Warrington Schoolboys under 11s win Goodison Park final

Indeed, their manager believes their achievement can be considered among the town’s finest footballing successes.

Earlier this week, we brought you the story of the Warrington Schoolboys under 11s team preparing to step out at Everton FC’s Goodison Park home ground for the final of the Merseyside County Schools FA's Goodison Cup – a competition in which the likes of Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard played in their younger days.

Well not only did they contest the final, they brought the trophy home – the first Warrington team to do so in nearly four decades.

Goals from Keegan Gifford and Sam Rowlinson gave the side, who are made up of players from primary schools around the town, a 2-0 victory over North Sefton in the final after they had beaten St Helens, Wirral and Bootle to reach Goodison.

The players and coaches celebrate their victory at Goodison Park (Image: Contributed)

And their display on the big stage left their co-managers Shaun Staniford and Stu Shaw beaming with pride.

“Regarding the game, the lads were excellent from minute one – they set out with one goal in mind,” Staniford said.

“This has been an amazing journey for a team that was put together 18 months ago and I am immensely proud of what the whole squad has achieved.

“They have shown the level of talent and ability in Warrington and have written their names into the history books.

“This will go down as one the greatest achievements for a team in this town ever.

“Everyone of the lads savoured the experience and took it all in their stride.

“Walking through the tunnel at Goodison and playing on the pitch at a Premier League ground is something they can carry for the rest of their lives.”

The Warrington team in the Goodison Park changing rooms (Image: Contributed)

Shaw, who coaches the National Cup-winning Warrington Rylands under 11s team for whom many of the Schoolboys side play, added: “Sefton are an excellent side with Liverpool and Everton academy players, but we have a few as well playing for Crewe, Wigan, Blackburn and Blackpool.

“Ever since we picked the team, we believed in them so much. We knew we could go to the city teams who are usually stronger and give them a game.

“We dominated in large periods, with everyone standing up to be counted.

“I said in my programme notes that we were all in together – some players will be disappointed they didn't play the final, but it’s the long processes not the short ones that get success.

“Those cold rainy nights in winter have all been made worthwhile with the medals hanging round their necks come summer.”

Squad: Lucas Arrowsmith, Keegan Gifford, Teddy Appleton, Max Walker, Alfie Sterling, Sam Rowlinson, Joseph Kirkpatrick, Samuel Staniford, Jack Nolan, Alfie Coen, Kane Riddings, Ollie Bridge, Sonny Gahgan, Farrell Sharpe, Harry Stewart, Lee Stewart, Louie Percival, Ralphie Marshall, Tiwa Awulomate, Jacob Leathem, Roman Gears, Viktor Vychodil, Liam Davies, Alfie Silvester