English Schools' Football Association

The Ricoh Arena, Coventry City FC
Wednesday 24 May 2006
Ivybridge Community College (Devon) 2
Newlands School FCJ (Middlesbrough) 3

Middlesbrough's Newlands School edged out Ivybridge Community College from Devon by the odd goal following a dramatic National Final in the "Coca-Cola" U13 Schools' Cup.

The winning goal came from Newlands' striker Anthony Brown, on the books at Middlesbrough FC, who seized upon a missed clearance by Ivybridge keeper Hyslop to collect the ball and slot into the back of the empty net from 20 yards. The Boro' side were then put under intense pressure by the Ivybridge attack but held out for a lengthy spell of injury time to seal the National title with a famous win.

Overall the National Final was a fantastic game of football between two well-matched teams. The opening exchanges were tight and closely contested as both sides attempted to suss each other out.

Newlands' keeper Sean Cuff convincingly claimed an early corner whipped in by Ivybridge captain Luke Young and in quick succession he saved a shot from distance from midfielder Bill Hill, as neither side really managed to create any real clear cut chances.

After 15 minutes Newlands forced their first convincing opening, a dangerous Matthew Robinson corner was flicked on at the front post and striker Brown just failed to connect at the back post.

More attacking play followed from the Middlesbrough side with neat inter-passing between Brown and Zak Wilkinson creating an opportunity for Christos Chalilopolous but the striker smacked his effort over the bar. This was quickly followed by a spectacular 25-yard effort from Newlands' captain Sam Hargan, also tied to Middlesbrough FC, that came back off the post, only to be headed back into the arms of Ivybridge keeper Hyslop.

At the other end of the park Ivybridge striker Ben Bowen raced into the Newlands' box and went down under a heavy challenge but the resultant penalty claims were waved away by the referee.

As the match approached the 20th minute Newlands got off the mark with the opening goal of the game. Brown gathered a lose ball in midfield and charged down the right flank, evading the challenge of Matt Walker. He then squared the ball across the goalmouth into the path of the charging Chalilopolous who tapped in.

But Ivybridge was not slow to get back in the game and they quickly equalised after Ben Meads created space on the left flank to put in a low cross for Leon Fricker to net at the back post.

The Devon side were playing some tidy football and almost doubled their tally following some great build up play by Mike Williams. The left back then found Ben Meads on the edge of the box and the striker's shot glanced the bar on its way over the top. Another chance then followed for Ivybridge when Fricker laid it onto Sam Henry, but the striker fired wide.

The game continued to ebb and flow and in the run-in to half time Newlands regained the lead. After some good defending by Ivy's Evans, the ball fell to Sam Hargan who cleverly picked out Matt Robinson. Newlands' left midfielder did well to evade the offside trap to shoot low past Hyslop from the edge of the box.

The closing action of the first half resulted in Ivy's Jake Norrie breaking into the Newlands' box before firing into the side netting.

Ivybridge began the second half at a terrific tempo and had their best period of possession and passing in the game. After 10 minutes the Devon side scored their second equaliser, again through front man Fricker. The striker latched onto a lofted through pass from midfield before rolling the ball through the onrushing Newlands' keeper's Cuff's legs.

Newlands' Brown continued to be a thorn in the side of the Ivybridge defence and he made another chance for himself after 15 minutes of the half. He did well to hold off Matt Walker to force the space for a one-on-one with the keeper but could only knock his shot past the post.

Ivybridge almost snatched the lead for the first time when the skilful Williams set up Ben Bowen but the striker fired inches wide.

During a sustained period of Newlands' pressure chances fell to both Brown and Jordan List but they didn't produce a goal. However Newlands' decisive third goal was not long in coming and Brown stepped up to grab the winner to seal his team's victory.

In injury time Ivybridge battled hard for a third equaliser and almost got it through Luke Young. The Ivy captain hit a low shot from the edge of the area that seemed destined to nestle just inside the post. But Newlands' keeper Cuff was up to task and sprung to his right to produce a top class save.

After the game victorious team coach Simon Carey said:

"Both teams could have won it - we had a little bit of luck at the end. Anthony Brown was due a goal and I'm glad he got the winner today.

"I'm just really pleased for the boys. It's been a really good competition for them from start to finish. I think in about 10 year's time the boys will look back on this and realise just what a special experience this has been for them. It's a wonderful feeling to be crowned national champions and a great, great achievement for the school."

Andy Hulbert, team manager of Ivybridge Community College, added:

"We played some great football in the second half but probably paid the price for being slow to start in the first half.

"The journey that we've had to get to the finals has been phenomenal. We are very proud of the boys and they can be really proud of themselves. Myself and Dave (Dave Leonard who also coaches the team) have no doubt that 3 or 4 of the players in our side today will go on to play at either Premiership or Championship level.

"It's been an honour to help get this team to the final but it is the boys who that should take all the credit, they deserve it."

Coventry City boss Micky Adams offered his congratulations to the winning Newlands' team:

"Congratulations on being the national England schools champions. It's a fantastic achievement and I hope you can go and build on this success in the future."

View this season's Coca Cola Cup Results