Walsall schools' football
association
100 Years of schools' football in walsall
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Honours ; West Midlands Champions, Staffordshire Champions, Divisional Cup runners-up.

Squad

Daniel Jarvis (Aldridge); Gregg Stone (Arthur Terry); Philip Lutwyche, Callum Williamson (Barr Beacon); Steven Eaton (Joseph Leckie); Richard Davies (Pool Hayes); Jordan Marsh (Queen Mary's); Shane O'Reilly (St. Francis of Assisi); Ricky Nicholls, Richard Nicholson (St. Thomas More); Andrew Bentley, Duncan Rogers (Shire Oak); Steven Dougliss (Sneyd); Ben Clougher, Ryan Edwards, Edward Forsythe (Streetly); Craig Morris, Kieron Parsons (Willenhall).

The victorious Walsall under-12 team pictured after beating Worcestershire North 3-0 in the West Midlands Final at Wolverhampton Casuals F.C. This completes a Staffordshire/West Midlands double. 5 days later they suffered a shock defeat to the same opposition in the ESFA Divisional Final.

Press Reports

Worcestershire North U-12 3 Walsall U-12 2 (English Schools’ F.A. Divisional Final) - 16.05.02
Worcestershire North under-12s gained revenge for defeat in the West Midlands Final five days before by inflicting a first competitive defeat on the Walsall team in two seasons of football. With the referee declaring the Redditch United pitch unplayable Walsall were clearly most affected by the delay in transferring to the Abbey Stadium. Within a minute of the start Walsall went a goal behind and incredibly they were 3-0 down after fifteen minutes. The second half saw Walsall camped in the opposition half and Ben Clougher (Streetly) pulled a goal back with a looping 20-yard shot. Andrew Bentley (Shire Oak) gave Walsall hope when he headed home a Ricky Nicholls (St. Thomas More) corner. Simon Clifton in the Worcestershire North goal was in inspired form and almost single-handedly kept a rampant Walsall at bay.

Walsall U-12 3 Worcestershire North U-12 0 (West Midlands County Final) - 11.05.02
Walsall under-12s completed a West Midlands and Staffordshire double by winning this West Midlands final against Worcestershire North at Wolverhampton Casuals. Ben Clougher (Streetly) got Walsall off to the perfect start when he rose to head home a Ricky Nicholls (St. Thomas More) corner in the second minute. Walsall continued to press forward but after 20 minutes keeper Duncan Rogers (Shire Oak) produced a great block and Edward Forsythe (Streetly) cleared the follow-up shot off the line. With Danny Jarvis (Aldridge) and Richard Nicholson (St. Thomas More) driving Walsall on, further goals looked likely but Ben Clougher saw a shot cleared off the line. Walsall looked vulnerable to a breakaway goal until the keeper fumbled a 25-yard Nicholls free kick for the second goal midway through the second half. Rogers then produced another splendid block before Phil Lutwyche (Barr Beacon) made the game safe.

Derby U-12 1 Walsall U-12 4 - 6.05.02
Before claiming the West Midlands title the under-12s played Derby at the old Baseball Ground as part of an annual football festival hosted by Derby County. Walsall again got off to a good start when Nicholls found the net with a shot from the edge of the box in the second minute. Ryan Edwards (Streetly) then hit the bar before Nicholls intercepted a clearance and hit the ball into the roof of the net. Derby pulled a goal back before the break but Lutwyche restored Walsall’s two-goal cushion after Forsythe set him up. Nicholson saw a good shot turned round the post before Nicholls completed his hat trick.

Cannock U-12 1 Walsall U-12 3 - 4.05.02
The under-12 side completed their Staffordshire fixtures with this victory against Cannock having already secured the championship last week. The home side shocked Walsall when they took the lead in the second minute. Walsall had to wait until the second half before Ricky Nicholls (St. Thomas More) grabbed the equaliser. Two goals from Philip Lutwyche (Barr Beacon) gave Walsall a deserved victory.

Wolverhampton U-12 0 Walsall U-12 2 - 27.04.02
Walsall under-12s sealed the Staffordshire championship with a game to spare after this victory over Wolverhampton. Richard Nicholson (St. Thomas More) set Walsall on the way with one of the best goals of the season. He beat three defenders before hitting an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Good work by Callum Williamson (Barr Beacon), Steven Dougliss (Sneyd) and man of the match Gregg Stone (Arthur Terry) set up Ricky Nicholls (St. Thomas More) for the second goal. Walsall now look forward to a divisional final and a West Midlands final, both against Worcestershire North, to complete another successful season for this team.

Walsall U-12 4 Coventry U-12 2 - 20.04.02 (West Midlands semi-final)
Walsall under-12s overcame a strong Coventry challenge to book a place in the West Midlands final. Ben Clougher (Streetly) gave Walsall the lead on five minutes but within a minute Stephen Clancy equalised for the visitors. Midway through the half Ricky Nicholls (St. Thomas More) restored Walsall’s lead. Nicholls was on hand again to increase the lead from the penalty spot before half time. With ten minutes left Nathan Crick gave Coventry hope when he reduced the arrears only for Callum Williamson (Barr Beacon) to score Walsall’s fourth. Once again Ed Forsythe (Streetly) and Richard Nicholson (St. Thomas More) were outstanding for Walsall.

Burton-on-Trent U-12 2 Walsall U-12 3 - 13.04.02
Walsall under-12s confirmed at least a share of the Staffordshire championship with this victory over second placed Burton. Walsall made a promising start with Ben Clougher (Streetly) going close twice before striking third time lucky to open the scoring. After the break Edward Griffin equalised for Burton. Phil Lutwyche (Barr Beacon) came on for Walsall and scored with his first touch to restore the lead. Walsall then found themselves down to 10 players for the last fifteen minutes following injuries and Burton equalised again but Lutwyche struck again for the winner. Andrew Bentley (Shire Oak) and Richard Nicholson (St. Thomas More) were outstanding for Walsall.

Walsall U-12 3 Cannock U-12 0 - 23.03.02
Walsall under-12s kept up the pressure at the top of the Staffordshire league with this good win against Cannock. Walsall were gifted a goal within the first five minutes when the keeper fumbled a high ball from Ricky Nicholls (St. Thomas More) and a defender sliced the ball into his own net. Walsall were given another goal in the second half when a Cannock defender turned a cross in. A Walsall player finally managed to score a goal when substitute Shane O’Reilly (St. Francis of Assisi) found the top corner with a 25-yard screamer.

Redditch U-12 2 Walsall U-12 3 - 16.03.02
Redditch came back from 2-0 down to force extra-time in this ESFA divisional under-12 competition semi-final. A goal from Phil Lutwyche (Barr Beacon) late into the second period clinched a final place for Walsall. Earlier Walsall had started well and Steven Dougliss (Sneyd) put them in front at half time following a good run by Ben Clougher (Streetly). In the second half Clougher was pushed over in the box and Ricky Nicholls (St. Thomas More) scored from the spot. With Jordan Marsh (Queen Mary’s) and Richard Nicholson (St. Thomas More) outstanding for Walsall the game seemed safe until Redditch hit back with two goals from Courtney Lloyd to force extra-time.

Halesowen and Stourbridge U-12 1 Walsall U-12 2 - 9.03.02
The under-12s sealed a West Midlands semi-final spot by making it four wins out of four in the league section. Walsall took full advantage of the wind in the first half with goals from Richard Nicholson (St. Thomas More) and an Andy Bentley (Shire Oak) header. In the second half Halesowen and Stourbridge were unable to take advantage of the wind thanks to another superb display by the Walsall defence and it was into the fifth minute of injury time before they broke through. Walsall finish in top spot to seal a home semi-final, probably against Coventry.  

Walsall U-12 2 Wolverhampton U-12 1 - 2.03.02
Walsall under-12s recorded a vital Staffordshire league victory against Wolverhampton thanks to a commanding first half performance. Ben Clougher (Streetly) caused problems for the Wolves defence and scored the opener following a run from halfway. Andy Bentley (Shire Oak) went close with a header from a corner and Ricky Nicholls (St. Thomas More) saw a long-range effort shave the post. Bentley rose again to head home a Clougher corner on the stroke of half time. In the second half Wolves came more into it only to find Bentley and Richard Davies (Pool Hayes) blocking their way until Brad Lewis (St. Edmunds) scored to give Walsall a nervous last five minutes.

Walsall U-12 5 Halesowen and Stourbridge U-12 0 - 23.02.02
Walsall under-12s hammered Halesowen and Stourbridge to claim a semi-final spot in the ESFA divisional cup. The first fifteen minutes were competitive but once Steven Dougliss (Sneyd) opened the scoring Walsall were always on top. Phil Lutwyche (Barr Beacon) added a second before the break. Walsall dominated the second half with Richard Nicholson (St. Thomas More) driving the team from midfield.  Ricky Nicholls (St. Thomas More) added a third before Ben Clougher (Streetly) weighed in with a brace.

Wolverhampton U-12 2 Walsall U-12 4 - 12.01.02
Walsall under-12s made it three wins out of three in the West Midlands league section with this hard-fought win over Wolverhampton. Richard Nicholson (St. Thomas More) gave Walsall a first half lead with a powerful shot that the keeper just failed to stop. Ben Clougher (Streetly) increased the lead a minute after the break but the dangerous Liam Andrews (St. Chad’s) pulled one back for Wolves. Steven Eaton (Joseph Leckie) restored Walsall’s two-goal cushion but Andrews replied again for Wolves. Gregg Stone (Arthur Terry) made the game safe for Walsall with two minutes left.

Stoke U-12 0 Walsall U-12 1 - 8.12.01
Walsall under-12s scraped home with the only goal of this Staffordshire game scored well into injury time. In a poor game chances were few and far between for either side. For Walsall Richard Davies (Pool Hayes) kept things tight at the back. Up front Ricky Nicholls (St. Thomas More) hit the post and the bar. Nicholls was involved in the goal when he combined with Steven Eaton (Joseph Leckie) to set up Callum Williamson (Barr Beacon).

