Fleetwood Town

Stanmore College v Hopwood Hall College

Stanmore College v Hopwood Hall College Tuesday 12 March 2013 Kick-off 2.30pm ESFA Under 18 Colleges’ Trophy Final Highbury Stadium will play host to the ESFA Under 18 Colleges’ Trophy Final on Tuesday when Stanmore College will go head-to-head with Hopwood Hall College for the title. The National knock out competition started out with 127 colleges across England and London based Stanmore College will take on Hopwood Hall who are in a lower division than their opponents, but Hopwood will be making their second appearance in the final of a competition they were runners up in back in 2009. Hopwood’s Football Academy, who play in black and yellow stripes, enjoyed a magnificent victory in the semi-finals as they ran out 5-0 winners against Sunderland College, who like Stanmore, ply their trade in a higher division. Luke Heron scored a brace, and Kane Hughes, Jordan Cooper and Liam Wood added further goals to take them to final. Rob Johnson, Hopwood’s head-coach said after their semi-final victory: “Once again, Hopwood Hall College will be competing against a team from a higher division; however, if they can match the performance of the semi-final, then there’s every chance of bringing home the silverware!” Stanmore College have only conceded three goals in their six game route to the final, and the College, who play in royal blue, won their last four clash against Hartpury College 3-0. Both teams have a number of players that have, and are apart of centre of excellences and academies at professional football clubs. Hopwood centre-halves Jaedon Keane and Lewis Lacey have both played for Rochdale centre of excellence, while captain Sam Rathbone has played for Oldham Athletics set-up. Stanmore also boast exceptional talent within their ranks. Midfielder Ashley Nathaniel George has notably played for the Arsenal academy, whilst full-back Andrew Amoah has played at Barnet FC. Admission to this fixture can be purchased from the Fleetwood Town ticket office on the day of the game, where tickets will be priced at £4 for Adults and £2 for Concessions. By Tom Bestwick