THE success of their boys on the pitch is helping to establish a reputation for Knutsford Academy as a team to beat.

After making history last season, when they won a Cheshire Schools’ FA title for the first time, they have matched that feat this time around.

A 3-2 win in the final against Priestley College, a contest they twice trailed before prevailing after extra time, secured for them the John Sleigh Cup.

It is the team’s third trophy in two seasons.

“We weren’t sure what to expect,” said manager Tom Horner.

“The teams hadn’t met before, and we had to win the hard way!

“Priestley’s name is on the cup as a previous winner, and now ours will be too.

“I remarked last season that we’d set a high standard to maintain in the future, so to win another county title – which was our main objective at the start of the campaign – is a fantastic achievement.”

Declan Butler, on target in a Don Ormes Cup final victory against Sandbach 12 months earlier, was again Knutsford’s match-winner at King’s School in Chester.

He was one of 16 boys to enrol on a new course two years ago at the Studio School, launched in partnership with Egerton Football Club, that combines playing games with studying for a qualification.

They delivered a victory too last term in the Macclesfield and District Schools’ FA Cup final for their age-group, and are on course to finish as runners-up to a side from the Fowler Education Football Academy in their section of the England Colleges FA’s North West Invitation League.

Horner said: “It’s brilliant for them to sign off after winning another trophy.

“The group’s core is made up of local lads, and they’re all now thinking about their next step.

“They’ll be the first to complete the course, and it’s exciting to look back over what they’ve achieved together.

“Our priority will always be the boys’ education, although of course it does us no harm to be able to say we can turn out sides capable of winning silverware.”

He told the Guardian that coaches Paul Butler and Matthew Sproston deserve credit too for their part in the team’s progress.

The boys are expected to take different paths, including a university degree in England or accepting a scholarship to continue their studies in America, when the course ends.

However they turn their attention next to a league encounter with Bolton-based Coaching Connexions on Wednesday, kick-off 2pm.

For further information about the Academy, send an email to footballacademy@knutsfordacademy.org.uk