Spen Schools U12s clinch trophy double

Spen Valley Schools Under-12s clinched the double with a spirited performance against Leeds City Boys at New Mills FC, near Stockport in the John Clarke Trophy final.

Ferguson, Etherington and Carney turned defence in to attack on numerous occasions while Sagar and Sair led the Spen attack well, causing problems for Leeds with their pace and great movement.

After 10 minutes Spen carved out chances with both Sair and Sagar going close.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Kemp and Duxbury linked before Sair’s cross flashed across the goal as Sagar was unable to get a final touch. Trevett worked tirelessly on the wing, Dignam and Kemp were immense in the heart of the defence while goalkeeper Haley had only a few saves to make during the half.

Spen piled on the pressure and eventually grabbed the goal they deserved. Gibson drove down the left and swung in a cross which Sair headed goalwards. The Leeds goalkeeper made a one handed save but the ball fell to Sair who fired home.

In the second half Leeds were awarded an early free-kick but Dignam cleared the danger. Later Kemp nipped in to win the ball just as a Leeds striker was about to shoot.

Whittington took over in the Spen goal and plucked the ball out of the air following another Leeds attack. Good work by Hinchcliffe and Carney almost brought rewardbut the shot was pulled wide.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Leeds continued to fight and Whittington made a save at the feet of a Leeds striker. At the other end, Newsome linked with Hutchinson and Chell and almost set up Ferguson, but Leeds blocked well and the danger was averted.

Kemp made a neat turn in the area and fooled the Leeds striker and the defender coolly played the ball wide.

As the match went in to injury-time Spen finished the stronger. Captain Ferguson won the ball in midfield and a long crossfield pass picked out Carney who race into the area and drove a left foot shot across the goalkeeper and into the net for a decisive 2-0 lead.

Spen ended a successful season winning the John Clarke Trophy, the Lancashire League and finishing second in the Yorkshire League.

Related topics: