Priestley College’s footballers were crowned national champions yesterday (Tuesday) after a 5-0 win in the final played at Accrington Stanley’s ground.

Their victory in the AoC/ECFA National Cup Final completed an incredible treble, adding to their Cheshire Cup and North West Colleges Division 1 title.

“These lads have just cemented their place in Priestley’s history as the best team we have ever produced,” said coach Josh Greaves.

“We’ve won 20 out of 20 matches this season and it’s hard to imagine that ever being achieved again.”

The cup – which starts with more than 200 colleges in the draw – dates back to 1968 and this is the first time Priestley have lifted the trophy. 

Many of the lads also play for Warrington Town FC’s U18s and it was the club that ensured they travelled to the fixture in style by providing a coach.

In the final Priestley faced Gateshead after both teams had seen off seven rounds of opposition from across the country.

Priestley could have been 2-0 up within the first five minutes after good efforts from Josh Olori and Harry Oakes.

However, they did break the deadlock minutes later as Corey Ingle played in Olori for his first of the game.

The same pair combined again moments later with Olori scoring his brace to give Priestley a 2-0 half-time lead.

Priestley continued to dominate in the second half as substitute Finn Atkinson made an instant impact, crossing for Olori to complete his hat-trick.

Kian McCarron then replaced Olori and found himself on the scoresheet moments later after a very good press that forced a mistake from the Gateshead goalkeeper.

Finally, Joseph Ekundayo made it five with an attack which started in his own half and ended with him calmly finishing underneath the outrushing goalkeeper.

Roared on by Priestley’s second team coach Dom Bennett, fellow students, family and friends, the afternoon at The Wham Stadium will be one they never forget.

“We couldn’t be more proud of this team’s commitment over the season and the way they have conducted themselves both on and off the pitch. They have bought into the culture we have tried to promote and responded to our coaching styles excellently. This is certainly a season for the history books,” said Josh and Dom.