A superb all-round team performance saw Friary’s Year 9 boys book their place in the Cannock & District Cup Final in style!
Friary were tested early on after Codsall took the lead, applying immediate pressure. However, the response was swift with Oscar Furmaniak breaking through the defence to calmly slot home the equaliser.
Just 11 minutes in, Friary turned the game on its head. Excellent work down the right flank from Ben Wright and Oscar set up Noah Malpass, who finished confidently to give Friary a deserved lead.
From that point on, it was a display of discipline and quality. The team defended resolutely against Codsall’s attacks, whilst looking the more dangerous side in possession, controlling the tempo and creating the better chances.
The decisive moment came in the 63rd minute. Zak Hayward made a brilliant interception in defence, surged forward, and played a perfectly weighted pass to Oscar Furmaniak, who made no mistake in making it 3–1.
With the game drawing to a close, Friary capped off the performance with a sensational team goal. Jonny Bailey started the move with a crucial defensive block before breaking forward alongside Teddy Cole. The ball was worked into Jimmy Daniels, who showed great skill to beat two midfielders before threading a pass through to Noah Malpass, who finished clinically to seal the victory in style.
Team manager Mr Sleigh said: “This was a tremendous performance from start to finish. Every player should be incredibly proud of their effort, teamwork, and determination. Onto the final!”
Man of the Match: Jonny Bailey – outstanding in defence, a true leader who dominated throughout.
