Holywood Footballers headed to the annual Ashfield Football Tournament on Friday in what is always a brilliantly run event and a highlight on the sporting calendar. Holywood fielded 2 teams that competed alongside 20+ schools across the Belfast area in what was a beautiful day to be playing the beautiful game!
Holywood As were in Group A alongside teams from Elmgrove. Nettlefield, Strandtown, Braniel, Knockbreda and an Ashfield select side . The A team shone throughout the group stages and finished the Group in 1st place recording 4 Wins and 2 Draws without conceding a single goal.
Holywood Bs were in Group D alongside teams from Strandtown , Orangefield, Victoria Park, Gilnahirk, Brooklands and Dundonald. The B team found themselves in a very tough group and performed heroically but were unfortunately unable to qualify for the knockout stages after some hard fought matches and brilliant teamwork.
Moving into the knockout stages Holywood A faced up against Cregagh in what was a tense game. Holywood edged the game winning 1-0 with a super team goal finished off by Zach progressing the team to the final of the main event.
The Cup Final and overall winners of the competition was to be decided between Holywood and Dundonald. Neither team gave an inch in a tightly contested match that ended as a stale mate to go to a sudden death penalty shootout. After the 4th round of spot kicks with great finishes by Luca, James, Zach and Danny, Jake in nets pulled off the winning save!
An amazing achievement from Holywood PS to finish as overall tournament champions and back to back winners of the event for the 2nd year in a row! A massive well done again to all involved who did themselves and their school proud. A big thank you to all the parent helpers who offered their assistance and provided lifts and even came along to support.
A Team: Rory, Danny, Luca, Zach, Jack, James, Carson, Eva and Jake (C)
B Team: Kian, Marlon, Joe, Alex, Lorne, Jack, Abolfazl, Charlie and Toby
