Match Report – English Schools Football Cup Last 16

Downend School (Bristol)  3 – 1 Braunton Academy 

The journey has come to an end for our Year 7 football team, but a fantastic journey none the less. A small school from North Devon standing among the last 16 teams in the entire country, that achievement alone speaks volumes about their character, talent, and team spirit.

Match report

The team started well, refusing to be intimidated by a Downend side who have been sweeping teams aside all competition, often by seven or more.  

Their early confidence was rewarded when Harry struck a superb opener, giving us a 1–0 lead and full control of the game but football can turn quickly, and unfortunately it did. A moment where we should have cleared our lines allowed Downend to equalise and then they added a second before the break with a sharp counter-attacking move, a reminder of the quality they possess.

The second half became a bit scrappier. Downend had plenty of the ball but rarely threatened our goal. At the same time, we pushed forward, carving out half-chances but never quite finding that clear opening we needed.

At 2–1, the game was still in the balance right until the final moments and with ten minutes to go, we made the decision to throw everything forward in search of an equaliser. We had a corner that could have changed everything right at the end, but Downend cleared the set piece and broke away, scoring their third with the final kick of the match. A risk we had to take.

The team were gutted at full-time but they also walked off with their heads high, knowing they’ve achieved something pretty special:  

- Top 16 in England.  
- From a small school in North Devon.  
- Against some of the strongest footballing schools in the country.

That is something to be incredibly proud of as were the compliments from the opposition coach who said that we were without doubt the hardest to play against and the best team they have faced so far.

Thanks for your support, it's been a fantastic journey!!