A hat-trick of victories - South Ribble Schools Cup Winners (Year 11)

Four of our teams made it to the final of the South Ribble Schools Cup for their year group.  

Match report - Year 11 by Mr Bullock

Wednesday night saw the end of an era as Priory’s Year 11s took to the field in their final game wearing the Priory badge. Playing local rivals All Hallows’, who had already beaten them in the league, it was going to be a tough game. 

The first crunching tackle set the tone for the match and it began at a frantic pace. Priory struck first blood with Parr following in a shot and poking it past the keeper. Parr’s second came after good build up play and sustained pressure from the Priory midfield. 

Buoyed by the goal, Priory continued to push and capitalised on long throw with Amin scoring from close range. The game seemed to be won, but before half time All Hallows’ scored after the ball had bobbled around in the Priory box. 

The half time whistle came at a good time and allowed the team to re-group and focus. However, the second half saw All Hallows’ score a further two goals and they were right back in the game. Priory continued to push for the winner, but the final whistle signalled extra-time. 

Despite hitting the woodwork and troubling the goalkeeper on a number of occasions, the referee signalled that the game was going to be decided by penalties. All Hallows’ went first and scored, Ali levelled, All Hallows’ one up, Mason levelled, All Hallows’ saved by Lee who then stepped up to smash it past the keeper. All Hallows’ one behind, then scored so Amin restored the lead with a shot to the keepers right. All Hallows’ with their last penalty brought the scores even. Parr stepped forward to take the pressure penalty, with the team linked up on the halfway line, he confidently struck the ball past the keeper to spark wild celebrations as the team finished their season and school career with silverware. 

There were 11 ‘man of the match’ performances and it would be unfair to single one person out as every player left everything on the pitch.

This result capped a fantastic run for the team who have developed as a group of players immensely over the past five years. With both Lancashire and English Schools cup runs, they have been one of the most successful Priory football teams. The resilience they have developed and desire to work for one another is why they are held in such high regard by their peers and younger teams within school.

Team:  A Lee, K Marshall, K Smith, B Rooke, B Mason, H Leadbetter, H Hewitson, M Ali, O Parr, Z Amin, A Thomas, E Avila.