St Mary’s trust in their skills

ST MARY’S youngsters celebrate their success on match day at Boundary Park.

YOUNGSTERS passed with flying colours when Athletic hosted the first two rounds of the Football League National Kids Cup.

School teams made up of Year Five and Six pupils battled it out in the popular tournament, organised by Oldham Athletic Community Trust.

Initial matches took place at the Chapel Road 3G facilities, before finalists were invited to showcase their skills at Boundary Park ahead of Athletic’s 2-1 win over Brentford.

St Mary’s of Failsworth came out on top on a memorable day, winning the right to represent the borough in the Northern Finals — the winners of which will play on the Old Trafford pitch before the npower League One play-off final.

All participants — more than 300 people — received free tickets to watch Paul Dickov’s play-off hopefuls in action.

Jamie Blood, Oldham Athletic Community Trust’s football development co-ordinator, said: “The cup is a great opportunity for local schools to play in a structured, competitive and enjoyable environment.

“This year produced some excellent football, played in great spirit.

“A massive congratulations must go to St Mary's of Failsworth, who ran out overall winners of the competition.

“Good luck in the next stage of the competition from everyone at Oldham Athletic.”

Schools were split into groups of five and played each other once in a group format. The top team in each group and the best runners-up then progressed to the semi-finals.

South Failsworth ‘A’, South Failsworth ‘B’, St Mary’s and Christ Church formed the final four.

South Failsworth ‘A’ and St Mary’s progressed to the final courtesy of penalty shoot-outs.

A tense showdown ended goalless, before St Mary’s clinched victory on penalties.