Hard-fought win sees Hanham Woods crowned champions
Young footballers from Bristol’s Hanham Woods Academy have claimed the Woodcock Shield after a tense victory over local rivals St Bede’s in the competition final.
Team captain Harry Ford has shared this dramatic account of the big day.
“Wednesday May 24, the day of the Woodcock Shield Final had arrived. The team had worked so hard to get to this point, having been massive underdogs in the previous two rounds. We were off to the GFA Headquarters pitch for the big occasion. At the start of the season no-one would have believed that we would’ve made it to this point and we couldn’t be more proud, no matter the result.
“As we travelled in the Hanham Woods Academy minibus, the vibes were good but there was a sense of nerves and excitement as well. We arrived dressed smartly in our school uniform, ready to go. This is when things got serious and we really focused on our performance.
“The weather was perfect. Although really hot, the pitch looked lovely. As we changed into our kit, we could see the opposition and their buses of fans arriving. As a team we headed out to warm up together; this helped to calm the nerves but it was also when we really felt up for it. The students and families who made the journey were chanting and shouting as we worked through our pre-match drills. Although it was a moment we never thought we’d get to, we felt confident and had belief, but also – as the underdogs in previous rounds – we knew this was going to be a tough match.
“We then headed back into the changing rooms ready for the walk out. We had one last team talk and then headed out. As I led the team out, the tension was building, with parents and spectators making lots of noise.
“We shook hands with our opponents and got into position. I got the team in a huddle and told the boys no matter the result, we’ve upset everyone by getting here and should be proud.
“The whistle blew and the game kicked off. The first 10 minutes were very erratic. You could see both us and St Bede’s really wanted to win and their friends watching made a lot of noise under the hot sun. After 15 mins Hanham took control of the midfield, battling hard in defence keeping it tight and the team spirit high. We had a few chances but could not take them until the 18th minute when we made a breakthrough. Billy Amos scored the goal to put us in control and silence the St Bede’s fans. We celebrated in the corner, so happy but knowing there was still a long way to go.
“The game then became more scrappy again, both teams having chances, with Hayden’s coming the closest when he rattled the crossbar. Just before half time the St Bede’s striker found himself in behind our defence and scored the equaliser; their crowd were going crazy, celebrating. We were all sad, but I picked up the ball and told the lads to keep our heads and go again.
“The half time whistle blew at a good time for us. Mr Swanton sat us down and told us that if we play to our strengths and played with belief and confidence, just how we did during the period when we scored, we could win this! Despite everyone being so tired due to the heat, we all got up for it again and jogged out for the second half.
“The second half started the same as the first, both teams non-stop running. St Bede’s tackles were flying in, but we found our rhythm and settled down well. About 15 minutes into the second half we started to take control, keeping the ball well and moving St Bede’s about. In the hot sun they began to tire. At approximately 19 minutes into the second half the ball came to me, I dribbled and was fouled, quite far out. Our centre back Marcus stood up to take it. He struck it hard and true, and the ball took a crazy deflection and trickled into the back of the net. The team was in shock and ran excitedly to the corner again. A well-deserved stroke of luck for the Hanham boys.
“From then on, we continued to dominate. We kept the ball moving fast – too fast for the St Bede’s players to keep up with. We came close many times but just couldn’t find that third goal. As the game went on, it got a little bit tighter, St Bede’s realising they still had a chance. That was until the ball came to Noah on the edge of their box and he smashed it in off the crossbar to secure what should be the win!
“That goal meant so much, the emotions poured out of us as we ran to the corner. Smiles all over our faces, we had almost done it. Five minutes is all we had to hold out for. The opposition had a few chances but we defended well, working incredibly hard for each other until finally that final whistle blew.
“I fell to my knees. I was emotional when I considered how this team, just a month or two earlier, was non-existent and now we’d won such a prestigious and historical trophy. From then on it was like a dream. I lifted the trophy proud and can say that Hanham Woods Academy are the Woodcock Shield CHAMPIONS again!”
