Trophy Triumph for Tommy More's!

St Thomas More's secured the first silverware of the season on Wednesday night as they took the ESPSFA Trophy back with them to Sheldon for the first time. And they did so in dramatic fashion...
From thirteen school entered on Monday, we were down to just eight by kick-off, but this didn't detract from what was a hugely enjoyable evening full of the usual 100mph football, played with no little skill but plenty of pride and passion.
Holders, Short Heath went into the tournament looking to repeat their victory of twelve months ago and looking to embark upon another sextuple season and the Heathens were impressive in their first two group games against Hillstone and Lea Forest but were halted by St Thomas More's in a 5-goal thriller to conclude Group A with STM topping, Heath in second with both Hillstone and Lea Forest also joining the former two in the quarter finals.
Group B saw Paget top with three wins, pipping Abbey courtesy of a 3-2 opening game win. St Bernadette's and Highfield too - who shared a 1-1 draw in their first match - made the quarter finals.

Quarter Finals
STM were quick about their work against Highfield and proved too strong for the Alum Rock side but credit to them for their continued effort and they were rewarded with a consolation strike. Abbey were also too much of a force for Lea Forest but there were much tighter affairs in the other two games where Short Heath defeated St Bernadette’s, narrowly, one-nil and Paget edging out Hillstone, 3-2.
Semi Finals
St Thomas More’s raced into a three-goal lead and looked to be cruising to the final before Paget pulled a goal back which led to a seemingly unlikely comeback and a pulsating game ended three apiece meaning a penalty shoot-out would determine the winner. Sadly, for Paget, they missed twice whilst STM netted four times to advance to the final.
And the other semi was just as close with Abbey and Short locked at 1-1 at the final whistle – Abbey prevailing in the ensuing shoot-out.
Final
STM 3 – 3 Abbey (STM win 4-3 on penalties)
What. A. Game. Pulsating, end-to-end, tackles flying, goalkeepers pulling off any number saves, totally riveting and a real credit to the Erdington and Saltley league. Abbey led twice but were pegged back both times before a brilliantly struck free-kick won the Trophy for STM a couple of minutes from time – terrific entertainment, totally breathless.
So, the first award of the 2024-25 has gone to Sheldon and as the curtain comes down on 2024, will 2025 bring more success for STM? It’s up to the rest to stop them.