John Hampden finish fourth in ‘Battle of Britain’
Tuesday 03 June 2008By ESFA Office
Last Updated:
10/02/2021 11:49:03
John Hampden Grammar School
The Champion Schools of England, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales joined forces over the weekend of 30 May to 1 June 2008 in a SAFIB Under 14 “Battle of Britain” Festival of Football. As hosts, the Scottish Schools FA were invited to have 2 representatives in the event. Matches were arranged at Rangers Training Ground (Murray Park), Stirling University and Garscube (the University of Glasgow Sports Complex).
England were represented by John Hampden Grammar School from High Wycombe who had become English National Champions after winning the ESFA U14 Cup Final at Yeovil Town where they had defeated Lancaster School from Leicester 1-0.
In gloriously sunny weather on Saturday 31 May John Hampden’s lads took on the Northern Ireland Champions, St Columb’s College from Londonderry. An early goal from Adam Thomas was cancelled out by a second half equaliser and the game finished as 1-1 draw.
The next game proved more fruitful for John Hampden as they overcame Scottish representatives St Andrew’s and St Bride’s School from East Kilbride. Goals from Luke Toudup, Kristian Fuzi and 2 from Dan Brennan gave the visitors from south of the border a creditable 4-2 win. However, one extra goal would have seen John Hampden through to the Sunday Final. A magnificent save in the last minute by the home keeper denied Dan Brennan his hat-trick and Dan’s team a place in the Final.
The Final was won by Dumfries Academy with a narrow 1-0 over St Columb’s College. John Hampden went down 1-0 to the College of the Holy Spirit, Bishopstown, Cork. A late free-kick from John Hampden’s Sam Tomkins hit the bar and denied the Buckinghamshire visitors a share of the spoils.
John Hampden Grammar School’s defeat left them in 4th place, with Aberaeron Comprehensive School from West Wales finishing 5th and St Andrew’s and St Bride’s School from East Kilbride in 6th place.
