The footballers of Headington Middle School have proved that lightning does strike twice by winning a national six-a-side competition for the second year running - from an original entry of 2,500 teams.
Back, from left: John Rixon , Jon Gotch, Mark Bell, Simon Reeves. Front: Corey Forbes, Alex Williams, Luke Durston, Sam Green
Headington's under 11 side, who were representing Oxford United, carried off the Railtrack Play Safe Trophy with a 1-0 victory over Driffield Junior School, Scarborough, in the splendour of Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
A goal two minutes from time by Mark Bell secured the victory in front of the large crowd who were gathering for the LDV Vans Trophy final between Port Vale and Brentford.
What made Headington's feat even more remarakable that the success was achieved with not one of the same boys who had won the competition last year, when it was sponsored by Adidas Predator.
Peter Rhoades-Brown, Oxford United's community officer, prepared the team for the big day, said: "This success reflects great credit on the team's manager Ernie Smith and his enormous enthusiasm for the game.
"It also proves that Oxford United have the most successful of all the 91 community football schemes in the country."
Carole Sutcliffe, head teacher at Headington Middle School, said: "It was a wonderful day for the boys and Ernie Smith, and reflects all the hard work that has gone into football during the year."
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