THE ninth Redditch United Schools Cup final was won by Walkwood at Redditch United's Trico Stadium.

The community event is organised thanks to generous support from the Redditch United Supporters Club and Redditch United, who provided the facility, qualified referees who gave their services free, commemorative medals for all the players and food after the game.

This year’s final took place last Thursday was between St Bedes, who had won the cup twice previously, and Walkwood, who had won it three times.

At first it looked like Walkwood might be too tall and strong for St Bedes, especially when, after nine minutes, they broke down the right and James Lev chipped the goalkeeper to make it 1-0 to Walkwood. St Bedes almost equalized on 29 minutes when Luke Baldwin came close after a swift team attack. Shortly before half time Walkwood went 2-0 up when James Lev played in Arran Richmond after a sweeping move down the left, to leave Walkwood well on top.

This changed in the second half, however, as St Bedes started to pass the ball around on the floor and pushed Walkwood back. This led to them pulling a goal back when Paul McCarthy scored from a corner on 39 minutes. Urged on by the skilful George Wynne – later awarded Man of the Match – St Bedes pressed hard for an equalizer while Walkwood had to defend stoutly and rely on occasional breakaways. Matty Hitchens – one of several contenders for Man of the Match – was kept busy in the Walkwood goal, making a couple of good saves and handling safely throughout. This was one of the most exciting halves of football in the competition, with the enthusiastic crowd of over 200 parents and pupils adding to the tremendous atmosphere.

Walkwood hung on to win 2-1 in a game that could have gone either way.