Football: Vale Academy retain Scunthorpe and District Cup

The Vale Academy’s Year 11 side lifted the Scunthorpe and District Schools Football Cup after beating Frederick Gough in the final, held at nearby Brigg Town Football Club.

The Brigg school had beaten Huntcliff Comprehensive, Melior Community Academy and St Bede’s Academy in previous rounds.

After an entertaining first half, Vale led at the interval thanks to Charlie Dolling’s sensational solo effort.

He intercepted a pass at left-back and ran almost the length of the pitch, ghosting past three Gough players before poking the ball past the keeper.

Vale Academy took control of the second half, scoring early through Tom Goudie’s powerful strike from an acute angle and pressing much higher up the pitch.

Frederick Gough pulled a goal back against the run of play, but Vale’s response was immediate, with Goudie restoring their two-goal advantage to the delight of PE teacher Matthew Neal.

“It was my final game in charge of an exceptionally talented year group who deserved to retain their title,” he said.

Matthew Dalton added: “I’ve enjoyed representing Vale in many different sports over my five years, but particularly football. This was a fantastic team performance!”