Haverstock School celebrate winning English Schools national trophy
Haverstock School celebrate their victory at Reading FC's Madejski Stadium - Credit: Archant
Haverstock School are celebrating after winning the English Schools’ FA PlayStation Under-14 Small Schools’ Trophy after a gripping penalty shoot-out.
Charles Clarke scored the equaliser as Haverstock’s Under-14s fought back from a goal down in normal time to send the match to penalties – and goalkeeper Alex Gurung saved a spot-kick en route to a 4-2 victory at Reading’s Madejski Stadium, with Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey presenting the team with their trophy and medals.
Haverstock had to show character to get their hands on the trophy. Their opponents from Southport took the lead as Jack Bond converted from an enticing cross, but Clarke levelled just before half-time, firing across the keeper with a powerful left-footed shot.
The second half was an open affair but neither team could find the breakthrough as the tie headed to penalties.
Gurung saved the opening spot-kick to give Haverstock the psychological edge and, although they missed one, the Chalk Farm school clinched a 4-2 success.
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The final was part of the PlayStation Schools’ Cup Festival – the culmination of another season of the grassroots partnership between PlayStation and the English Schools FA.
A total of 19 PlayStation Schools’ Cup competitions have been staged in the 2014-15 season, involving nearly 2,000 schools and 100,000 participants.
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Fifteen national finals took place across three days at the Madejski Stadium, featuring both boys’ and girls’ teams from Under-12 to Under-15 age groups from secondary schools.
Haverstock School pupils who travelled in their numbers to cheer on the team from the stands also enjoyed the occasion as they were treated to PlayStation4 gaming experiences, half-time crossbar challenges and prize giveaways.
