Published: 22 March, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

DELIGHTED youngsters from Gospel Oak Primary rewrote the history books as they became the first school in more than 10 years to do the double in the Football League play-offs.

Both the boys’ and the girls’ teams from the Mansfield Road school were crowned champions as they edged out their rivals at the Talacre Community Sports Centre in Kentish Town.

Organised by the Camden Schools Sports Association, with support from Camden’s Sports and Physical Activity teams, 28 teams competed regularly over five months for the prize.

In the end, the girls’ final saw Gospel Oak beat Brookfield School in Highgate 4-3 on penalties after the game remained goalless in normal time. Goalkeeper Megan Greenfield played her part with some amazing saves before Sue Nolan kept her cool to score the decisive spot-kick.

The double was complete when the Gospel Oak boys’ team beat Christ Church from Regent’s Park 3-0 thanks to player-of-the-match Trae Coyle, who scored twice and set up the opening goal for Sol Staggs.

Gospel Oak PE teacher Jef Gooding said: “The CSSA football league play-offs is the most difficult Camden sports event to win. I am very impressed with the children’s effort as this is the first time the boys’ team have won the title since 1996 and more than 10 years since any school has done the double.”