Brighton schools out for revenge in cup final

8:36am Friday 16th May 2008

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Manager Adam Brown hopes his Brighton and Hove side can end 52 years of waiting in the FA Cup for schools at Goodison Park tonight.

Brown's boys take on Liverpool in the English Schools' Under-15s' final.

The district lost 4-1 to Liverpool in the 1956 final at the same venue and are in the mood for revenge.

Brown said: "Who could have imagined our next final appearance would be back in Liverpool at the same place? It is an amazing coincidence.

"We've had a long wait but my boys are up for the challenge and I believe they can win it this time.

"We have players who can take chances, are good on the ball and defend well. There is also a collective team spirit.

"We know Liverpool are a strong side. They have been walloping teams by six and seven goals. We will have to fight for the right to lift the trophy. But our confidence is high. We will be all right on the night."

Brown's team were re-instated into the competition after losing in the quarter-finals against Blackheath.

Blackheath and Plymouth were thrown out when their ill-tempered semi-final was abandoned.

Brighton and Hove took full advantage to defeat Jersey in the semi-finals.

Brown said: "We want to take full advantage of the reprieve but in a sporting manner.

"What went on between Blackheath and Plymouth has no place in schools football.

"I impressed on my players before the Jersey game that winning has to be achieved in the correct way and I was proud of their response.

"I expect the same again against Liverpool. I am sure they won't let anyone down."

Mike Naylor, one of the district's 1956 final team, is equally confident.

The former winger, now 67, netted in the 3-2 first-leg defeat watched by 17,000 fans at The Goldstone.

He was also in the side which lost 4-1 in front of 33,000 at Goodison.

Naylor, who went on to play for Arsenal schoolboys, said: "I am delighted we have got through and I'm sure the team will do the city proud.

"I will send a good luck fax for them to read when they get to Goodison."

Naylor hopes Brighton and Hove's hosts are not too hospitable.

He said: "I remember when we went up there they took us out for a coach ride before the match and we had a crash. It wasn't too serious but it shook a few of us up."

Albion, Fat Boy Slim, local businesses and individuals have come forward with donations totalling nearly £5,000 to help fund the trip.

The Seagulls have loaned the youngsters an all-white strip.

They will arrive at Goodison in shirts and ties given to them by Brighton tailor Gresham Blake.

Other sponsors have given them deals on trousers, polo shirts and tracksuits and coaches for the team and supporters, who will include Tony Geerts, president of the Brighton and Hove Schools' FA.

Brown said: "The players will look and feel a million dollars. We are so grateful to everyone, especially Sarah Barker, a mum of one of our players, Freddy, who has put in so much effort into getting us backers."