Published: 24 May, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT and SIOBHAN McCALL

CHELSEA weren’t the only team in blue celebrating at the weekend after keeping their cool from the penalty spot.

Players from ‘A’ Class FC capped off an outstanding season on Friday by winning the Under-10s Challenge Cup in the Camden and Islington Midweek Youth League.

Having already won the league title and the London Cup, the unstoppable side completed a tremendous treble after overcoming Angel Islington in a nail-biting shoot-out.

With neither side finding the winner in normal time, it went to penalties, where Denzelle  Olopade, 10, scored the crucial spot-kick to earn his side a nervy 5-3 victory and spark wild scenes of celebration.

Delighted ‘A’ Class manager Chris Mozo said: “Once again I’m proud of them. Team unity helped us get to this stage and I’m hoping for more of the same next year.”

The most emotional moment of the night at Market Road came with the presentation of the Liboria Risveglia  Challenge Cup, which went to Under-12s winners Westway.

Liboria, who passed away in her sleep in 2009 aged just 19, regularly took charge of matches in the under-12s age group and was the first girl to join the refereeing ranks in the league at the age of 14.

Westway and Pro Touch Soccer Academy Red certainly played out a fitting tribute in a final full of spirit and passion.

In the end, Notting Hill-based side Westway had striker Cheyce Grant to thank for the first-half goal which won them the game.

The 12-year-old, who was also named player-of-the-match, admitted that it was an honour to be presented with the trophy by Liboria’s mother Emilia and brother Salvatore. “It was very good to win something that has such an important meaning,” he said.

There was double delight for Peel FC after they were victorious in both the Under-14s and the Under-16s Challenge Cups.

The Under-14s just edged past Isledon Wolves, with Tyrone Mulholland converting from the spot to seal a 1-0 win.

Their under-16s counterparts sealed a league and cup double  as they beat Regent’s Park 3-0 thanks to goals from Marcos and Ricardo Boye and Sam Phinikas. Peel’s Danny McCarthy, 16, was voted player-of-the-match after an impressive performance.

• For tomorrow (Friday’s) cup finals reports – see next week’s sports pages!