St John the Evangelist Primary School, Carterton, are through to the national finals of the ESFA Under 11 Seven-a-side Schools’ Cup at Watford on Saturday, May 21.

The Oxfordshire champions booked their place after being crowned joint winners of the South West regional final with Hampshire representatives Warren Park (Havant) at Cadbury Frys Club, Keynsham, Bristol.

They agreed to share the title following a 1-1 draw in the final with both sides guaranteed a place at Watford.

Will Newcombe grabbed an equaliser for St John’s after they had fallen behind.

Earlier, the Carterton school topped their group after recording three wins and a draw.

Sam Newcombe’s goal gave them a 1-0 victory over Bodriggy (Cornwall), before they were held to a goalless draw with Dorset champions Hill View (Bournemouth) with keeper Aidan Chester making some fine saves.

They then beat Longlevens (Gloucestershire) 2-1 with Will Newcombe and Tom Dove netting.

Wiltshire winners Robert Le King (Swindon) were the next victims as St John’s recorded a 1-0 win with Sam Newcombe on target.

Teacher Garth Lenton said: “It is absolutely brilliant. It is so good for Oxfordshire football at this level.”

Now they will be looking to emulate Bayswater Middle School, who were the last national winners from Oxon back in 1988.