Historic Schools' Cup win for Laurelhill

This is the oldest and largest schools' football competition in Northern Ireland having started in 1925. Open to every school in the country, this year 67 schools competed for the Cup.

The long journey to the Final kicked off last September and along the way, Laurelhill saw off strong opposition from St Patrick's College, Belfast, Holy Cross, Strabane and Forthill College from Lisburn amongst others. Therefore, confidence was high going into the Final, despite the fact that the Laurelhill team had been second best in their only previous encounter with fellow finalists, St Columbs from Derry.

Almost 200 supporters made the trip down the M1 to Dungannon in order to cheer their team over the finishing line and it wasn't long before they had something to cheer about. Ryan Smith latched onto a through ball from Craig Paterson and stepped inside the St Columbs' defender, whose mistimed challenge brought the Laurelhill attacker down, conceding a penalty. The Laurelhill contingent went wild as Stuart Adams stepped up to slot the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0 to Laurelhill and change the complexion of the game completely.

Ian Wilson used his speed to good effect on the left hand side providing crosses into the St Columbs goal mouth. On more than one occasion, Laurelhill seemed to have scored only for the ball to be cleared off the line. Approaching half time, the referee awarded a free kick to St Columbs for an illegal challenge on their star forward Cormac Burke. The resulting free kick was tipped over the bar by Gareth Deane and the scored remained 1 – 0 to Laurelhill at half time.

No changes for either side at half time, but it was not long before the referee stamped his authority on the game. Chris Abbott, who had been booked in the first half, received a second yellow card for a late challenge and therefore Laurelhill were reduced to ten players. Coach McKnight reshuffled his pack and Laurelhill began to absorb the pressure of the St Columbs onslaught. St Columbs were still finding it difficult to create clear scoring chances and it was an inevitable penalty that allowed them to draw level. Despite the psychological and numerical advantage, St Columbs were unable to capitalise on their advantage and the game went to extra time.

In the first half of extra time, Laurelhill seemed to have won it when Stuart Adams twisted and turned to slot the ball past the outrushing keeper, only to be ruled offside. When another chance struck the cross bar, this confirmed that the game was heading for the dreaded penalty shoot out.

As usual, five penalties each and then sudden death dictated which direction the trophy would be heading. Each team had converted their first six penalties when Gareth Deane pulled off a great diving save to give Scott Larmour the opportunity to win the Cup for Laurelhill. With the fans on tenterhooks, silence descended on Stangmore Park. The big centre half boldly strode up to the penalty spot and despatched his shot past the unlucky St Columbs keeper with aplomb, sending the Laurelhill team and supporters wild.

This is Laurelhill's first appearance in the Schools' Cup Final and they hope it won't be their last. The team's determination was outstanding and it was this desire for victory that won the day. Parents, students, teachers and friends who witnessed this extraordinary match know that it will be a long time before they witness as exciting a climax to any football match again.

"It is worth putting Laurelhill's victory in context, the Senior Cup is open to all post primary schools in the Northern Ireland, it is the first time in our 36 year history we have lifted the trophy, first contested in 1925, and only the second time the Senior cup has come to Lisburn," said Mr James Martin, Principal. "The memories of the day will live with the boys and when the annals of Laurelhill are written Wednesday 21st April 2010 will be one of those special highlights. I congratulate players, coaches and staff. Well done."