The Norton Hill Year 11 football team’s ESFA Premier League Schools Cup run has finally come to an end in dramatic fashion at the Quarter-Final stage. They were beaten by school sport powerhouse’s Whitgift School from Croydon on penalties.

With a strong wind at their backs, the team flew out of the blocks. A hat trick inside fifteen minutes from Gould, including a pin-point free kick, gave Norton Hill the best possible start. There were chances for both teams throughout the half, but neither team were able to capitalise, and the half-time score was 3–0. With the wind behind them, Whitgift had the better of the second half, and they were to replicate Norton Hill’s start with three goals themselves. With extra time looming, Haines had a header off the line that could have won the game, but it wasn’t to be.

Extra time was played out by two very tired teams, with all of them battling until the last whistle. It came down to penalties to progress to the last four in the country. Wilcox made two good saves in the shootout, but it wasn’t enough, as Norton Hill were beaten 3–1. A terrific effort from all of the team, who should be incredibly proud of their achievements. To get to the last eight teams in the competition out of 544 is quite remarkable. Well done to all who have played a part during the Cup run!