Bickleigh Down Primary School, representing Plymouth Argyle, edged a narrow encounter against Baschurch Primary School of Shrewsbury Town 1-0 to lift the League One Utilita Kids Cup trophy.

Both teams battled hard for the crown throughout the match, as the early minutes saw many turnovers in possession with the youngsters all eager to make their mark on a big day.

But it was Bickleigh Down who got what proved to be the winner with a moment of quality when a great slide-rule pass from captain Evan Burke cut open the Baschurch defence. Kian Collier raced onto the end of the pass, kept his composure and slotted home to finish.

Ethan Udo’s long throws were causing concerns for Baschurch but couldn’t be capitalised on as Bickleigh Down looked to increase their lead, but the team in green had to be wary of Baschurch’s attacking threat too when a curling shot from distance was goal-bound and had to be fantastically pushed round the post by Harry Collins – who injured his head in the process.

And Baschurch came close to levelling before the interval when four successive corners piled the pressure on and nearly paid dividends. From the first, Finley Parker couldn’t make contact on the ball floated in – and the from the fourth, the ball fell nicely to Spencer Taylor who shot narrowly wide of the target.

An even opening to the second half began with both teams cancelling each other out, but it was Bickleigh Down who nearly extended their advantage directly from a corner kick. Collier whipped the dead ball in and it hit the top of the bar and went behind.

The next chance also fell Bickleigh Down’s way when a lengthy dribble from inside his own half by Sid Seip got him to the edge of the area, but he scuffed his eventual shot wide as the danger was averted for Baschurch.

Towards the end, a corner resulted in a classic goalmouth scramble for the team representing Shrewsbury Town who just couldn’t force the ball over the line as they saw three efforts blocked by Bickleigh Down defenders desperately wanting to hang on to their lead.

That proved to be the last action of a tight contest and meant that Bickleigh Down climbed the famous stairs to receive their medals and lift the cup aloft.

Match-winner, Kian Collier, was buzzing to have made the difference for his team and his school.

“I can’t believe I scored a goal at Wembley! I’m feeling amazing, like the best feeling!” he exclaimed.

Year 5 teacher, Sam Stein, commented on the pride he felt after seeing his group claim silverware in front of a Wembley crowd.

“Over the moon for the children, them getting to play at Wembley. Kian who scored the winner – he can say he’s scored at Wembley… I mean, that’s some achievement!”

Stein added: “Looking around, if you can say when you’re younger that you played at Wembley, the perecentage of playing at Wembley is so slim and for them to have done so – and to win – it’s brilliant. They can tell all their friends all their family members. It’s a great achievement for them and the school.”


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