The Schools’ Report with ThreeFiveThree Photography
This week on The Schools’ Report with ThreeFiveThree photographer Garry Griffiths, we look back to the ESFA Under 14 Boys Inter County Trophy at the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground when West Midlands U14s (Red) hosted Merseyside U14s (Yellow) National Semi Final!
ESFA Under 14 Boys Inter County Trophy Semi Final West Midlands V Merseyside
On a cold evening in the Black Country it was Merseyside (Yellow) who edged into the National Final with a narrow 2-1 win away to a determined West Midlands (Red) side.
While the supporters braved the low temperature, it was the visitors who got off to a hot start meaning it came as no surprise when they took the lead, Paul Kyffin firing home from 12 yards midway through the first half.
Merseyside’s Kyffin almost doubled the lead shortly after but his 18 yard strike flashed narrowly wide.
The hosts had chances of their own and Harvey Pritchard just failed to make contact with a tempting cross that whipped across the face of the 6 yard box.
However, shortly before the break it was 1-1 when West Midlands’ Ayo Lekuti looped an effort over Charlie Callaghan and into the net despite the Merseyside attempts to clear off the goal line.
Half Time West Midlands 1-1 Merseyside
The second half was an even contest but it was the visitors who took the lead when Jacob Slater slotted the ball home to put Merseyside back in the driving seat.
The West Midlands lads battled hard for a way back into the contest but were unable to create enough clear cut chances to find an equaliser and Merseyside were able to run down the clock and claim their place in the National Final.
Full Time West Midlands 1-1 Merseyside
Credit to both teams for playing the game in the right spirit with all players a credit to their regions and congratulations to Merseyside who will now face Kent in the National Final later in the season.
