at The Academy, Brockhall

AVONDALE Junior School have taken a massive step towards another date at Wembley thanks to a last-gasp goal by Zak Jones.

Jones netted the only goal in the 1-0 win against St Mary's of Chorley 30 seconds from time in the area final of the Blackburn Rovers Adidas Predator six-a-side tournament at Brockhall.

It was a thrilling climax to a tournament that produced some high quality football.

Now the Darwen school are on course for a return trip to Wembley were they reached the final of the same competition last year, only to lose 2-1.

The school's young stars will pull on the famous blue and white shirt of Blackburn Rovers and represent the club in the regional finals which again will be held at Brockhall later this week.

They will be up against schools playing for Burnley, Wrexham, Bury, Preston, Everton, Wigan and Blackpool.

And judging by their track record -they have not lost a Darwen schools' league or cup game for three years - they have every chance of reaching the Twin Towers again. Avondale were one of eight schools to qualify for the area finals from seven heats held around Lancashire.

Lammack County Primary and Salesbury were the two other local schools to make into the final alongside St Mary's from Chorley, Heron Hill, Maryport Junior, Fairfield and Greengate.

It was the first time the competition had been staged at Blackburn Rovers' excellent Academy - and all the teams raised their game for the occasion. The competition was divided into two mini leagues with the winner of each group qualifying for the final.

Avondale were drawn in the same league as Fairfield, Greengate and a very good Lammack County Primary school side who have an equally impressive record as their Darwen opponents.

And so it proved in the opening match. Neither could be separated in a hard fought 0-0 draw.

Avondale were held to a 1-1 draw in their second match against Greengate but booked their final place with a crucial 3-0 win against Fairfield - thanks to a well taken hat-trick by Ashley Kendall.

It meant that they just pipped Lammack for top spot in the league.

The other league, featuring Salesbury, St Mary's from Chorley, Heron Hill and Maryport Juniors was equally as tough.

After two wins each, the final place all hinged on the match between St Mary's and Salesbury and the Chorley school won through with another 1-0 win. In the final itself, Avondale's excellent defensive qualities were the key to the victory.

Teacher Gary Foster said: "It was a superb all-round team performance.

"To concede just one goal in a tournament like this is very pleasing.

"The facilities at Brockhall are first class and the players raised their game. It was very pleasing to win because there was not one bad school in the finals."

Organiser Mick Brennan added: "This has got to be one of the best Academy set ups in the country.

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