English Schools' Football Association

Sandwell Academy

The game started at a high tempo with 2 goals in quick succession. The first by Sandwell Academy’s Yan Dhanda, who had a free kick on the outside of the area. It was well taken and put the home side ahead after 2 minutes. Hove Park School instantly replied with an equaliser from Charlie Gilmour who took it through the defence to score just inside the box to make it 1-1.

Sandwell again took the ball forward and had the ball in the net from Yan Dhanda after 6 minutes but the referee had ruled it offside to keep the scores even.

Yan Dhanda again had a free kick which was put into the box, but no one could get a head to it for it to go out for a goal kick.

Sandwell again came forward with Tobias Hayles-Docherty finding a lot of space on the right side, but Hove Park keeper, Dom Hemblade, came charging out to deny the chance to go back in front.

Chance for Hove Park with Morgan James breaking through the defence but goal keeper, Sam Downes came out to catch the ball.

On the half hour mark, Sandwell advanced again with the ball being put into the box, but Hove Park defended well to put the ball out for a corner.

Sandwell came forward again with Jon Leko taking the ball in midfield and dribbling the ball into the box and struck from 6 yards to pass the keeper too. Sandwell go back into the lead just before half time.

Once again, Sandwell were denied because of offside. This time Sandwell’s Tyler Roberts hit the back of the net, but was disallowed.

Yan Dhanda put Tobias Hayles-Docherty through on goal, but a heavy touch took it straight into the goal keeper’s hands.

Sandwell ended the first half strongly with plenty of chances. The half comes to an end at Sandwell 2, Hove Park 1.

Hove Park hit first in the second half with only 5 minutes played. Alex Beale put in the spill from the keeper. Making the score now level once again.

Sandwell were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box and was put in by Yan Dhanda, it was put into the net from Jak Hickman’s head, but again, ruled out for offside.

Sandwell took the lead again after 56 minutes with a strike from Tyler Roberts. The ball was crossed and Tyler managed to hit it low and into the back of the net. Sandwell 3, Hove Park 2.

Sandwell carried on pressurising with Jon Leko hitting the post from a 25 yard strike and Yan Dhanda hitting the other post just a minute later.

Sandwell Academy went further into the lead after Tyler Roberts hit the crossbar from outside the box and the ball found its way to Jon Leko who made it 4 with 5 minutes to play.

Yan Dhanda was pulled down in the penalty area a minute later which saw the referee point to the spot. Yan then stepped up to take the penalty which he scored. Putting Sandwell 5 up.

Hove Park came close in injury time with a cross into the box but was just missed to the left of the goal.

The referee blew the whistle to end the game with Sandwell winning the game 5-2 making them National Champions.

Both teams were then presented with their souvenir medals by ESFA Council Member, Mike Coyne. Sandwell Academy’s captain, Yan Dhanda was presented with the trophy.

Sandwell Academy: Sam Downes, Harvey Walker, Louis Conway, Rajhan Garcha, Jak Hickman, Callum Nicholls, Tobias Hayles-Docherty, Jon Leko, Tyler Roberts, Yan Dhanda, Juda Kumire, Elliot Carey, Reiss Wagstaff, Brad Cox, Rownan Gibbons, Wrennico Gaskin. Team Management: Sam Woodhall (Manager), Paul Taylor (Assistant Manager), David Bridgwater (Coach), Simon Topper (Head Teacher).

Hove Park School: Dom Hemblade, Morgan Lethbridge-Evans, Harvey Kinsell, Matthew Gunn, Leon Dramis, Charlie Gilmour, Max Cleverly, Billy Barker, Alex Beale, Neil Allison, Callan Lankester-Davies, Alex Gould, Sam Beeney, Danny Barker, Morgan James, Mohammed Diallo, Stan Harrison, Max Harwood. Team Management: Mark Pulling (Teach Manager), Mark Streeter (Teacher I/c Football).

Match Officials: Dan Andrews, Bill Quirk, Ryan Haynes, Roy Burton.

Match DVD and photos can be purchased via RWT Photography.

ESFA U13 Schools’ Cup for Boys Results.