Pride in defeat at Goodison

11:24pm Friday 16th May 2008

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Brighton and Hove's bid to lift the English Schools' Under-15 Trophy ended in heroic failure at Goodison Park last night.

The district were defeated 4-2 by hosts Liverpool with substitutes Steve Whelan and Jimmy Rae scoring their consolation goals.

Brighton were 3-0 down at the interval when manager Adam Brown introduced Whelan who reduced the arrears.

Whelan controlled a long ball from Brad Murray and lobbed home.

The hosts made it 4-1 before Rae cut their advantage in half.

He drove an Af Williams knock down into the net with 15 minutes left.

Brighton and Hove were re-instated after losing their quarter-final to Blackheath.

Their victors and opponents Plymouth were thrown out of the competition following a bad-tempered last-four showdown.

Then Brighton and Hove overcame Jersey to earn their date at the home of Everton FC.

Hopes of a belated revenge on Liverpool, who defeated them in the final at the same ground 52 years ago, proved beyond them.

Brown said: "It was just one step too far. I don't think the lads let down in the competition after being re-instated. They didn't let down anyone.

"Liverpool deserved the win but they were given a tough ride. It was disappointing to give away a few soft goals in the first half. But credit to the lads for not keeling over to come back and win the second half 2-1.

"We can all feel proud of their efforts."

Brighton and Hove Schools' under-15s: Josh James, Henry Golding, Sam Smith, Ahmed Shakur, Joss Goodwin, Brad Murray, George Hayward, Jordan Lang, Harrison Cullinane, Freddy barker, Af Williams. Substitutes: Nick Alden, Elliot Evans, Jimmy Rae, Seb Saunders, Steve Whelan.