Norton Hill’s Year 11 Football side are through to the last 32 in the country in the Premier League Schools’ Cup, after an outstanding win at Millfield.

Playing with the wind in the first half, strong attacking play with excellent movement saw Norton Hill make their mark on the game and take the early initiative, thanks to a well-worked goal from Liddiard. Although Millfield threatened on the counter attack, Norton Hill continued to pass and move adroitly and Chamberlain deservedly put the away side 2–0 up, a score they held until half-time.

Playing against the elements in the second half, the boys continued to exploit space and still created chances, but were increasingly forced onto the back foot and eventually conceded half-way through the period.

With ten minutes to go, a Millfield free kick from distance caught the wind and flew into the top corner.

Norton Hill went close again in the final minutes, before a period of extra time saw the sides remain locked at 2–2.

In the ensuing penalty shoot-out, Norton Hill converted every spot kick before, with the score at 9–8, Haines saved Millfield’s ninth attempt to secure the win that the team’s play throughout so richly deserved.

With 218 teams starting the competition this is a notable achievement and the team can now look forward to their first home tie, when they take on The Thomas Hardye School, from Dorchester, in the next round.