As school alumni Brennan Johnson and Alex Mighten were helping Nottingham Forest get to the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley, so the current crop of talented West Bridgford footballers were capturing both the South Notts Cup and County Cup in the space of just 48 hours.
After overcoming Arnold Hill School 3-2 in the South Notts Final at Eastwood Town, the boys met Ashfield School in the County Cup Final at Burton Joyce FC just two days later.
After going a goal behind in the opening minutes, the West Bridgford team played some scintillating football to storm into a 3-1 lead.
Although the Ashfield team – boasting five Academy players – pulled one back on the cusp of half-time, the boys in blue were not to be denied and dominated the second half, every player in the squad of 16 contributing to a team performance of real quality.
The final whistle brought a 6-3 victory and joyous celebrations, and the presentation of a new cup, the trophy being named after Notts FA stalwart Mike Simmonds in recognition of his 60 years contribution to school’s football in Nottinghamshire.
Special mention must go to the team’s inspirational PE teacher and coach Mr Cairns, whose enthusiasm and dedication over the course of the season has seen him hold extra training sessions before and after school, safely deliver the team to all games driving the school minibus and even produce a match programme for the Final as a lasting memento for the boys.
Many of the school team will be at Wembley on Sunday to cheer on the two ex-West Bridgford pupils and their teammates as they strive to return Premier League football to the City Ground. And, who knows, in a few years’ time, it could be that some of them are emulating their heroes once again by striding out on to the hallowed Wembley turf!
Come on You Reds!!
