On Friday of last week, our Year 10 Kepier Elite Football Academy progressed to the quarter finals of The English Schools Football Association Playstation Cup.
The visitors were Hurworth Grange School from Darlington, who came up to Kepier for a lunchtime kick off.
On a windy but dry day, Kepier started on the front foot, playing some nice football and looking to keep the ball on the ground to negate the strong wind, which wasn't doing either team any favours. After 7 minutes Kepier opened the scoring, Huddleston bursting through to net.
After 12 minutes Cunningham added a second, and although Hurworth Grange battled hard Kepier added to their advantage before half time with goals from Crossley (19), Robertson (25), Huddleston (30), and two from Gardiner (32 and 34), giving Kepier a 7 - 0 lead at half time.
Kepier continued to play some attractive football in the second half, and despite Hurworth Grange never giving up and their keeper pulling off some great saves, goals from Crossley (40 minutes), Gardiner (45), Huddleston (47) and Dunn (50) gave Kepier an 11 - 0 victory.
Well done to Kepier for an outstanding performance, and to Hurworth Grange for their never say die attitude. Mr. Douglas, teacher from Hurworth Grange who brought their team, said "I just wanted to say thank you to your school for being so accommodating on Friday!
"We got an incredibly warm welcome and everyone was very friendly! Your lads were absolutely outstanding, the best schoolboy team I have seen in my five years of teaching, I am sure you will go far in the competition.
"Sorry we couldn't have been more competitive on the day, our lads loved the challenge of playing against such a talented team, your lads attitudes were great, no showboating or attitude, just great to watch!"