Shildon Scholars celebrate cup win

Foundation of Light's Shildon Scholars triumphed over Darlington Academy to lift the prestigious Albert Knox Memorial Trophy, one of the oldest competitions in schools and colleges football. The young Black Cats, many of them playing their final game before graduation this summer, headed into half time level after Tyler Marquis's strike was cancelled out during a tense and competitive opening 45 minutes at Eastbourne Sports Complex. But Alan Young's side raised their game after the break and regained the lead through Nathan Greenwood's superb freekick on the hour. With 20 minutes remaining goals from Luke Reay, Ben Oliver and Greenwood's second secured a 5-1 win. Following the game, head coach Alan, said: "The squad have worked incredibly hard over the course of the season and to end the year by winning the Albert Knox Trophy in the way we did is fantastic achievement. "We had done our homework on Darlington College and followed their progress to the final closely, we went into the game with a game plan which the lads carried out superbly. "Their organisation, discipline and desire set the standards for the game which then allowed the boys to attack with fluidity and creativity.

To end the season on a high with our first trophy highlights the journey the players have been on and will stay with them forever.

In their run to the final, the Scholars overcame Gateshead College and East Durham College to round off a successful final season for the students in which they also reached the National Football Youth League Cup semi-finals. STARTING XI: Matthew Wilkinson, Luke Reay, Billy Harland, Cristian Campos, Adam Barnaby ©, Lewis Hoare, Eddie Lewington, Liam Potter, Tyler Marquis, Nathan Greenwood, Gideon Kanyondo. SUBS: Tom Aldsworth, Mitch Noble, Matthew Hutchinson, Kory Whitfield, Deacon Winter, Ben Oliver, Adam Scott. GOAL SCORERS: Marquis (15), Greenwood (61, 79), Reay (70), Oliver (85). MAN OF THE MATCH: Hoare.   Foundation of Light’s Football and Futsal Scholarships give talented players aged 16-18 years old, the opportunity to represent Sunderland AFC and gain nationally recognised qualifications through an extensive football and education programme.