Boys’ dream is over

Bassetlaw Boys’ dream journey to the ESFA National Seven-a-side Finals at Chelsea’s immaculate training ground ended in disappointment when they failed to reproduce the form that had taken them there.

Defeats by three excellent teams from Chester, Croydon and Plymouth saw them eliminated at the group stage in a tournament that eventually saw Barking and Dagenham defeat Plymouth in the final.

Bassetlaw’s disappointing form should not detract from their achievements this season and they will have a further opportunity to add to their trophy tally when they meet the City of Nottingham Boys in the County Cup final to be held on the Nottingham Forest Academy ground in May.

The domestic scene is also drawing to a conclusion and the Parry Cup Final will see Carr Hill, the holders, meet Redlands in a repeat of last years’ final at Harworth on Thursday.

On the same day Ryton Park, the reigning champions will meet Holy Family, Ordsall and Prospect Hill in the 20th Girls “Champion of Champions” Finals.

The Small Schools “Champion of Champions” final will be held between Gamston and St Swithun’s.

Gamston qualified when Joshua Waby (2) and Matthew Shaw were on target in 3-2 defeat of Misson while Cameron Dickson, Hayden Fox and Isaac Storrie shared the goals in a 5-3 defeat of Blyth.