sporting manner and continued to try and play their best football despite the blustery winds.

Kesgrave High had the wind in their favour in the first-half and dominated the early exchanges. Ben Fuller led the line well up-front for the Ipswich side and looked to make the most of the heavy underfoot conditions with some strong running. However, the Horringer Court defence held firm with some timely clearances to keep the Kesgrave High attacks at arms' length.

Although Horringer Court soon managed to gain a foothold in the game and looked dangerous on the break, neither side was able to create much in the way of clear-cut chances in the opening exchanges.

The first real chance of note came from a deep Gavin Macinally cross which was met at the far post and turned back across goal, but no white-shirted Kesgrave High player was on hand to apply the finishing touch before the ball was cleared to safety.

Horringer Court soon had a clear-cut chance of their own, with Philip Coe heading over from a cross from the right wing.

The first-half continued to be a keenly fought and even affair, with both sides continuing to try and play their best football despite the unrelenting wind.

The second-half saw Horringer Court Middle School play with the wind at their backs and they were the first to create a decent chance, with Joshua Cornish unable to connect with a cross from the left.

The opening goal wasn't long in coming - six minutes into the second-half Horringer centre-back Christopher Lord seized on a loose ball 40 yards out and tried his luck from distance! With the wind assisting, the ball flew into the roof of the net to give the Bury St Edmund's side the lead, leaving Bill Traynor in the Kesgrave goal with little chance.

Kesgrave High were stung into action immediately, with the ever-dangerous Fuller bursting through the Horringer Court defence but keeper Steven Fenner made the save down to his right to deny a rapid equaliser. Kesgrave continued their hunt for a swift reply and a couple of minutes later Liam Collings was dispossessed when in a threatening position in the penalty box.

Horringer Court continued to protect their lead and also began to cause Kesgrave High more problems on the counter-attack and by using the weather to good effect in shooting from distance, with a couple of chances almost providing an action-replay of Lord's goal.

With time running out Kesgrave captain Joe Langfield supplied a cross from the right, which Fuller met with a firm header on the edge of the 6 yard box, only to see the ball narrowly go over the bar.

Greg Bradlaugh was next to have a chance for Kesgrave as he found room for a shot in the penalty-area, but again, Fenner was equal to the shot and made the save to preserve his side's lead.

Horringer Court Middle School held firm through the final minutes and the game finished 1-0, prompting joyous scenes from the Horringer Court players and fans alike. Horringer Court's Steven Fenner jubilantly lifted the Suffolk Schools' FA Minute Maid U13 Boys County Cup as the side celebrated their victory.

After the match Dr Farthing - Headteacher of Horringer Court Middle School - was delighted with her school's victory, saying that the boys had done exceptionally well, especially given the relative small size of the school, the group of lads who made up the football team also proudly represented the school at other sports, notably rugby. Dr Farthing was especially proud of the team coming from a Middle School and hoped the victory could be seen as an example of the sterling work and achievements the Middle School had achieved.

To view more reports and stories on the ESFA Minute Maid Schools Cup, please visit the tournament's new media partner the Daily Mail Online.

Teams:

Kesgrave High School:

Bill Traynor; Daniel Darbyshire; Aiden Bobbin; Callum Bennett; Harvey Deakin; Kalum Winters; Joe Langfield (Captain); Greg Bradlaugh; Ben Fuller; Liam Collings; Gavin Macinally; Ben Garnham; Harry Brook Rowland; Jimmy Dean; Reece Orchard; Jon Russell

Horringer Court Middle School:

Steven Fenner; Philip Coe; Jonathon Lambert; James Griffin; Reece Foster; Max Wilsher; Oliver Lilly; Daniel Wisher; Ryan Pettit; Matthew Day; Reece Clarke; Joshua Cornish; Christopher Lord; Benjamin Gathercole; Jack Ridgeon; Ryan Maxwell; Adam Price