WARRINGTON’S Priestley College first string soccer team were crowned Play-Off Champions for the Northern Region in an inter-college competition.
After their game against Aquinas College ended 1-1 after extra time, Priestley triumphed 3-1 in a penalty shoot out.
The victory was a fitting end for a gruelling soccer season.
Priestley found themselves under pressure in the first-half but were still able to hold the interval advantage with Josh Smith despatching a penalty for a 1-0 lead.
Aquinas went on to equalise in the second period and were then unlucky not to take the spoils as they struck the woodwork in the closing moments. With both teams tiring, extra time followed but still the deadlock couldn’t be broken.
In a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out Joel Brownhill, Mike Wilson and Mike Southern all scored for Priestley and goalkeeper Tom Coyne proved to be the hero of the hour with a string of fine saves to secure the 3-1 victory on penalties.
Coach Rich Donnelly, said: “The season has been a huge success with the lads also reaching the last eight in the national cup. But to be crowned northern champions was a great way to end things. Penalty shoot-outs are always a lottery and so it was obviously great that we were on the right end of it. My commiserations go to our opponents who performed well throughout the two hour epic.”
Pictured: the triumphant Priestley team.
