Shifnal Harriers are up for cup - again

The talented youngsters, who will step up to 11-a-side action next season, are celebrating a third successive National Cup victory.

The side, under the guidance of manager Mark Smith, swept all before them during a week-long tournament in Brixham, Devon.

After advancing confidently to the final, Shifnal then inflicted a first defeat in two years on North London outfit Edmonton to lift the silverware.

The victory continued an amazing run in the competition for Smith's charges, who lost in the final on penalties in their first appearance before winning at Minehead in 2014 and Skegness last year.

Smith said: "It's an unbelievable achievement to win the competition for the third year in a row and I am not sure if that has been done before.

"The team we beat in the final, Edmonton, were unbeaten for two years and their coach said we were the best side they have faced.

"It's nice for the lads to earn plaudits like that and for their hard work to be rewarded."

The cup success followed a stunning season in the Stourbridge League.

The boys swept to the Division Two title – their second successive promotion – on the back of 19 wins from 22 games and just one defeat.

As well as turning out on Sundays, the youngsters doubled up last season by playing on Saturdays in the Midland Premier Junior League.

It's a decision which brought more success as they lifted the MJPL Trophy after beating Tividale on penalties in the final.

Smith said: "We decided to branch out on a Saturday and joined the Midland Junior Premier League.

"That has been very rewarding for the lads because it's a very tough standard. There are a few development sides from Football League clubs in that league.

"Things didn't go to well in the first half of the season but the lads adapted and we had a great second half to the season which ended with us winning the MJPL Trophy.

"It's hard playing both days and there is a lot of travelling involved, but it's a good league to play in and it will help bring the lads on."

Smith is now planning for next season with his side set to compete in the top flight of the Stourbridge League and once again in the MJPL.

The 46-year-old, who used to play for Shifnal Town in the Midland Alliance, started the side when they were under-7s.

They kicked off in the Telford Junior League, before moving to Stourbridge League after going unbeaten for two seasons.

Smith said: "We have lost a few players along the way, one of our keepers signed for Wolves while Shrewsbury have signed one of our defenders.

"But we have added a couple of players and I am looking to add some more for the step up to 11-a-side next season.

"We are still training and will carry on for a couple more weeks and then have July off and come back in August.

"They are a great bunch and a joy to coach. They are good listeners, keen to learn and have a great work ethic.

"All the parents get on really well as well which is important."