Walsall U-12 4 Worcestershire North U-12 2 - 24.11.01
Walsall under-12s effectively had this West Midlands game won at half-time thanks to a first half hat trick by Philip Lutwyche (Barr Beacon). The former first choice keeper has successfully switched to striker and has been scoring regularly for Walsall. The visitors pulled a goal back before the break but Lutwyche was the player pushed off the ball for a second half penalty. Ricky Nicholls (St. Thomas More) calmly stepped up to restore Walsall’s three-goal cushion. Again the visitors managed to pull a goal back but Walsall were never in any danger of losing this game.

Walsall U-12 4 Warley U-12 0 - 10.11.01
Walsall under-12s recorded a sixth successive victory in this West Midlands clash against Warley. Walsall had plenty of scoring opportunities in the first half but only Ryan Edwards (Streetly) managed to find the net. Ricky Nicholls (St. Thomas More) increased Walsall’s lead after the break and keeper turned striker Phil Lutwyche (Barr Beacon) scored for the second successive game. Gregg Stone (Arthur Terry) wrapped things up with five minutes left.

Walsall U-12 2 Burton U-12 1 - 3.11.01
Walsall under-12s found themselves trailing to an early Burton goal in this Staffordshire encounter but Ryan Edwards (Streetly) put them back on terms before the break. Walsall had most of the attacking play and Burton were kept out by an excellent back four of Jordan Marsh (Queen Mary’s), Andrew Bentley (Shire Oak), Richard Davies (Pool Hayes) and Craig Morris (Willenhall). Phil Lutwyche (Barr Beacon) was again used as a forward instead of as a keeper and he grabbed Walsall’s winner to make it five wins on the trot.

Walsall U-12 2 Leeds U-12 1 - 27.10.01
As in the under-11 games most of the early pressure came from Leeds in the under-12 game and Walsall keeper Phil Lutwyche (Barr Beacon) was kept busy. Walsall’s first chance came when Danny Jarvis (Aldridge) crossed from the left and Alex Roofe (Joseph Leckie) was foiled as the keeper bravely saved at his feet. With Walsall down to a single substitute Lutwyche gave the keeper’s gloves to Duncan Rogers (Shire Oak) and played up front. He then provided the ball for Roofe to run on and slip it past the keeper to put Walsall in front. Leeds hit back within a minute and Rogers was then the hero as he foiled all efforts to put Leeds in front. Lutwyche then saw a shot smothered before Ben Clougher (Streetly) latched onto a poor clearance for Walsall’s winner.

Walsall U-12 2 South Gloucestershire U-12 0 - 20.10.01
The under-12s also rode their luck to steal victory in this friendly against new opposition. It was as well that Walsall keeper Duncan Rogers (Shire Oak) was handling safely as he faced a succession of chances as the Walsall defence was split all too easily. Walsall’s only notable effort in the first half was when the tireless Alex Roofe (Joseph Leckie) found Danny Jarvis (Aldridge) whose shot was well held by the keeper. The second half followed a similar pattern with Roofe this time finding Steven Eaton (Joseph Leckie) who blazed over. Totally against the run of play Ben Clougher (Streetly) found the net with a 20 yarder and minutes later Steven Dougliss (Sneyd) got Walsall’s second with a similar effort.

Derby U-12 0 Walsall U-12 6 - 13.10.01
Walsall under-12s took the opportunity to try some players in different positions in this friendly at Derby and it saw some players staking their claims with good performances. Ben Clougher (Streetly) was outstanding at the centre of the defence and Danny Jarvis (Aldridge) relished a role in left midfield. Ricky Nicholls (St. Thomas More) grabbed a hat trick and Richard Davies (Pool Hayes) and Steven Dougliss (Sneyd) got their names on the score sheet as well. Walsall’s other goal was an unfortunate own goal. Walsall’s dominance was helped by further good performances from Craig Morris (Willenhall) and Jordan Marsh (Queen Mary’s).

Stoke U-12 0 Walsall U-12 4 - 6.10.01
Walsall under-12s made Stoke pay for a shock defeat last month as they look forward to starting the season proper with a settled squad. Alex Roofe (Joseph Leckie) continued his under-11 goal scoring form with Walsall’s first two goals. Andrew Bentley (Shire Oak) made the most of his midfield role by scoring the other two. Newcomer Richard Nicholson (St. Thomas More) played well at full back and Ricky Nicholls (St. Thomas More) was the driving force behind a good team performance.

Walsall U-12 1 Stoke U-12 2 - Trial game only 15.09.01
Although this was a trial game for both sides it represents a first defeat for most of the Walsall side at this level after last season’s undefeated record at under-11. The Walsall management face the tough task of choosing one squad from last season’s A and B sides plus several new hopefuls. 20 players took the field at some stage during this game for Walsall. Stoke gave Walsall one of its closest games at the end of last season and two goals from Otis Hall gave them a two goal lead at half time. Steven Dougliss (Sneyd) reduced the arrears for Walsall who continued to miss countless opportunities. Last season’s two leading scorers being sidelined by injury did not help Walsall’s cause.