Dover Athletic’s Academy were celebrating winning another trophy on Wednesday.
Braces from Ryan Kingsford and Marshall Wratten saw off Sutton United Academy 4-0 in the PGMOL St George’s Park VAR final after the young Whites’ were crowned National Youth Alliance Champion of Champions last month.
And Mike Sandmann felt mixed emotions afterwards.
“It’s the end of an era for some of these boys”, said Dover’s Academy boss, “but what a way to finish with us. I’ve already said it a million times but I couldn’t be prouder of the lads and it has been a pleasure to witness their footballing journey so far.
“It’s been a tough and physically demanding three days, but you would have thought it was the first match with how they performed in the final!”
Whites started the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Sutton and then defeated Pro Direct Nottingham 4-0.
Qualification from the group stage was at risk following losses to Pro Direct Birmingham (2-0) and Carlisle United Academy (3-0), however a 1-0 victory over Darlington Academy saw the youngsters advance to the knock-out stages, where they defeated Guiseley Academy, who had topped their own group with maximum points, on penalties.
A goal down in the last-four tie, Sandmann’s men came back to beat Pro Future Academy 3-1 before their resounding victory in the final.
Well done to the Academy!
