English Schools' Football Association

Richard Challoner School (Kingston Schools' FA)

Manchester City Football club played host to the ESFA Premier League U14 Cup Final on Wednesday 11 May 2011. The staff and stewards at the City of Manchester Stadium were in excellent form following the previous night’s victory against Tottenham Hotspur which secured qualification into next season’s UEFA Champions’ League.

The opening exchanges were tight as both teams attempted to settle into their prestigious surrounds. The deadlock was broken on 24 minutes by Richard Challoner School, when a direct free kick, from just outside the penalty area, was well placed out of the reach of the keeper by Jack Watret.

Wright Robinson replied immediately on 25 minutes when Kean Bryan picked up a ball played inside the full back and shot low into the net for the equaliser.

Unbelievably, Richard Challoner School regained the lead within seconds of the re-start when Kieran Russell broke down the left with a fine run and crossed to the far post and Jack Watret was there to knock the ball into the net.

Four minutes after the interval, Wright Robinson drew level once again thanks to Kean Bryan's fiercely struck free-kick from just outside the Challoner penalty area.

On 52 minutes, a stunning solo run past four defenders, by Jeremie Boga, produced Challoner’s third goal. However, Wright Robinson showed great strength and character to draw level on 60 minutes when Kean Bryan completed a fantastic hat-trick when he thundered in a half volley from 30 yards to give the Challoner keeper no chance.

With no further goals scored during normal time, the tie slipped into extra time and it was midway through the first period a right wing corner was handled in the box by a Wright Robinson defender, which gave referee Rob Lewis, no alternative, but to award a penalty.  Challoner’s Ryan Sweeney despatched the ball into the corner of the net.

Brian Marwood, Manchester City’s Football Administrator, was on hand to assist ESFA Council Member, Nigel Brown, to present the trophy. Former Richard Challoner School pupil, Steven Reid, now playing for West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League, was on hand to witness his school’s success.

Squads

Wright Robinson College (Manchester SFA): Jubril Olajide (Goalkeeper); Connor Hutchinson; Matthew Marshall; Elliott Julien; Albert Keeling; Calum McGlynn; Kean Bryan (Captain); Devonte Jacobs; Kyle Muldoon; Anthony Ludford; Damian St Louis; Medi Bakinama; Daniel Heaney; Jamie Hill; Jason Kostner; Cassius Callaghan. Team Management: Mick Halshaw (Manager); Mick Halshaw (Senior Coach); Barry Lomas (Physiotherapist).

Richard Challoner School (Kingston SFA): Robert Russell (Goalkeeper); Sean Jewell; Billi Jon Green; Will Thistleton; Ryan Sweeney (Captain); Billy Frost; Marco Difato; Carvell Essilifie Conduah; Kieran Russell; Jeremie Boga; Jack Watret; Andrew Mills; Matthew Buxton; Jake Molloy; Jose Capita; Richard Cassells; Aedan O’Brien; Daniel Mitchell. Team Management: Mr Sean Walsh (Team Manager); Mark Cox (Assistant Manager); Ryan Jerwood (Coach).

Match Officials

Rob Lewis (Referee); Peter Mellor & Sam Penny (Assistant Referees); Alex Pulling (Fourth Official).  Supplied courtesy of Shropshire FA.

Photo courtesy of www.rwt-photography.co.uk
U14 Premier League Schools’ Cup Results