SCHOOLS’ FOOTBALL

Vale of White Horse’s terrific run in the ESFA Under 15 Trophy came to an end with a 1-0 defeat by Bromley in the semi-final at Beckenham FC.

Despite a heroic defensive display, Vale’s inability to create chances from open play proved their downfall.

Vale captain Luke Thorne was taken ill on the night before the game, and manager Des Williams recruited Eima Meade at the eleventh hour.

With goalkeeper Eddie Cavanagh making a series of brave saves, Vale kept Bromley at bay.

And they almost snatched the lead on the stroke of half-time when Robbie Cundy’s header from Ross Tanner’s free-kick hit the underside of the bar, and Anthony Martin’s shot from the rebound was blocked on the line.

But Vale’s defence cracked early in in the second half as Harry Jacubait drove a low shot into the far corner.

Owen Shaw, Tom White and Mason Curtis went close as Vale chased an equaliser, but a well-organised Bromley defence seldom looked like conceding.

  • SAM Brinkley’s superb second-half strike earned Vale of White Horse Under 11s a 1-1 draw against St Albans in the County League at Oxford Brookes Westminster Institute of Education.

Will Brothwood had fired St Albans ahead with a close-range effort in the first period.

  • BARLEY Hill (Thame) fly the flag for Oxford United in the npower Kids Cup regional final at the club’s Roman Way training ground today (1pm).

They will be battling it out with representatives from 13 other clubs for a place in the national final before the League Two play-off final at Wembley on Sunday, May 27.