English Schools' Football Association

Holders: Torquay Boys GS

Wet and slippery conditions made conditions difficult for this tie in the last 64 of the U16 Royal Air Force Schools’ Cup for boys. The ball often got stuck on the sticky surface and passes often fell short of their mark. The game began slowly and without any real goalmouth action but the first chance of the game fell to Manor’s Danny Hough who did well to push the ball wide of the keeper but he took himself too wide and his angled shot missed the near post.

Manor then started to gain control of the game but failed to create chances which was a worry as Kingstone looked dangerous on the break. After 20 minutes, however, the breakthrough came in a way that will have left Kingstone disappointed. Scott Rogers was fouled 20 yards from goal and when Ryan Spencer took the free-kick, the visitors’ keeper made a good save. The referee, however, had spotted that the ‘wall’ had encroached and so the kick was retaken. Inevitably, the second effort found the top corner despite another fine effort from the keeper and Manor were deservedly in front.

On the stroke of half-time, it was Manor’s turn to suffer a shock when Craig Cooley blocked a shot with his arm and the resulting penalty was perfect, hitting the underside of the bar and bouncing into the net, giving Sam Spencer in the manor goal no chance.

The second half began with Kingstone the better side as they adapted to the conditions while Manor were still trying a passing game which was thwarted by the conditions. Although chances were again rare, a Ryan Spencer free-kick hit the bar and after that great attempt from 30 yards, Manor’s change of plan to get the ball forward quickly paid dividends. Keenan Leeds did well to whip a ball into the area and Danny Hough poked the ball home in off the post.

With ten minutes remaining, Kingstone had their best chance of the half when Manor were caught holding the ball too long, Kingstone gained control and their winger broke through the middle to go one on one with the keeper but as Sam Spencer rushed out, he hurried his shot and dragged it wide of the near post. The game’s rhythm was spoiled by some Manor substitutions and they held on to win 2-1.

Manor will now meet Endeavour High School (Humberside) in the last 32.

Report details courtesy of Scott Rogers (Manor School) and Mike Simmonds (Notts CSFA)

U16 RAF Boys Cup Results and Draw
Nottinghamshire CSFA Website