Tyler Raybould and Jack Deakin, scored the two goals in the first half to beat Ecclesfield Red Rose JFC in the final of the Sheffield & Hallamshire CFA U13s Challenge Cup sponsored by SIV (Sheffield International Venues)

The game opened brightly and less than five minutes had gone when the Tyler Rabould opener came after a cross from the left side. The young defender volleyed an amazing shot from just inside the box to give the lead to the Staveley Miners Welfare JFC.

Going behind early in the game only spurred the Red Rose side on. Firstly, Gage Parton flicked on a free kick at the near post, then touched on by Rion Airboiun, with Elias Tiongo following up, but Tiong’s header took slight deflection, and went wide of the post.

Then, on the twenty minute mark, Lewis Hunt was unfortunate to see his shot go into the side netting.

However, was Staveley who increased their advantage scoring before the half-time whistle. Jack Deakin making sure the blue and whites went in at half time 2 goals to the good, with a great touch following a superb cross from Dustyn Grierson.

Staveley pushed to increase their lead but good goalkeeping from Ecclesfield’s Jake Balme, and solid defending kept the score at the break at 2 – 0.

After half time, the match saw both teams trying to keep the possession of the ball, looking for openings, with much of the game being played in the midfield. Ecclesfield broke clear on two occasions with one-on-ones with the Staveley keeper but the attempts from firstly Elias Thiongo and then Gage Parton, unfortunately came to nothing.

In the final minutes, Staveley could have scored a third following two superb counter-attacks but Ecclesfield defended well, before referee Jon Brain blew the final whistle and the game ended with the cup going to Staveley.

Mark Deakin, manager of Staveley commented: “A good game, both teams playing well. It was important to match a good strong physical side, and I think we did that and it enabled us to play the game we wanted.”

Well done to the four match officials, Jon Brain, Connor Everard, Gary Hubbard and Clare Thompson for their efforts on the day.

A big thank you from everyone at S&HCFA to Scawthorpe Scorpions for hosting the fixture.

The main photo shows David Bly on the right, from SIV, presenting the cup to the winning captain and Staveley keeper, Bradley Howarth.

David commented: “SIV pride on supporting grass roots sport and partnering with  key partners like the Sheffield & Hallamshire FA to drive this forwards. The final was a well contested affair, with both clubs doing themselves proud in a competitive game.”