In bright and sunny conditions High Ridge Sports College & South Leys met in the Cup Final to almost bring schools football to a close for another year. South Leys came into the match in great form having won the competition for the last 2 years and with a team who are extremely difficult to beat.
Kyle Janssen (High Ridge Captain) suffered a bad injury on the Monday before the game and as a goodwill gesture he was allowed to take the kick off before hobbling off to watch from the dugout. The game itself started slowly with both sides easily themselves in cautiously. South Leys hit the crossbar twice in the same move before later on High Ridge almost capitalized when the apposing goalkeeper missed the judge of the bounce and Ben Grix headed against the post. The teams traded possession before Khalis Miah strode forward from the back and over the half way line to release the ball to the wide right to Ben Grix. The winger cut inside and with the ball still bouncing he dispatched a lob that looped over the keeper to give High Ridge the lead.
Chris Shaw in the Ridge goal made a superb save just before half time but with 1 minute left on the clock South Leys squared the ball across the box and they scored to make it 1.1 at the break. The teams left the field to their dressing rooms to regroup.
The second half couldn’t have started any worse for High Ridge because almost immediately South Leys broke forward and with High Ridge trying to play the offside trap their forward coolly slotted the ball past Chris Shaw to make it 2.1. With only 15mins left High Ridge changed formation and went 4.4.2 pushing Khalis Miah into midfield. It was he who powered forward and with space in front of him unleased a shot from 30 yards which went straight into the top corner. The game was now locked at 2-2 and the teams were both feeling the heat and the conditions of the very hard pitch. The referee Luke Gardner blew for full time and the teams started to prepare for 20mins of extra time.
Some great chances fell the way of both teams in the first period with both goalkeepers making good saves. Danny Mitchell thought he had won it for Ridge as he sprinted clear and lobbed the keeper but Ridge were left disappointed when they realised the offside flag had gone up long before. Then Lee Grix thought he had been clipped in the box but rightfully the referee waved his claims away as the South Leys player was facing away from the action.
There was only 4 minutes left of extra time and the game was heading for penalties when Khalis Miah who had been outstanding throughout received a pass and from just inside the South Leys half, hammered a shot from 40 yards which caught the keeper unawares and as it dropped into the goal the whole High ridge team sprinted to celebrate with him. The last few minutes were extremely cagey but as the referee blew his whistle it secured High Ridge their 2nd trophy in a week.
The team were the first year group who started High Ridge in September 2002 as a Sports College Cohort which made it even more special for the lads and the school. The team and squad below are to be congratulated on a brilliant year and the school would like to wish them every success for their examinations in the summer.
Final Score : High Ridge 3 - 2 South Leys (aet)
Chris Shaw, Sam Thornton, Danny Severns, Jethro Wells, Matthew Key, Richard Gill, Khalis Miah, Duane Titterton, Callum Johnson, Lee Grix, Ben Grix, Craig Ross, Shaizul Haque, Kyle Janssen, Danny Mitchell, Stanley Mwamuka.
