Our U14 boys football team felt the disappointment of becoming Calderdale Schools’ Cup runners up in their final tonight against Brighouse High, but they must hold their heads high.

In a physically demanding contest, played in hot conditions, Crossley Heath shrugged off their underdog status playing some excellent football in the first 20 minutes. Captain George distributed well all game from midfield, and with another fine through ball he found Gabriel on the left who dribbled excellently to get behind the defence and put the ball in the path of Cory, who finished with superb composure and accuracy to give Crossley’s the lead.

Not long after, George played another pinpoint pass to flying striker Hasnain who sprinted clear of the defence to fire in from just inside the box, but celebrations were muted when the linesman raised the offside flag. 1-0 at half time.

The Crossley Heath defence were superb for much of the game. Hassan, Charlie, David, Ethan and influential keeper Aidan, kept the threatening Brighouse forwards at bay until midway through the second half when Brighouse scored from close in. 1-1.

The Crossley Heath squad tenacity and work rate has been the foundation block of their development and this brought chances to edge ahead in this game. Musa, Joe, Yousha and Sai were the epitome of that ethos in their time on the pitch. That effort carving out another chance that hit the post.

Crossley’s looked the more dangerous side in the closing 5 minutes with continued pressure at the Brighouse end. With full time and penalties approaching, it was heartbreaking to see Brighouse break away to score a winner after Aidan had pulled off a point blank save.

Despite the obvious disappointment for the team in this result, their development and progression has been clear over the last 3 years. We look forward to their Y10 campaign.

Thanks to all of our parents/carers/family members for your support this season!