One club: Handworth under 18s A and B team with club officials and the match referee
Handsworth Parramore’s “dream final” underlines the strength of the club’s huge junior system, according to club development manager Steve Holmes.
Handsworth’s two under 18s sides met in the final of the DB Sports League Hawley’s Tyres Cup in front of a record crowd at Bracken Edge – the home of Stocksbridge Park Steels – last night.
Wayne Plant’s A team won 2-0 thanks to goals from Jed Phillips and Kyle Phillips – two players who have featured for Peter Duffield’s Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side this season.
Holmes told Non League Yorkshire: “It was a proud night for the whole club and it is testament to what we are doing throughout our age groups.
“We have a fantastic production line of talent and to be have two sides showcasing a final which every club in the Sheffield & District had been attempting to get to.
“It is brilliant and a pat on the back goes to the coaches, as well as the club and the players.
“By getting a record attendance for a cup final when it is one club, the Handsworth community never ceases to amaze me.
“It is an integral part of the community. We have a great facility at Oliver’s Mount. We have a great social scene there as people use the bar and there are over 500 players play for this club week-in-week-out.
“We are a close-knit community and we look after each other.
“It is why we are a special club, There is such a bond between the community and the club and that was shown tonight.
“It was also a fitting tribute to a long-time Ambers fans Alan Reid who sadly passed away at the weekend.
“He was at every Reserve game and was always interested in the juniors so it has hit the club hard.”
For a long time, Handsworth have prided themselves on their excellent track record for producing players.
First team stars Archie Sneath and Sam Smith, along with many others have come through the system and Holmes said: “Already this year Kyle Lilley has played for us in the FA Cup.
“Jed Phillips has featured for us as has Will Eades. There are at least another three who have been on the bench and not got on.
“You want to see a reward in the first team from the junior set-up and you look back at the Handsworth side that did the double in the NCEL three years ago.
“That side had eleven players from the 16 that played in the under 19s and they have all progressed.
“It was a pretty strong contingent of juniors and that will continue.”
Handsworth under 18s A team captain Ollie May (left) with his team-mates Will Eades, Jed Phillips and Kyle Lilley
There was a carnival atmosphere for the final with Handsworth players, parents, supporters and officials turning out in troves in Stocksbridge.
Those expecting a training match were sadly mistaken as it was like a war in the early stages with tackles flying in from the right, left and centre.
Out of the two sides, three players – Phillips, Jake Longley and Joel Dix – were cautioned. The B side created a lot of pressure early on, but the A team were on top as the first half progressed.
Lilley went close before Phillips put them ahead with a neat finish close to half-time.
The game took its toll on the players in the second half. Lilley was inches away from adding the A side’s second goal on the hour with one of the few chances created.
By the end, the A side were comfortably rolling down the clock. Lilley, who had earlier left the field, had to come back on the injured Phillips.
With his first touch since his return deep into injury-time, Lilley struck a long range screamer from a difficult angle to spark pandemonium and secure his side the trophy.
Holmes added: “Anybody who saw the first 15 minutes would have thought we would be lucky to have no sending-offs.
“We bring lads up to be competitive and to play with everything they have got, but more importantly to put a show on.
“It is important for everybody who comes to watch sees them give 100%.
“It was a good match and it started like a house on fire.”
More silverware could be on the horizon soon as both teams are competing for their league titles.
Handsworth under 18s (B): Joe Taylor, Ewan Doman, Danny Cheetham, Ash Cooper, Jake Sawyer, Lewis Elshaw, Jack Greeves, Harry Bamforth, Archie Archer, Thomas Bamford, Joel Dix, Ayo Adebajo, Lee Betts, Callum Greaves, Brett Garratt, Dan Bird, Jack Squires, Theo Wilson, Jack Naylor.
Handsworth under 18s (A): Joe Holyhead, Billy Wright, Oliver May, Will Eades, Oliver Beamount, Jed Phillips, Jake Longley, Juninho Blake, Kyle Lilley, Matthew Morton, Mason Gayle, Matthew Turner, Aaron Parlett, Luke Haslam, Danny Beighton, Danny Bent.
Referee: Dave Fields
Attendance: 338
Man of the match: Will Eades
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