York’s green giants

9:43am Saturday 10th May 2008

York Under-11 Schoolboy footballers produced a mesmerising performance of maximum committment and raw talent to destroy Barnsley 6-0 in the final of the Green 'Un Cup.

York's 2008 team joined the squad of 2004 as only the second winners of a cup sponsored by Sheffield schools since 1962.

Having shaded two previous encounters with their South Yorkshire visitors, a tough match was expected but York bossed the game from the kick off.

Captain Aaron Collis was instrumental in providing much of York's good work down the right and was assisted by Joe Sykes.

Tom Gore and Tom Barnes were at the heart of most attacking forays, while Dylan Howlett and Harvey Rowson-Jeffrey proved a thorn in Barnsley's side all match.

The back four grouping of Henry Swires, Harry Lynn, Nigel Holland and Sykes dealt efficiently with any potential raids from the visitors and goalkeeper Ben Cahill proved, when called upon, he is the best 'keeper within York Schools' footballing circles.

Rowson-Jeffrey opened the scoring for York after ten minutes when his left-footed drive easily evaded the oncoming Barnsley 'keeper.

Howlett was on hand to put York 2-0 up soon later, his skill and pace unlocking the Barnsley defence.

Rowan Capper left his mark on the game when cutting inside the right-back and unleashing a thunderous drive, At 3-0 up and half time arriving you could forgive York for taking their foot off the gas but this was far from the case.

Howlett collected his second with the move of the match.

Barnes opened up the Barnsley rearguard with a delightful dinked pass which Howlett controlled and then calmly lobbed the advancing 'keeper.

Lewis Rawding used his pace and power to give York their fifth goal before Barnes completed the rout with a sixth.

Valuable contributions were also made by Alex Robinson, Steven Arnold, Callum Hurst and Kieran Smith.

Said coach Ian Hutchinson: "Each and every player played their own part in a special team victory and for long periods played football that academies would do well to better.

"It would be wrong to single out any one particular player as the drive and endeavour shown by each member who wore the York Schools jersey was exemplary.

"The match will live long in the memory of those who were privileged enough to witness it."

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