Wow what a day!!! Yesterday saw our KS4 and Post16 students competing at the Valley Leisure Centre in the IFA Schools National Tournament. On a hot and sunny day the proceedings began poorly with Park taking a 3-0 humbling from Cedar Lodge.
The students redoubled their efforts and goals from Chi Chi (2), Clarke, Oscar and Dylan helped to begin a recovery, in a 5-1 win over Roddensvale. Excellent contributions from Alexander, Lucas, Tammy-Lee helping us through a tricky tie. This left a decider between Park and Beechlawn to qualify through the group. Superb defensive performances from Bradley, Joseph and Kelsey saw us triumph 2-0 (Clarke 2).
Moving into the Top Four group stage we began with a hard fought battle against Castle Tower, going ahead through Clarke before conceding 2 quick goals. A late equalizer from Bradley saved the vital draw, along with heroics from goalkeeper Corey.
Next came a rivals game against St. Gerard's, an early Clarke goal took us into the lead, before hanging on desperately, putting bodies on the line and defending superbly as a team, to cling to the key result and claim 3 points.
In the final and deciding game we faced our nemesis Cedar Lodge who defeated us earlier.
NOT AGAIN!
The team were fast out of the traps securing an early two goal lead through Oscar, and a Clarke thunderbolt from 25 yards into the top corner (as requested by Mr. Steward!). Park then kept possession lead by Lucas up front and played solidly in defence, to see out the game.
Let the celebrations begin!!! Park School lifted it's first National Football Championship in over 10 years!
Congratulations to all involved - you were amazing all day!
