Marling Boys Triumph in County Cup

In a tense final game against Cleeve School at Gloucester City Stadium, team captain Henry scored the opening goal with a header in the first half, but Cleeve equalised against the run of play. Marling had two goals disallowed and the Cleeve goalkeeper made several crucial saves.

The game concluded with a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, leading to a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Casey was the star, saving three penalties, and Tom scored the decisive penalty, resulting in a Marling 3-2 victory. Marling will now go on to play in the regional contest.

Striker Hedley Craig said: ''This is the first time in recent years that Marling Sixth Form has got into the final and won it. Regionals next and we will give it an amazing shot.' In a message for the next generation of Marling footballers, he added: 'Play for each other and enjoy it! We have such a good community around the team.'

Speaking after the win, Centre Back, Ryan Khumalo, described it as 'The most joy I've felt in a long time' and added, 'I hope it inspires the next generation.'

The players were full of praise for their new coach, Mr Price, who recently joined Marling School PE department.

Mr Price said: ‘This group truly deserved every ounce of this success. Continuity, commitment to a cause and having a shared vision of an achievable goal, are all reasons this team succeeded. Every player involved within training and matches leading up to the final should be so proud of what they have accomplished. With this being my first year at Marling, this memory will last me a lifetime and have its place in Marling history. This victory epitomises sport at Marling and long may this success continue