ESFA Cup Final showcases the best in Salopian spirit

Following their historic run in the ESFA Under 18 Schools’ Trophy, Shrewsbury 1st XI Boys were edged out in a highly entertaining game against familiar rivals Hampton School. 

The boys’ ESFA journey started all the way back on the 20th September, at home to Wrekin College in Round 1 and headed to Stoke City’s Bet365 Stadium for Round 9 and the final for the first time in the School’s history. 

Following the brief warm up at the neighbouring academy dome, the team walked on to the pitch to the cheers of an 800-strong Salopian crowd, who all came together to show their support for the team.  

Hampton took an early lead after a slow Shrewsbury start but this seemed to spur them on as they looked to regain a footing in the match but found themselves 2-0 down at halftime. 

After the break, Shrewsbury looked more dominant and assured and pulled a goal back with a screamer from Josh M (PH, LVI) from 35-yards. Another period of sustained Shrewsbury pressure gave hope to the travelling supporters of a fairytale comeback but sadly Hampton nicked a goal on the break to make it 3-1 and that is how the match finished.

A disappointing end to a fantastic season but one that the team can look back on and be proud of as the whole Salopian community are. This may have been the first ESFA Final for our boys, but we are sure it won’t be the last! 

Look out for highlights from the ESFA Final and a post-match catch up with Captain Ollie S (PH, UVI) and Director of Sport Andrew Pembleton in a future news article.