Published: 24 March, 2016
by STEVE BARNETT

A TALENTED crop of young footballers, who have been playing together in Islington since they were just eight years old, are heading to Wembley for the FA Cup final after being crowned the best five-a-side team in the country. 

St John’s Wood FC saw off competition from over 640 teams from across the UK to proudly lift the FA People’s Cup on Sunday. 

Having successfully engineered their way through two London-based qualifying rounds, the Under-16s side joined the very best that Birmingham, Bristol, Hull, Luton, Manchester, Nottingham and Portsmouth had to offer. On Sunday the Sheffield sun was glistening off the silverware as the boys lifted the trophy after beating Pompey Chimes 3-1 in the final. 

“It was an emotional win for the boys, who have been competing together in the Camden and Islington Youth League since they were Under-9s,” said manager Joseph Paul Wright. 

And joint-manager James Hammond added: “It is an incredibly proud moment for us to see the boys’ youth football careers culminate in winning the biggest competition on offer.” 

Champions St John’s Wood will now be presented with their trophy at Wembley during the FA Cup final in May. 

Sharpshooter Leon Morris had a final he’ll certainly never forget as he bagged a quick-fire brace against Pompey Chimes to settle any St John’s nerves. 

Keeper Max Sosna played his part as he kept the Portsmouth champions at bay with some top-class saves, while tough-tackling defender Alex Viviano showed his class with a near perfect performance in the heart of defence. 

The 2-0 cushion gave St John’s Wood the chance to play on the counter attack, which worked a treat when Shane Cook played a neat one-two with Josh Goldstein before slotting home a third goal to put the game out of sight. 

Pompey Chimes scored a late consolation but the day, the FA Cup, and what promises to be a memorable day out at Wembley, belong to St John’s Wood. 

Highlights of the boy’s performance’s can be found on the Red Button on BBC1 this Saturday at 12.50pm and on the BBC Get Inspired website.