English Schools' Football Association

Wed 15th May 2013

Bramall Lane, Sheffield United FC

Thomas Telford School v Harefield Academy

The rain stopped and the sun began to shine as Sheffield United kindly welcomed us to our inaugural U12 Schools Cup for B Teams National Final.

Both teams came out fighting and struggled to control the ball as players rose to the occasion closing down the ball carrier and shutting down the space.

Both teams looked forward trying to play long balls and break down the defence, but each side stood strong and put in some strong challenges to keep the score at 0-0.

The first clear cut chance of the game fell to Kyle Simpson of Thomas Telford after a superb cross field pass found him through on goal. He shot from distance but couldn't get quite enough height on it to lob Cooper in the Harefield goal.

Simpson was again involved a few moments later as he threaded a ball through to Mathew Churm who evaded the defenders really well and crossed from the byline, only for it to be gathered by Cooper again.

Telford have perhaps had the better attacking opportunities, but Harefield look dangerous with a couple of excellent ball players, namely 8 and 5 showing good touchs on the ball.

Half time 0-0

Second half kicked off and Telford had the first real opportunity as Churm crossed for substitute Blair to use his first touch to put the ball just wide of the left hand post.

Both teams had half chances as they tried to make the most of free kicks from outside the box, but they couldn't quite get the perfect delivery and the defence ended up clearing.

The deadlock was broken as Harefield went ahead after the ball was poked home CHESTER CASH from a great cross NO 9 and some excellent football to break forward.

1-0 Harefield with 13 minutes to go.

Thomas Telford tried to hit back immediately firing a free kick across the goalmouth just a yard in front of the incoming strikers.

The ensuing corner was heading just wide like Matthews as TTS piled on the pressure.

Another freekick in a dangerous area could have caused problems but a foul on the keeper was called after a goalmouth scramble.

The game wore down as the minutes ticked past and the referee blew his whistle to signal the end of the game.

Congratulations to Harefield who were crowned Inaugural National Champions of the Schools' Cup for B teams.