English Schools' Football Association

Dyke House v St Thomas More Catholic School

Dyke House Sports & Technology College booked a place in the fourth round of the English Schools’ PlayStation Cup after edging a seven-goal thriller in extra-time.

In windy conditions at the Hartlepool school, the home side avoided a nervy penalty shoot-out when the predatory Jack Proudlock hit the winner against a strong St Thomas More team.

The 4-3 victory for Dyke House has set up a fourth round tie at either Biddock College or Nunthorpe and the confidence among the Year 8 boys is high.

Dyke House played into the wind in the first half but stung their Blaydon counterparts inside the first two minutes when a quickly taken corner was smashed into the top corner by midfielder Philip Angus.

St Thomas More responded by capitalising on some poor defending and a rasping 20-yard strike evaded the efforts of goalkeeper Harry Gray to pull level. For the next ten minutes the visitors dominated and forced a series of corners. A rash challenge from McKellan Lines led to a wonderful 25-yard free kick hitting the ultimate postage stamp to put the visitors ahead.

It was Dyke House’s turn to pull level just before the break when Proudlock released Henry Shears to crash a finish over the line from a tight angle, but St Thomas More were not finished and they edged ahead again when a clearance struck their forward and it lobbed over the keeper in fortuitous fashion.

Dyke House, however, were undeterred and kept pressing to try to force the game to extra-time.

A twice taken free-kick by Angus was deflected wide in the closing stages before the leveller finally arrived.

Ethan Noble was pushed up front and his presence created an opening for Shears to strike his second from the edge of the area to earn extra-time. There were only five minutes each way for a team to prevent spot-kicks, so there was never going to be many chances. Yet the home side broke free in the first period and a precise through ball sent the hard working Proudlock through on goal. He calmly slotted the ball past the advancing keeper to put Dyke House ahead. A strong defensive performance in the second period ensured that Dyke House could celebrate after landing a fourth round away tie.

The ESFA would like to thank Dyke House for submitting their report on this third round win! They are now due to take on either Nunthorpe Academy or Biddick Academy in the fourth round of the PS Schools’ Cup competition.

If you would like to see your match report featured on our website, email Sarah Kearney with the report, alongside any pictures or videos you have of the match!

Commiserations to St Thomas More on their third round defeat.

Pictured: Henry Shears - Dyke House Goalscorer