For the record, North boys are just champion!
Seven up for county squad as it seals title
NORTHUMBERLAND Schools’ FA’s Under-16 Boys’ side is in seventh heaven after a record-breaking Northern Counties Championship final victory, writes TONY HODGSON.
The teenage squad defeated South Yorkshire 7-0 in the Doncaster clash following a heroic victory in the semi-final against Greater Manchester.
The emphatic margin of victory is the biggest in a final of the competitin since it kicked off in1967.
The first ten minutes of the game were frantic with the wind causing difficulties for both sides.
However, North took an early lead after excellent work by captain Callum West (Cramlington LV).
West skipped past the full back and put in a delightful cross for Lucas Lowery (Benfield) to calmly slam home at the back post.
From then on, Northumberland dominated and after 25 minutes it was West again, striking the ball on the half volley from 20 yards into the top left-hand corner after great play from Kai Sample (Bedlington Academy).
North made it three after 30 minutes when Owen Graham (Kenton) reacted quickest in the box and clinically slotted home into the bottom corner.
Shortly afterwards West struck again, cutting straight through the South Yorkshire midfield and defence, shrugging off players and finishing with aplomb.
North were relentless in the second half, Lowery making it 5-0 after a fantastic passing move.
He then struck the sixth for his hat-trick, Matty Telfer (Whitley Bay) heavily involved in the build-up.
Fittingly, it was West who wrapped things up for North following good work by Oscar Baston (Cramlington LV). North’s superb back four of Sam Nicholson (Whitley Bay), James Walsh (Prudhoe), Liam Dalton (Kenton) and Jack Spurr (Kenton) plus goalkeepers Josh Farley (Gosforth) and Matty Fairhurst (St Thomas More) snuffed out South Yorkshire’s threat.
Team manager Kevin Hodgson said: “What an incredible way to end the season.
“The boys were outstanding from start to finish.
“They are so proud to represent Northumberland and I could not be any prouder of them.
“They have been a pleasure to coach this season and are a credit to their schools and families.”
However, it was not just Northumberland’s boys who enjoyed a kick out of success.
The county’s under-16 girls squad was also crowned Northern Counties champions after a 3-2 victory over neighbours Durham at Newcastle’s Cochrane Park. NORTHUMBERLAND UNDER-16 BOYS: Matthew Fairhurst (St Thomas More), Jack Spurr (Kenton), Sam Nicholson ( Whitley Bay), Dan Cherry (Churchill), James Walsh (Prudhoe), Liam Dalton (Kenton), Kai Sample ( Bedlington Academy), Callum West (Cramlington Learning Village), Owen Graham (Kenton), Aidan Pogson (Cramlington Learning Village), Lucas Lowery (Benfield), Josh Farley (Gosforth), Matthew Telfer ( Whitley Bay), Daniel Savage (St Thomas More), Oscar Baston (Cramlington Learning Village).