Reading Blue Coat School’s football first XI have won their first ever national cup competition, beating Cranleigh School 2-1 after extra-time in Tuesday’s ISFA Under 18s Shield final at Burnham FC.
Blue Coat’s 1st XI had never previously reached a national final, but with Reading FC legend Dave Kitson on board as a coach this season, they came out on top in the final despite having a player sent off.
Leading 1-0 at half-time, Sonning-based Blue Coat were on top for most of the game and missed chances to add to their lead.
They looked set to hold on for the victory, but their opponents from Surrey equalised in the final minute to take the game into extra-time.
Blue Coat’s 10 men regained their lead in the first period of extra-time and held on to beat Cranleigh, who had to settle for runners up medals in the competition for a second year running.
The ISFA Under 18s Shield is for UK independent schools. Reading Blue Coat School had beaten Birkdale School 1-0 in the semi-finals to secure their place in Tuesday’s final.
