Arthur Terry net Birmingham Schools’ Cup final victory at Villa Park

Staff and students at Arthur Terry School are celebrating after bringing home the silverware at the prestigious Birmingham Schools’ Cup Final.

The school’s Year 10 football team secured a 2-1 win at Villa Park against Kings Norton’s St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in front of a crowd of thrilled families and staff.

Schools from across the city compete for the coveted cup and it was Arthur Terry who prevailed to add to the team’s previous triumphs in winning the Aston, Erdington and Saltley Schools Football Association District Cup and District Super Cup earlier this season.

Arthur Terry PE teachers and team coaches Daniel Holliday and John Byrne said: “Huge congratulations to our amazing team, who have made us so proud. Despite missing several players who had been integral to their progress in the competition, the squad on the day battled incredibly well, playing the better football and deservedly coming away with the win.

“It’s been a few years since an Arthur Terry team has got through to the Villa Park cup final of this competition and the team were very focused. Our opposition were fantastic and it was a tremendous match between two very good teams.

“The team will be Year 11 next year and will be fighting to go on and defend the trophy. This was a fantastic squad achievement and will no doubt have provided the 13 students on the day with memories that will last a lifetime.”

Arthur Terry took the lead midway through the first half when Luke Taylor headed home from captain Jude Thomas’ corner, but their opponents fought back strongly and levelled shortly before half time.

In what was an end-to-end second half, Arthur Terry struck with the decisive third goal of the game 15 minutes from time when captain and Walsall Academy player Thomas saw his firm strike blocked before substitute Gabriel Agbonlahor converted at the Holte End.

The Arthur Terry team had defeated St Peter’s (Solihull), Coleshill, Colmers School (Rednal) and Tudor Grange (Solihull) to reach the final, which was refereed by former professional referee Andre Marriner.

Main picture: The victorious Arthur Terry team celebrate at Villa Park.