Published: 31 May, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT and SIOBHAN McCALL

THE curtain fell on another scintillating season in the youth league – but not before the teams served up some fantastic football at Market Road.

A bumper crowd watched Islington Admiral narrowly beat The Heath to win the Under-9s Alan Michael Browne Challenge Cup.

The goalkeepers from both sides put in a great showing, with Admiral’s David Daley and The Heath’s Sam Thornton both making a string of wonderful saves.

In a close contest, a clinical finish by Sacario Waugh  proved the difference as Admiral ran out 1-0 winners.  
Heath manager Stephen O’Brennan said he “couldn’t have asked for more” from his young side. “The boys stuck to their positive and exciting playing style from start to finish and were unlucky not to be rewarded for their efforts, finishing as runners-up in the title and two cup finals.”

Players from Crown and Manor had the biggest reason to celebrate as they won two Challenge Cups. The club’s under-11s beat Isledon Wolves 2-0 thanks to goals from Kamal Adams and Anthony Needs.

Meanwhile, the Under-13s went a goal better as they beat Recreativo Juniors 3-0 to complete a league and cup double. Star player Romeo Akinda opened the scoring, before Ellis Christodoulou volleyed home a second and Oshun Lewis scored a third.

Tayo Bradshaw scored twice to guide Regent’s Park to the final piece of silverware of the season. Reuben Hinkson was also on target as Regent’s Park beat Westway 3-0 to win the Under-15s Challenge Cup.