Brighton Boys' U-15s reach English Schools Final

[Brovion]

SeagullRic may have something to say on this (not sure if he was in the squad or not) but Brighton Boys U-15s reached the final of the English Schools' Tournament with a 3-2 win away against Jersey Schools. Not sure when the final is but apparently it's at Goodison - against Liverpool Schools!

Interestingly Brighton had already been knocked out once. They lost their quarter-final 2-0 away to Blackheath Schools. No complaints, the better side won and everybody said 'Well Done' for getting to the last eight in England. Blackheath then went on to play Plymouth in the semi-final. Apparently though during the game all hell broke loose and there was a massive ruck involving players - and parents - of both teams. The FA, to their credit, threw both teams out of the competition and re-instated the losing quarter finalists.

 

[Jim D]

So maybe if there's a big fight at the Leeds v Carlisle match......?

 

[Wardy]

So maybe if there's a big fight at the Leeds v Carlisle match......?

Sounds like a plan

 

[Sheebo]

So maybe if there's a big fight at the Leeds v Carlisle match......?

I like that thinking Sir!

 

[Brovion]

Just bouncing this thread as the final is TODAY. Apparently it's the first time since 1956 that Brighton have reached the final; we lost over two legs then - again to Liverpool Schools. This time it's just a one-off game and Brighton are massive underdogs, but the boys are all really looking forward to it.

 

[Brighton Breezy]

How many of the players are on our BOOKS?

 

[steward 433]

Just bouncing this thread as the final is TODAY. Apparently it's the first time since 1956 that Brighton have reached the final; we lost over two legs then - again to Liverpool Schools. This time it's just a one-off game and Brighton are massive underdogs, but the boys are all really looking forward to it.

Kick off time?

 

[hans kraay fan club]

G'WAN the BRIGH'ON

 

[Mendoza]

How many of the players are on our BOOKS?

2 are, 1 a midfielder from Patcham

2 more have been looked at and released by the Albion

 

[Barrel of Fun]

Four, I think, Richie.

George Hayward, Dorothy Stringer. (M)
Jordan Lang, Patcham. (M)
AF Williams, Dorothy Stringer. (S)
Seb Saunders, Tideway. (D,M,A)

 

[Brovion]

How many of the players are on our BOOKS?

I really only know the six who are my son's friends from his school (Stringer) and/or who played for his team (Withdean). AFAIK of those six two are with us, another one doesn't want to play for Brighton, one had a trial with the School of Excellence but wasn't picked up and the other two haven't been noticed by anybody.

 

[Sheebo]

I really only know the six who are my son's friends from his school (Stringer) and/or who played for his team (Withdean). AFAIK of those six two are with us, another one doesn't want to play for Brighton, one had a trial with the School of Excellence but wasn't picked up and the other two haven't been noticed by anybody.

Doesn't wanna play for us? WHY? What a knobber

 

[Pettitt303]

3 of these are actually in my year at school and all are good mates
sam smith - southern rangers
joss goodwin - (ex centre of excellence) - whitehawk youth
james rea - adur athletic


should be a good match and expect about 2,00 to be there

 

[Sajerz]

was gonna watch that but couldn't be bothered to travel on the team coach lol

 

[Merseyside Seagull]

Does anyone know the kick off time? I could go along and give the boys some support.

 

[Starry]

it is a 7pm kick off.

 

[SNOOBS]

I've played that age of Brighton and Hove Albion twice this year and they didn't seem very good. Doubt many will get scholars next year.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Schoolboy football is a notoriously bad indicator of which players will make it anyway.

History is littered with lads who were genius at the age of 12, but then disappeared off the radar. There are plenty of players who only really started to shine at 15 or 16. How many times do you read articles in the likes of The Sun excitedly telling how Chelsea have signed up some outstanding ten year old, yet these kids rarely come through in the end.

Paul Moulden was the classic example, if memory serves me correctly he was in the Guinness Book of Records for scoring something like 270 goals in a season for Bolton Lads, and everyone at Man City (where he was a schoolboy I think) thought he'd be the greatest thing ever.

Granted, he did make it as a pro, and had a few decent games for the Albion as I recall, but he was never the superstar he was predicted to be.

 

[Double Hard Bastard]

Don't talk to me about Brighton Boys, I had a trial for them as a player for Hove Boys. We got a draw against them the first time Hove had got a result in years against Brighton & I played a f***ing blinder! Allegedly I was shoe in but I got turned down although a certain lad whose old man was the head of the PTA for my school was chosen! The wankers!

Not that I'm bitter or anything but I could have been a lower division journeyman by now!

 

[Brovion]

I've played that age of Brighton and Hove Albion twice this year and they didn't seem very good. Doubt many will get scholars next year.

The Albion U15 School of Excellence team have suffered a bit this year as they are in a 'league' of only four teams, so they've only had six competitive matches this year! You're right though, I don't think it's a 'vintage' crop and the Albion have certainly operated a revolving door policy, and IMO they've let some good lads go. George Hayward's been there since he was eight and I don't think there are many of that original intake left - if any.