Football League Champions 2013/2014

What a fabulous way to end our school sports season…

St Paul’s crowned Rossendale schools football league champions 2013/14!

In a thrilling battle with Broadway in the final we came out on top, winning 3-0.

Oliver broke the deadlock with a deflected long range shot with 5 minutes to go of a nervous first half, that both side’s midfields were dominating.  Almost immediately Broadway came close to equalising through an attack down the left wing, the ball ran agonisingly across our goal line, but their forward couldn’t get the decisive touch to turn it in. Deep into first half injury time, Broadway’s impressive midfielder set off on a wonderful run, beating 4 players before being stopped on the edge of our box.

We had chances to increase our lead with a couple of long range shots, but half time came with the score 1-0 to St Paul’s.

The second half began as the first half ended, midfielders on top. A tactical switch from us, as Chloe was brought into centre midfield, replacing Matty our captain up front, both centre forwards were seeing little of the ball.  The extra player in midfield worked a treat as we now had extra defensive cover and were able to attack in threes.

Charlie pushed on through the middle, with Chloe attacking on the right, warning signs for Broadway as their keeper made three saves in quick succession.  Eventually the pressure told as Charlie broke free in the box, controlling the ball well and driving into the bottom corner. 2-0 to St Paul’s.

Broadway broke through, 1 on 1 with our sub keeper Michael almost straight from the kick off, but Michael was up to the task, blocking brilliantly and coming away with the ball to set us off on another attack.

With confidence high, we again went on the attack in the closing minutes.  Another driving run from the impressive Jack in midfield saw us 3 against 2 in Broadway’s box, but their keeper was in good form and cleared.  With just two minutes left, Phoebe came into the attack in place of Oliver and immediately attacked their defence. The ball broke to Chloe who laid it off to Charlie who shot low and hard, the ball was blocked but fell to Jack who was following up, he calmly stroked the ball into the bottom corner. St Paul’s 3-0 Broadway.

Seconds later the whistle went for full time, St Paul’s were Rossendale schools football league champions 2013/14!

A big thank you to Mr Driver and Helmshore primary school for staging the final and also to Mr Fowler and the Broadway football team for a very sporting match played in a great spirit.

I also want to personally thank both sets of parents who turned out in large numbers to watch the match and support the children, it really does make a big difference to the occasion.