Thomas Telford School on verge of a title hat-trick

Jamie King struck twice, including a decisive penalty, as the school's under-18 hot-shots came from behind to triumph 4-3 yesterday.

It came against Haberdashers' Aske's Knights Academy in the final of the ESFA Boys Schools' Trophy. They were cheered on to national glory by almost the whole school, some 1,200 students.

And after the under-16s won their Schools' Cup at Burton Albion's Pirelli Stadium last month, the school could have three trophies in the cabinet.

The under-12s B team are preparing their forthcoming national showdown against Harefield Academy, at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane stadium, on May 15.

Sir Kevin Satchwell, Thomas Telford's headmaster, said: "For the school to win two national titles so far this season, with one more to go at Sheffield United, is unprecedented in England schools football.

"The final, at Molineux, was brilliantly entertaining. And for the whole school to be there to support their friends and classmates, it will be a day to remember for the rest of their lives."

The year 11-13 outfit came through ten rounds, and a total field of 578 schools, to win the competition.

In the final, King netted for Thomas Telford as the teams' ended the first half tied at 1-1.

Ben Carter scored after the break to give Telford the lead but Haberdashers' Aske's, from Bromley in London, hit back with two goals inside 15 minutes.

Kaiman Anderson's goal made it 3-3, before King scored the winner from the penalty spot.

Steve Wilderspin, the team's head coach and school director of football, hailed a "terrific team performance."

He added: "The lads were fantastic on the day and dug really deep in the second half after going behind. The boys needed to be at their best to overcome Haberdashers.

"They thoroughly deserve the accolade of being national champions after their effort, commitment and work-rate."