Four talented football teams from St Mary’s College in Crosby reached the finals of the English Schools’ FA Small Schools Cup, with three of the teams winning their finals. 

The cup finals took place at Stoke City’s bet365 Stadium on Tuesday 19 May. The under-13 girls team beat Lambrook School from Berkshire 4-3 on penalties after a close match which saw the scores level at 1-1 at the end of normal time. 

Goalkeeper Rosie Hughes, aged 12, was the school’s shoot-out hero after a second half goal from Matilda Gray had drawn the girls level. Penalties scored by Meara McBride, Matilda Gray, Aoibheann Pugh and Eloise Townsley ensured captain, Sailor Howard, lifted the cup. 

The under-13 boys team beat Royal Russell School from Croydon 4-1 in their final and the under-14 boys team rounded off a remarkable day with a 3-0 victory over Lingfield College from Surrey. 

Goals from Theo Freeman, Caden Walker, Joel Wood and player of the match, Harry Hanlon, sealed the win for the under-13 boys team whilst Oscar Townsley, Ethan Mann and Terence Etim scored for the under-14 boys. Jacob Woods was voted player of the match for his performance in the under-14 final, having achieved the same accolade in last year’s under-13 victory. 

 

The under-12 boys team finished runners up in their final. They also reached the semi-final of the Sefton Small Schools Cup. 

Many St Mary’s students, parents and staff travelled to Stoke to cheer on the teams whilst those remaining at school watched the matches live online. 

St Mary’s principal, Mike Kennedy, commented: “Everyone at the school has been thrilled with the success of our girls and boys football teams who have gone from strength to strength as the season has progressed. 

“I would also like to congratulate staff members Sally Townsley (girls’ football coach), Tom Manley (boys’ football coach) and Derek Williams (head of boys’ PE), who have played such an important role in nurturing the talent of these young players and helping them become national champions.”