Church Stretton School delight at national title
Church Stretton School’s Year 11 boys football team are national champions after winning a prestigious tournament in Manchester, writes Stuart Dunn.
Stretton lifted the English Schools’ FA under-16 Premier League Small Schools’ Cup after beating Surrey’s Gordon’s School 4-1 in the final at the Manchester Regional Arena.
The celebrations continued for the players when they attended a post-match function at Manchester City’s nearby Etihad Stadium.
“It was an amazing day,” said Tom Ward, the head of PE at Church Stretton School. “The players' function at the Etihad after the game was a great way to finish.
“The team played seven games in the competition this season, with 34 goals scored and three conceded.
“It was a fantastic way for them to end their five years at the school.”
The Stretton side, who had the support of more than 200 of their fellow pupils in Manchester, made a dream start when Owen Holdsworth fired them in front after just 15 seconds to calm any nerves.
Gordon’s School responded well and Stretton goalkeeper Natty Marston had to stay sharp to preserve the lead before he was eventually beaten by an equaliser.
Stretton’s front two caused problems throughout and James Hill combined well with strike partner Holdsworth to restore the head for the local lads before half time.
Stretton dominated the second half with Holdsworth grabbing his second goal of the game before captain Jack Leask completed the scoring from the penalty spot after a foul on Hill.
