Medway Schools District FA under-13s beaten on penalties by Knowsley St Helens in the final at Stoke City’s Bet365 Stadium – Win before that against Canterbury St Augustines SFA in the Charles Harvey Trophy Final at Herne Bay

Medway District Schools under-13s suffered penalty heartache in their English National Final match on Monday.

They were up against Knowsley St Helens in the final at Stoke City’s Bet365 Stadium and it was settled on penalties after the match had been drawn 1-1.

Player-of-the-match Luke Straun scored for Medway, but they had a player sent off with 15 minutes left, and were then beaten in the shootout after failing to convert two of their penalties.

A team spokesperson said: “We couldn’t quite get it over the line from the spot, but that doesn’t take away from what an incredible achievement this has been.

“We are immensely proud of our under-13s for competing at the highest level and finishing as the second-best district in the country. That’s something to celebrate.

“This experience will only make us stronger, and we’ll be back next season, bigger, better, and even more determined.

“Hopefully, this run inspires other teams to aim high and push for a place in the national finals next season.”

It had been a terrific run to the final for Medway, however, and they were looking to better the achievements of the 2022 under-13 team, which had won the Plate competition.

Prior to that match, Medway won the Charles Harvey Trophy at Herne Bay last Friday after beating Canterbury St Augustine’s SFA 2-0 in a battle between the top two sides in the league.