OXFORD Academy’s Under 12 boys were crowned national champions after beating AC Finchley 3-2 on penalties in the final at Birmingham.
A goal down and with only seven minutes left, it looked all over for Oxford, only for Kyran Lofthouse to score and set up a nerve-jangling shoot-out.
After both teams had scored two penalties, keeper Matty Simms saved Finchley’s third kick, allowing Joe Gaul to score the winner for Oxford, who only started training in January.
Earlier in the competition, Oxford Academy beat West London Futsal (1-0) and drew 1-1 with Landau Forte Academy, before thrashing Marine AFC 5-1.
They completed their group matches with a 2-1 win against Carre’s Grammar Academy.
Oxford then saw off Ercall Wood Technology College 3-0 to set up a showdown with Finchley.
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