Cooper and Jordan Primary School, representing Walsall FC, cruised to a 3-0 victory over Disley Primary School on behalf of Stockport County to claim the League Two Utilita Kids Cup trophy at Wembley.

The match started in Cooper and Jordan’s favour from the off, as they were quick out of the blocks to open the scoring within the first couple of minutes. Nkosi Dlamini started off on a slaloming run, weaving in and out of hesitant Disley defenders before unleashing an unstoppable left-foot strike into the top corner.

Dlamini, who would prove to be a huge threat throughout the match, then flashed a snap-shot towards goal but Theo Findlay couldn’t quite stretch enough to get his toe on it. The confidence of Cooper and Jordan’s players since going in front was for all to see – stroking the ball around the back, working the space, and trying to find openings in the Disley backline.

A brief lapse in that fluid style resulted in slack back-pass which allowed Disley their first sight of goal, but Kaito Robinson was unable to get his shot away and pounce on the opportunity as the chance was quickly snuffed out by retreating Cooper and Jordan defenders. Disley skipper, Banks Lugsden, then whipped a free-kick over the bar from the left as the team in blue attempted to get level before the break.

The second half began with Cooper and Jordan looking to stretch their lead. Disley goalkeeper, Percy Hay, was forced into an early save from a long distance effort before Thomas Busby went close after good skill from captain Leo Attridge.

The team representing Walsall doubled their advantage soon after as the ever-present Dlamini picked up a loose ball in the middle, shifted it onto his left foot, and arrowed a low drive into the bottom corner.

And it was soon 3-0 when some nice combination play by Busby and Tommy Attridge rounded off the win and made it a day to remember for Cooper and Jordan. Busby started it by playing the ball wide right to Attridge, who returned the favour back to Busby in the centre, and he got contact from just yards out to direct the ball goalwards.

It could’ve been an even greater scoreline if it wasn’t for the acrobatics of Hay for Disley at the end, as he pulled off a magnificent save to prevent Dlamini from grabbing a hat-trick, but Cooper and Jordan ran out comfortable winners to the delight of their players, teachers and club.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet.” said teacher Ryan Moseley. “I mean, the boys have been absolutely fantastic. They’ve stayed so calm throughout the whole of this event.”

On the occasion, the experience and the memories created by the competition on a day like today for the kids, Moseley added: “It’s a lifetime experience for them isn’t it? Many footballers don’t even get the chance to step onto Wembley, let alone to play on it in a final. It’s a memory that will stay with them forever.”

“Opportunities like this create the future. What I’d say to all primary schools is to get involved.”

Two-goal hero Dlamini was equally as delighted when he commented after the match: “I think we played really well. I scored two good goals, and I just thank God that I scored here at Wembley Stadium. I think we deserved it because we’ve come a long way without losing.”

And asked if he was expecting to score today, Dlamini was confident in himself and his team.

“I was expecting to score a hattrick but at least I scored!” he exclaimed. “I can’t wait to go back to school – that’s the thing I’m most waiting for!”


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