Any Liverpool fans out there will fondly remember their historic come back in the Champions League Final in Istanbul against AC Milan and, though the Friary v Codsall District Cup Final did not get global coverage, it will live long in the memories of all involved.
After a goalless first-half, The Friary increasingly dominated – harshly having a goal scrubbed off as the ref called back a foul on their own player on the edge of the box and another great effort hitting the post.
However, Codsall came back into it and looked to be heading for certain victory. Their impressive centre-forward scored from 25 years and then two quick goals from corners took them into what seemed an unassailable 3-0 lead with just 15 minutes to go.
It would have bene easy for The Friary team to have let their heads drop as an amazing comeback did not seem even a remote possibility.
However, when the Codsall keeper could only parry a Panashe Makokowe shot, Jack Oates scrambled in the loose ball to pull a goal back. Shortly afterwards, Harvey Dudley reduced the deficit to 3-2 with a sublime lob from outside the box. The stage was then set for Panashe Makokowe to replicate the famous late Beckham free-kick against Greece as he curled a 25 yard free-kick over the wall and into the top left-hand corner. The Friary players had somehow got the game into extra-time.
The extra periods brought no goals and the game went into penalties where Friary keeper Greg Lewis made an excellent save with his legs when facing Codsall’s third penalty and this was enough for The Friary team to take the District Cup.
Matt Allman, Headteacher, said: “Huge plaudits go to Xander Parke for his ‘Man of the Match’ performance, and Mr Millward’s coaching, but the whole team played superbly in the face of tough opposition. This is the sort of victory that stands out in our school days and though the boys will have lots of successes in the years ahead, I know this was a very special moment for them. We are extremely proud of their resilience, commitment and talent and they have a great story to tell in the years ahead.”
