ENGLISH CHAMPIONS SECURE TESCO U13 CUP IN HOME NATIONS TRIUMPH

Staffordshire team Harpfield, who last week secured the English Tesco U13 Cup, added the home nations trophy on Sunday at The City of Manchester stadium, defeating Welsh champions West End from Swansea 2-0 in an emphatic victory.  A Ryan Meredith brace and some superb keeping from Jimmy Byrne were enough to see the English side home.

Ade Blakemore, Harpfield’s manager, commented: “I’m struggling to put into words what this means to me, the players and their family and friends who were watching. 
To become the British champions is an unbelievable achievement and no-one will ever be able to take this away from any of us”.

Earlier in the day West End had knocked out cup holders and Scottish champions Hutchison Vale 2-1 with an extra time winner from Aaron Hoolihan. In the second semi-final a late Nathan Mason goal saw off the brave challenge from Northern Ireland’s Celtic Boys Club after an early Thomas Brown goal for Harpfield had been cancelled out by a 30 yard pile driver from Northern Ireland’s Daniel Jackson.

Harpfield’s success was also reflected in the individual awards with Nathan Mason chosen as player of the tournament by the Tesco U13 Cup ambassador John Barnes.  Harpfield’s Alex Trowers was also named Best Defender.  The other honours went to Welsh keeper Ben Lynch, Scottish midfielder Niall Doherty and Northern Ireland striker Paul George.  Prizes were handed over by Tesco chairman Sir Terry Leahy.

Ex England and Liverpool winger John Barnes commented;
 “It was fantastic to see the kids playing so well on a Premiership ground.  The individual awards went to players who weren’t overawed by the occasion.  If they continue to play like that then they’ve got a great future in the game”.