Gainsborough pupils lift trophy for first time in six years

Trials began at the end of May with schools in the Gainsborough area sending their best 11-year-olds to train and play against each other.

With an initial squad picked the team then had friendly matches against Marshall’s U12s and 780 coaching to refine the squad further.

The game was played ion the new astro-turf pitch at St Peter and St Paul Secondary School. With the game split into three sets of 20 minutes, all players in the squad were needed to play their part.

Gainsborough came out of the blocks at record speed and were 2-0 up before Lincoln knew what had hit them.

Both teams then settled into the game and the football played was of the highest quality.

Gainsborough, however, were on fire in front of goal and the goals continued to flow and then racked up an unassailable lead of 5-0 before Lincoln scored a deserved consolation goal.

The final whistle went and Gainsborough celebrated their richly-deserved and long overdue victory. The team received their winners’ medals and the coveted Trent-Witham trophy that would now be near the Gainsborough River for the next year.

Following that game the team were invited to play against the Lincoln Academy U11s and again showed their prowess with a 4-2 victory at their home ground of QEHS.

Manager and Parish Church Primary School teacher John Anderson was delighted with the squad and their victories.

He said: “We had children from Saxilby, Parish, Scotter, Marton, Charles Baines and Sturton by Stow so the team a real international flavour to it!

“After six years without a win it made this one even sweeter. The players performed amazingly well and were a credit to Gainsborough and the whole district.

“We have a new kit coming from a successful bid to the Football Foundation for next year and we look forward to a new set of Y6 children attending the trials.”