Swindon P.S.F.A Swindon Primary Schools Football Association

Primary Schools' Shield 2024-25

updated 18-05-25 holders: Liden

 played after deadline with secretary's permission  *Peatmoor win on penalties a.e.t. *Holy Cross R.C. win 3:2 on penalties a.e.t.

The all East League affair promised to be a closely fought encounter: the side from Davenwood had won 3:2 at their hosts earlier in the season. St. Catherine’s were awarded an early free-kick but this was cleared easily. Liden’s first foray into the opposition’s territory failed to end with a shot on goal. St. Catherine’s then cleared the ball from a second free-kick before Liden’s goalie made a brace of impressive fingertip saves to deny the Upper Stratton school the lead. Liden were then awarded a free-kick of their own, wide on the left and just inside their opponents’ half. The ball was struck powerfully towards goal and just dipped under the crossbar to give them the lead. St. Catherine’s found themselves under more pressure in the five minutes following this and went 2:0 down when an excellent overlapping run down the right was spotted and the wing-back slotted the ball into the bottom left corner. Further pressure from Liden ended with a shot going narrowly wide before a second free-kick was saved by the ‘keeper. St. Catherine’s struggled to build attacks of their own, largely due to some inaccurate passing but also to Liden’s determination and tenacity in midfield. It was a similar story after the interval with Liden dominating both territory and possession. Unsurprisingly, their lead was extended when St. Catherine's failed clear a long goal-kick. Liden were twice denied by St. Catherine’s goalie who blocked both efforts on goal with his feet. However, there was little he could do to prevent Liden from scoring their fourth when a long-range effort sailed over him and into the net. With time running out Liden went close to adding a fifth when the St. Catherine’s goalkeeper made another fingertip save. After a considerable period of pressure Liden scored again, this time from a corner. St. Catherine’s had the final word however and netted a consolation goal late on.