Published: 7 January, 2016
by STEVE BARNETT

A TEAM of trophy-chasing footballers from Haverstock School face an “unpredictable” test in their quest for national glory.

As they prepare to kick off the second half of their season, the Under-13s side from the secondary in Chalk Farm have reached the half-way mark in the English Schools’ Open Schools Cup. 

The sixth round will see them tackle Carshalton Sports College from Sutton at Market Road in Islington on January 18 – with manager and PE teacher Jamie Histed admitting it’s a tricky tie to train for. 

“Usually in national competitions there’s a cap on how many academy players a side can field, but there’s no such restrictions in the Open Schools Cup,” he said. 

“That means you just never know the quality that you’re going to face on the day. 

“For all we know, Carshalton could boast some of the best academy players from Chelsea and Fulham. 

“At this level it’s never going to be easy, but we’ve got a strong team and we’re looking forward to the challenge.” 

Haverstock hit our front page headlines last year when their Under-14s won the English Schools’ FA PlayStation Schools Cup. The dream of retaining the prestigious trophy came to an end on Tuesday, however, when they lost away at Oxford-based Gosford Hill School in the fifth round.