The Year Seven football team at Great Baddow High School are are flying high after reaching the finals of the Ken Aston Under 12s Trophy Cup Final.

Great Baddow High School went into the Year 7 Essex Cup Semi-Final full of confidence after a string of successful results throughout the season.

Playing All Saints from Dagenham in the semi-final at home, the students were determined to win after coming first in a prize draw by The Education Network for a brand new kit in advance of the match.

The draw takes place once a term, by the education recruitment specialists, and representatives from the company came along to hand over the new kit, meet the players and were looking forward to watching the match to see whether the new kit provided the extra boost the boys needed to maintain their winning streak.

Jack Ribbons, Education Network, said: "‘This is the most striking kit we have produced and it looks really smart.

"We have worked with Great Baddow High School over the last 18 months and also sponsor the Chelmsford School Sports Partnership which is based at Great Baddow and have built up a great relationship with the school."

Starting the cup journey in the competition with victories against Brentwood, Heathcote, Brampton Manor and King John respectively, the boys were focused going into the game against All Saints.

The game started quickly with a number of chances for Baddow to take the lead.

Liam Morritt narrowly shooting wide and Max Atkinson hitting the crossbar with a thunderous header.

In close games such as this one, it was important not to regret wasteful opportunities to break the deadlock.

As the game continued Baddow controlled the play and tempo, playing nice intricate passes and developing a wide range of opportunities but with nothing to show as a reward.

All Saints were resolute and strong in defence, making life difficult all the time with the power and strength a number of their students showed.

With no goals after full time and extra time a dreaded penalty shoot-out was required to separate both teams.

All Saints were first up and missed with the first kick with a superb save from Baddow’s goalkeeper Makenzie Darroch. Darroch was the hero again saving the second penalty, giving Baddow a strong advantage for the rest of the spot kicks.

All four Baddow penalties were tucked away with consummate ease and a place in the Essex Cup Final secured.

Only the second time in the last eighteen years that any age group at the school has achieved this feat!

Adam Russell, Acting Head of Boys PE, Great Baddow High School, said: "‘It was a really close fought game but we came out on top in the end which was excellent.

"It is only the second time in 18 years Great Baddow have made an Essex Cup school football final at any age group!’