Cup agony for Christ Church
In the northern finals at Walsall's Goals Centre, Christ Church failed to reach the final by one point as they finished runners-up in their group.
Christ Church Primary School narrowly missed out on the chance to represent Latics at Wembley in the final of the npower Football League Kids Cup.
The eight boys had beaten off competition from 35 other Oldham primary schools to reach this stage of the competition.
They made the ideal start winning their first four matches - Preston North End (1-0), Shrewsbury Town (3-1), Scunthorpe United (2-1) and Hartlepool United (3-0).
rpe United, Hartlepool United, Sheffield United and Coventry City with only one team progressing from the group to the final against the winner of group A.
Christ Church had six fixtures to play in group B, against Preston North End, Shrewsbury Town, Scuntho
It was a result which was harsh on Christ Church who had dominated possession and created the better opportunities. This meant a nervous wait for everybody as Coventry City headed into their final group game against Shrewsbury Town, needing a win to knock them off the top spot.
In the final group game, Christ Church faced fellow unbeaten side Coventry City who, after an extremely tight and competitive game, beat them 1-0.
The victories were followed by a 0-0 draw against Sheffield United, in which Christ Church hit the woodwork three times.
Sadly for Christ Church, Coventry City beat Shrewsbury Town 2-1. This meant the Chadderton school missed out on a final place by one point.
Simon Smedley, Christ Church`s football team manager, said: "Although we only just missed out on qualifying for the final, it was a great experience and all the boys felt immensely proud to be representing Latics and wearing the club's kit.
"We're looking forward to entering Christ Church into next year's npower Football League Kids Cup."
Martin Vose, Community Trust Participation Officer, added: "The boys were extremely unlucky not to qualify for the final as not many teams fail to progress from a group after only losing one game.
"It was a privilege to be able to provide the boys with the Oldham Athletic kit to play in and, through their behaviour and on the pitch performances, the team did themselves, Christ Church Primary School and Oldham Athletic proud. Well done."
For more information about the work the Community Trust does, contact Martin Vose 07919 445577 martin.vose@oldhamathletic.co.uk.