EastEnders are Premier League class
NEWCASTLE East End Under-16s are in a league of their own when it comes to footballing silverware, writes TONY HODGSON.
The Tyneside boys defeated Torquay United 1-0 in the final of the prestigious National Junior Premier League Cup.
Ben Ramsey grabbed the all-important goal for East End in the final, played at Port Vale’s Vale Park ground.
Manager Dave Dickson said: “It might not look it from the scoreline but we were by far the better side throughout.
“We started really well and completely dominated play - but we could not convert the chances we created.
“Second half we played fantastic football but I was worried we would be punished for not scoring when we were on top.
“Then Torquay hit the bar - but thankfully Ben struck and in the end we deserved the victory.
“The organisers said the standard of football we played was among the best they had ever seen, which was a nice compliment. I was so pleased for the lads and so proud of what they achieved.
“It was quite a celebration afterwards!!”
The Tynesiders kicked off in the cup by triumphing in a roundrobin competition against Lancashire-based Chorley, Liverpool side Maghull and Midlands team Guiseley.
They then beat Birmingham 4-2 and Coventry 7-2 to reach the quarter-finals, where Solihull were overcome 2-0.
That took East End through to a last-four clash against Milton Keynes Dons - they prevailed 3-2 after trailing 2-0 with just 20 minutes to go.
East End have since gone on to complete a clean sweep for the season by lifting the Pin Point Under-17 League Cup at Gateshead Stadium, beating Cramlington Juniors 4-1 - to give them Under-17 League, Under-17 League Cup, Under-16 County Cup and Under-16 National Cup honours.