CNC CROWNED NATIONAL CHAMPIONSCNC CROWNED NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Football fever is sweeping CNC, which is celebrating after winning the National schools Under-19 Cup. The tournament, organised by the English Schools' Football Association (ESFA) is the most prestigious award at sixth-form level. The final took place at the Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion FC, on Monday afternoon. CNC and the other finalists, Colchester College, went to West Brom the previous day and spent the night at a hotel near the ground.
Around 300 CNC staff and students made the trip down to Birmingham on Monday. Some brought drums to accompany the 'official' muxsic provided by CNC student Peter Fletcher on the trumpet. Banners included one with the college logo, one with "Cup Final Magic" written on it, and one which read "Do it for the Cardinal." The teams were presented to ESFA and Snickers officials before the match.
The first half was scrappy although CNC, backed by huge support, took the initiative with a few early chances. Newman became increasingly dominant as time went by, but were let down by their finishing on several occasions. Their chance came when Rob Haworth, described by The Times as "the most skillful boy on display" was brought down on the edge of the box after 38 minutes. Midfielder David McCann drove the free kick through the wall and into the net to put CNC ahead.
Newman had a shaky start to the second half and looked extremely uncomfortable at times. They held their lead thanks to some incredible goalkeeping from Kevin Holliday and a goal-lime clearance from Michael Swarbrick three minutes from time. Earlier in the half, CNC captain Paul Cairns had made an excellent run from within his own half. Striker Chris Whittingham put the ball in the back of the net to finish the move, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Over five minutes of injury time was added before the final whistle blew and CNC were crowned national champions.
Teachers gathered on the touchline to prevent a pitch invasion as the team celebrated victory. Principal Kevin Quigley broke ranks, danced on the pitch and later waved the CNC banner. The two teams collected their medals before the trophy was presented to Paul Cairns.
Speaking to the Press after the match, Kevin Quigley praised the team for it's hard work. "To go there and become champions was a huge achievment when you consider we're really only a small college," he said. "It is a reward for all the hard work put in by Kevin (Loughran) and Sean (Haselgrave) and all the players. I know when we won the Lancs Cup Sean said that this team would win the national cup within two years and he has been proved right".
CNC's cross town rivals Preston College, who beat Newman in the Lancashire Cup final three weeks ago, also won the national cup two years ago. Newman's victory is another high-profile occasion for the college in what has already been an incredible year. It follows the Limelights row and another great sporting achievment - victory in the national Netball cup in Sheffield just before Easter.
| Current News | ENN home page | News Archive |
