Football: Primary lads have Potters' spirit

A SIX-A-SIDE team from Cheadle Primary has won through to represent Stoke City in the regional Premier League Schools finals in Hull next month. And deputy head Steve Wilkes said: "They played out of their skins." trumpeted jubilant deputy-head Steve Wilkes after a six-a-side team from

"It's absolutely fantastic," added Wilkes. "We went there with the intention of having a bit of fun and they basically played out of their skins. It's unbelievable. And they are a brilliantly sporting team. After the final they were more concerned that their opponents were so upset.

Cheadle Primary School players, from left, Ben Richardson, Sam Ward, Declan Weston, Callum Jackson, Tremayne Woolliscroft, Nico Watson and Jonathan Speed. Picture: Shaun Smith

"And the team spirit is up there with Stoke City's."

The Avenue school sent two teams to the annual Premier League six-a-side tournament earlier this month.

The A side, captained by Will Paddock, managed a credible third place in the round-robin stages – just one goal away from qualification.

But the B side, captained by Ben Richardson, marched through to the knockout stages and an eventual final against Ash Green Primary School, from Trentham.

Cheadle looked like cruising to a 1-0 win before Ash Green equalised with the last kick of the match to force sudden death penalties.

Sam Wood blasted in Cheadle's first spot kick before their opponents crashed their effort against the upright – leaving Richardson to lift the trophy.