English Schools' Football Association

St Gregory’s progressed to Round 3 of the Boys’ U12 PlayStation Schools’ Cup following a 5 – 4 win on penalties against Valley Park.

10 October 2016

This afternoon it was an all Kent affair as St. Gregory's Catholic School of Tunbridge Wells hosted Valley Park from Maidstone in Round 2 of the ESFA National cup.

It was a great advert for schools football as both teams demonstrated passion and commitment for the entire game and excellent sportsmanship at the end.

The game started at a high tempo and year 11 GCSE PE pupil, a qualified referee who was being assessed for the game was doing his best to let the game flow. St. Gregory's started more brightly and went ahead when Frank Lavington converted at the back post after great work from Tom Monaghan. (1-0, 12 mins) It wasn't long before Valley Park equalised and a wonderful solo individual goal from Harvey Welford who went past three players before drilling the ball home and levelling the tie.

As the half wore on St. Gregory's started to gain control of the midfield and dominate possession. It wasn't long before St. Gregory's regained the lead with Isaac Barden firing in to the top corner from 20 yards. Half-time St. Gregory's 2-1 Valley Park.

The second half continued in the same way with St. Gregory's enjoying most of the possession, 10 minutes into the second half and St. Gregory's had the chance to take full control but with the goal at his mercy, Frank Lavington somehow put his tap in over the bar. That was all Valley Park needed to rejuvenate them and more and more chances started creeping their way. With less than 10 minutes remaining Joe Thomas found some space outside the box and against the run of play, drilled it into the bottom corner 2-2.

All of a sudden the game was on its head and it was Valley Park who looked the more dangerous. St. Gregory's were leaving more and more holes at the back as they went in search for a winner and that was all Joe Thomas needed as again he created something out of nothing and Valley Park were in euphoria as they took a 3-2 lead with barely 5 minutes remaining.

St. Gregory's threw everyone forward in search of an equaliser but chances continued to go begging. Valley Park were already looking at updating the ESFA website, when a misjudged bounce in defence put Frank Lavington in front of goal with the keeper to beat, he smashed it home and the game was once again all square with seconds left.

The whistle went and the game went straight to penalties as agreed by both teachers due to the long journey Valley Park needed to make back across Kent.

After 4 penalties it was 2-2 and the quality of spot kicks and composure of the players was remarkable. Unfortunately Valley Park's 3rd penalty was well saved at waist height. St. Gregory's sealed the win converting their remaining 3 penalties and winning 5-4 overall.

The game had finished. The boys shook hands, the teachers said farewell and Valley Park wished St. Gregory's all the best as we await the 3rd round draw. A trip to Newcastle would be nice!

The ESFA would like to congratulate St Gregory’s not only on their win in Round 2, but since submitting this match report, the team have gone on to defeat Oakwood Park Grammar School from Maidstone. St Gregory’s now find themselves in Round 4 of the Boys’ U12 PlayStation Schools’ Cup, due to play Cardinal Newman Catholic College from Brighton & Hove.

If you would like to see your match report on our website, send your report along with pictures to Sarah Kearney and we’ll publish it online!

Match report supplied by Joe-Lewis Cumber, Subject Leader of PE at St Gregory’s Catholic School