YORK and District Schoolboys under-13s coach Tony Wales is confident his players can become the first to bring English Schools’ FA silverware back to the Minster city.

The treble-chasing team tackle Southampton at Milton Keynes Dons’ 22,000-seater Stadium:mk in Monday morning’s English Schools’ FA Inter Association Trophy final.

Having already become the first schoolboy side from York to reach an ESFA final – eclipsing the achievements of a 1928 team featuring future professionals Reg Stockill, Albert Ross and Dave Halford who bowed out in the semi-finals in front of 8,813 fans at Fulfordgate – the Minstermites have the opportunity to set an even bigger milestone.

A three-figure following is expected to travel down from North Yorkshire for the 10.30am kick off and Wales said: “Without being big-headed, I believe in our team and have every confidence that we will go out on that pitch and give a good account of ourselves.

“They are a talented bunch and have always had the ability but they’ve also shown character, belief and desire when they’ve been up against it this season. They rise to the challenge, especially against better teams.

“They have a never-say-die attitude and can always dig deep because they never know when they are beaten, are always positive and enjoy taking a game to any team. In the quarter-finals, we beat a Newcastle team with six academy lads in it 2-1 and they did not expect that result.

“That game against a very good side bore out what this run’s been all about really. A lot of teams would have been downhearted after Newcastle equalised with five minutes to go but we went up the other end and got the winner in the last minute.”

York and Southampton have emerged from 126 teams to take their places in the prestigious final.

Wales will be sweating on the fitness of striker Matty Parker (groin) – his side’s top scorer in the competition with three goals – as well as right-back Jonny Ward (bruised foot).

Both players picked up the injuries in York City’s centre of excellence match against Blackburn last weekend but will receive round-the-clock physio to give themselves the best chance of figuring in York’s 15-man squad.

With the Yorkshire League title all but in the bag, York are hoping that Monday’s match will represent the second leg of a possible hat-trick of trophies with Bradford lying in wait for a Yorkshire League Cup final clash on Wednesday night.

Wales will, therefore, be hoping his team can wrap up victory during the 60 minutes of normal time to avoid the energy-sapping seven minutes each way of extra time or the possibility of penalties.

York have been allocated the away changing rooms on Monday but that should not faze the team, who thumped semi-final hosts Cambridge 5-2.

Wales added: “We will be replicating our preparation for that Cambridge game. We stayed at a Holiday Inn hotel there over night and will be doing the same at Milton Keynes.

“We will travel down mid-morning tomorrow then the lads can go for a swim and relax before going out for a meal together. They’ll then get back at about 8pm and can go for a walk or another swim before lights out at 9pm.”

Route to final

Round 1: Newbury 0, Southampton 2; York bye.

Round 2: York 3 (Ben Godfrey, Matty Parker, Rob Cooney), Hambleton and Richmond 2; Chiltern and South Bucks 2, Southampton 5.

Round 3: York 4 (Joey McCormick 2, Parker, Godfrey), Hartlepool 1; Southampton 4, Portsmouth 0.

Round 4: York 2 (Parker, Ben Hirst), Sheffield 0; Poole and East Dorset 2, Southampton 3.

Quarter-finals: York 2 (Matty Mulhearn, Cooney), Newcastle-upon-Tyne 1; Bristol and South Gloucestershire 2, Southampton 4.

Semi-finals: Cambridge 2, York 5 (Joe Wales 2, Hirst, Parker, McCormick); Southampton 1, South London 0.

The York Under-13s squad seeking national glory

Charlie Murphy (Millthorpe): Goalkeeper – currently on trial with Sheffield United, a reliable, assured performer with safe hands and a commanding presence. A fantastic communicator and plays a major role in the defensive unit.

Connor Stead (Archbishop Holgate): Goalkeeper – added to the squad this season and has not disappointed. A great shot stopper and confident when faced one on one. Plays for Bishopthorpe.

Matty Mulhearn (Cannon Lee): Defender – possesses superb balance and is comfortable on both flanks. A constant threat with his overlapping runs moving defence into attack. Plays for Rawcliffe.

Luke Wilkinson (Cannon Lee): Left-back – added to the squad this season following a fantastic performance in the annual trials. Plays for Rawcliffe.

Liam Neal (Archbishop Holgate): Centre-back – ever present and a formidable centre-half with fantastic leadership qualities. Has continued on from last season and remains a tower of strength. Always last out. Plays for Middlesbrough.

Richard de Groot (All Saints): Centre-back – an intelligent player with the ability to bring the ball out of defence with confidence. Brave in the air and a quick turn of pace. Plays for York City.

Jonny Ward (Selby): Full-back – at home on either flank. Joined the squad this season and has added a calm assurance when the team are under pressure. Does the simple things very effectively. Plays for York City.

Joey McCormick (All Saints): Left midfield – the joker of the pack and leading scorer with 20 goals. Also a fantastic winger who sets up scoring opportunities. Scored the opener at Cambridge. Currently on trial at Sheffield United.

Ben Godfrey (Archbishop Holgate): Centre midfield – captain and a leader passionate about the team. Wears his heart on his sleeve. Carries a threat from set pieces and often a scorer of wonder goals. Plays for Middlesbrough.

Joe Wales (Huntington): Right midfield – tricky winger with lightning quick feet, balance and vision. Likes to cut inside to open up the opposition. Scored twice in the semi-final victory at Cambridge. Plays for Barnsley.

Myles Frodsham (Huntington): Defence/midfield – a great reader of the game and header of the ball. Excels in a holding midfield role and often the unsung hero of the team. A disciplined performer. Plays for York City.

Rob Cooney (All Saints): Winger/forward – a hardworking player who possesses a thunderous shot and equally creative with crossing skills. A constant threat at set pieces. Plays for Pocklington.

Jake Wright (Millthorpe): Centre midfield – tenacious in the tackle and a great engine in the team. Possesses great balance and is happy to mix it with the biggest. Plays for York City.

Matty Parker (Millthorpe): Centre-forward – a striker with purpose and 17 goals. Scorer of the last goal at Cambridge. Lightning quick pace and a constant outlet for the team. A great attitude and a pleasure to manage. Plays for York City.

Ben Hirst (All Saints): Centre-forward – uncompromising striker with 14 goals this term. Presence changed the game at Cambridge, where he was man-of-the-match. Not the shyest member of the squad. Plays for York City.