Borough Champs Go Close in County Finals

County Finalists

GRAFTON PRIMARY BOYS suffered penalty shoot-out heartache as they were cruelly beaten in the final of the county stage of the Danone Nation Cup. The borough champions had won all four of their group games – and won their semi-final on penalties – only to bow out in the same fashion in the final.

They started off in fine fashion with a dominate 1-0 win over Chappel C of E (Colchester) before securing another three points with another 1-0 win against Quilters (Billericay).

A third win followed with a 2-1 over Greenways (Southend), meaning avoiding defeat in their final group match would see them through.

Much-Fancied

The game, against much-fancied Brentwood Prep, didn’t start too well as Grafton fell behind early. However, the side refused to lie down and quickly restored parity before taking control of the game and secured the win with a really well worked team goal.

Their 100% record saw Grafton progress as group winners and a semi-final against Chase Lane (Harwich) awaited.

Both sides went into the game full of confidence but Grafton were on top throughout and only two world-class saves from the Chase Lane keeper stopped Grafton from winning in it in comfortable style.

Dominant

Extra-time saw Grafton continue to dominate and once again they were denied by an unbelievable save. That meant the game went to penalties and George Miller’s save from the first spot-kick was enough to send his side through to the final.

Grafton then faced up against Quilters (Billericay) who had progressed as ‘best runners up’ and held their nerve in a shoot-out in their semi-final against Lee Chapel.

Grafton were much the better side but were unable to find a way past some resolute defending meaning the game finished 0-0.

Extra-time still couldn’t separate the sides so the county title would have to be decided by penalties.

However, after five successful spot-kicks, Grafton missed their final penalty and had to settle for the runners up spot. Despite the cruel end, Grafton could be very proud of their efforts and their remarkable performance.