St John’s Highbury Vale were crowned Islington Primary Schools Cup champions after finishing with a 100 per cent record in the finals at Market Road.
The Conewood Street school triumphed in all three of their group matches, starting with a 4-3 thriller against Yerbury and then overcoming Thornhill 3-0 and Montem 2-0.
Montem also reached the semi-finals of the tournament as group runners-up, courtesy of their earlier 1-0 wins against both Thornhill and Yerbury.
The other group was won by Ashmount, who did not concede a goal as they beat both St Mary’s and St Mary Magdalene by a 2-0 scoreline and fought out a scoreless draw with Canonbury.
With identical records going into their final group match, St Mary Magdalene and St Mary’s were facing a possible penalty shoot-out to decide second place – but two second-half goals for the latter sent them through to the semi-finals.
However, St Mary’s went no further in the competition, losing 2-0 to St John’s Higbury Vale, while Ashmount needed extra time to edge past a resilient Montem side 2-1.
In the final, St John’s Highbury Vale took a 2-0 advantage, with 10-year-old Clement Nye scoring their second goal – and, although Ashmount fought back and reduced the deficit, they were unable to deny their rivals the trophy.
In all, 24 schools and 250 players took part in the three-day tournament, which was organised by the Islington Football Development Partnership in conjunction with the Islington School Sports team.
Islington football development manager Michael MacNeill said: “The attitude and performance of all the schools that took part was excellent and the quality of football played was really great to watch.”
Trials are being held today (Thursday) and tomorrow for the Islington Primary district team. Email michael.macneill@gll.org for further information.
Applications are also open to join the newly-formed Camden & Islington Girls’ League, which is sponsored by sports kit manufacturers Acerbis, at Market Road.
Provisionally, the league will be divided into two age groups – school years 1-3 and years 4-6 – although applications from older age groups are also welcome.
Every team that signs up will receive a free Acerbis kit. For more details and to register, email jothesargent@gmail.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here