It’s success on a Plate for school squad National title clinched by Perth High side
Perth High School’s under-13 football team were top of the class this week after clinching a memorable national title.
The determined students, competing in the Scottish Schools’ Plate, defeated Edinburgh’s Balerno High School 3-1 at Albyn Park in Broxburn.
Physical education teacher and team coach Ross Robinson heaped praise on the hard-working nature of the performance throughout the competition.
“The team had to play six games to get to this stage and have had some really tough games,” he told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“They came up against a lot of teams who, technically, were probably better football teams.
“But what sets this team apart is their ability to work together. They are so hard-working and determined to make sure they help each other out.
“I really want to put an emphasis on the fact that they work so hard as a team.
“A lot of these boys play for the local Perth and Kinross teams, who have also been successful.
“But I don’t think it has quite sunk in to them the fact that they have won a national competition here.
“The fact that Perth High has not won a national football competition in so long, I also don’t think they fully understand what a big deal it is.
“They have taken it all in their stride, which is great, but you would also love for them to understand what an achievement this is.”
Perth High, led by captain Jack Milne, were required to dig in and soak up Balerno pressure early in the contest.
But goals from Adam Leese, Thomas Finnigan and Lewis Anderson secured the trophy.
“In the final the guys were really under the cosh,” Robinson said.
“We scored just before half-time but 15 minutes before that the other team were in control.
“Balerno had chances but our goalkeeper Bruno made some incredible saves and kept us in it.
“We were lucky to score the second goal when we did because that gave us breathing space to settle down and calm down in the second half.
“The opposition then had to push forward and left space at the back.
“Thankfully we were able to get that third goal.
Coach Ross Robinson (right) and assistant David Reid (left) were delighted with the students
“From that point on it was just a case of seeing the game out.
“We conceded in the last couple of minutes, which was a shame.”
Celebrations were still continuing at the school following Tuesday’s victory.
Robinson said: “The celebrations began and the boys absolutely deserve it. They deserve their moment of praise and achievement.
“The boys were absolutely over the moon and very loud at full-time.
“The SSFA put on a wee celebration after the game and on the bus back there was lots of singing and cheering. A lot of excitement and enthusiasm.
“I love working with the boys because they work so hard.
“It wouldn’t be as enjoyable if they weren’t as hard working as this bunch.
“They are a lovely bunch of boys, polite and kind. They’ve done the school proud.”
There could well be future stars of the game coming from the school with Robinson adding: “We have some exceptional young players here.
“There is definitely potential for a couple of them to go on and do well.
“They move into the second year leagues next year and I hope we can keep this team together and keep pushing forward.”