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To win it once magnificent, to win it twice, incredible! The Kent Schools Cup is one of the hardest County Trophies to secure as this is a big county with lots of competing schools. This year there were 94 entrants ensuring six rounds before the final. Last year's triumph saw us compete with 112 before our glorious final victory over the Howard School. One of our stated aims at the beginning of the season was to win the Cup again, a rare feat in the county's history.

Six comprehensive victories brought us to the verge of the realisation of this dream. The team that stood in our way were county winners in year seven and Hurstmere school came down from Sidcup to reclaim the prize. So two high quality sides met at Margate FC's ground in superb conditions in front of an expectant crowd. Dane Court's nerves were easily detectable early on and we found it hard to claim any worthwhile possession. Hurstmere's physical strength and crisp passing game forced us to defend in numbers and we found attacking very difficult. But for all their possession the visitors never really threatened Henry Tucker's goal as they were restricted to shots from distance that sailed harmlessly by. Then on 15 minutes Harry Holden broke up an attack on the edge of our box passed to Foster on halfway who then fed Jordan, his pass was then lifted perfectly over the static defence and Alfie Paxman raced onto the bouncing ball. His check on the keeper's position was instinctive, his first time volley was instant, the ball's parabolic arc brilliantly measured as it soared up and down then under the crossbar. This was close to footballing genius. On Saturday's up and down the land, top player's strive for such clinical finishing and to see it in one so young is mightily impressive.

This settled us somewhat and James Mileham, Todd Jordan and Paxman began to pose more problems around the opposition box but resolute defending kept them out. However, five minutes from half time we got sloppy; one throw in beat three defenders and bounced invitingly into our area where the Hurstmere number 8 stood unmarked twelve yards out. His shot to the corner was true and we were all square at the break.

A simple but rousing team talk stirred us for the second half. As the game ebbed and flowed we began to exert a stronger grip upon it. Our touch was more assured, our covering more anticipatory, our tackling more decisive. Foster and McGuirk in central midfield now found time to release our wide men in space where Paxman and Michael Cohen, on for the injured Yogendran, caused increasing problems for the Hurstmere fullbacks. Our own numbers 2 and 3 were now looking more secure and the Hurstmere became increasingly frustrated at the lack of time and space that they were being granted.

Twenty minutes into the half Ives and McGuirk put Paxman away down the left, he skinned the full back and crossed a ball to the back post. Jordan and Cohen closed in and the former's shot rebounded from the post into the path of the onrushing Mileham who smashed the ball into the roof of the net. The lead again; and looking well worthy of it. Hurstmere did not lie down, they were here by right and they huffed and puffed but rarely troubled Tucker. The centre back paring of the vastly improved Harry Holden and the exemplary Dan Adams squeezed the life out of the Sidcup strikers. Soon Jordan created an opening for himself and hit a stunning half volley from fully 25 yards which crashed against the underside of the bar and bounced down on (or over?) the line.. Where's a Russian linesman or Martin Atkinson when you need him?

With three minutes to go Mileham's strength and determination, a feature of his play all evening, won a free kick near the corner flag on the right hand side. We only committed four players to the area, guarding against a breakaway if things came to nought. Paxman delivered, what a delivery, pinged into the heart of the six yard box. The ball was met by the head of Alfie Foster whose perfectly timed run brought the reward these skills deserved as the net bulged for the third time. Cue delirium on the touch line, satisfaction on the pitch and the certainty that these boys had done it again; they had retained their Kent title. Fully deserved, fantastically achieved, belief justified. We are fortunate to have witnessed such stamina, doggedness and sublime skill from a group of fine young men who just enjoy playing football but with fierce determination.

Thank to all staff, parents and other supporters for all of your support this year, see you next year...?

Quotes from the team members:

 "Mr Wallace Mr Towe Mr White taught us well and hopefully a third will follow" - James Mileham

"Over the moon" - Jack Downer

"eerrmmmm it was a great achievement to win it 2 years in a row, I was very pleased with the whole team" - Daniel Adams (team captain).