Back in January Backwell School made it through to the final eight in the Under 16 English Schools Football Association Cup.

Their quarterfinal match took place on Tuesday 1 March, which sadly ended in a loss for the school team, knocking them out of the competition, in the final three minutes of the game.

The team made their way to Bradfield College, near Reading, for a 2.00pm kick-off. The game was tense, and closely contested with Bradfield hitting the post within the first few minutes. The Backwell School defence were under pressure and Bradfield broke the deadlock in the 15th minute. Backwell instantly responded 2 minutes with a goal from Solomon Kent to make it 1-1.

Both teams had chances throughout the rest of the first half with Sam Germain coming close for Backwell and down the other end Logan McKenzie made some incredible reflex saves to deny Bradfield. However, in the 39th minute a quick Bradfield break sees them make it 2-1 going into halftime.

Backwell made two player changes and came flying out of the blocks in the second half with Solomon Kent having a shot saved by the goalkeepers legs and Josh Andrieu narrowly being caught offside. The relentless Backwell pressure saw Jack Stephens drive into the box after 53 minutes and win a penalty. Substitute Gabriel Ball stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to draw Backwell level once again.

A final change for Backwell saw Max Edwards come onto the pitch. Three minutes later Edwards wins a free kick on the edge of the Bradfield box but his kick was saved by the keeper.

Backwell were working hard and looking to score a ‘last minute’ goal but with three minutes to go a strong tackle leads to a penalty which Bradfield convert.

The game ended 3-2 to Bradfield with no time for Backwell to find the third goal.

Team Manager, Year 11 student, Harry Davies said after the game this was a heartbreaking for the whole team but everyone has been an important part of  journey we have been n.”.

Chris Budd, Head of PE at Backwell School, accompanied the team to the match: “They should be very proud of their achievements. The way they have conducted themselves throughout the competition is a credit to themselves and the school.”