DAVYHULME Primary School is celebrating its most successful year ever on the football pitch.

For the school - having already been crowned Urmston and District league champions and winners of the Urmston and District league cup - made it to the finals of the English FA Nationals School Tournament held on Saturday at Watford Fc’s training ground.

It was the first time Davyhulme have ever reached the national finals in the school’s 70 year history, winning a place there after being crowned joint winners in the North of England finals earlier in the year.

But despite their best efforts the team were eliminated in the sem-final having made it through the eight team group qualifying stage, winning their first game, losing the second, but winning the crunch third to make the final four.

In the semis though Davyhulme were pitched against fellow northern school Meltham CE, starting the game well and being unlucky not to take the lead when a cross found Dylan Sumner, his header somehow kept out by the opposing goalkeeper.

Davyhulme continued to create chances but were unable to convert and the game looked set for penalties until a last gasp chance by Meltham saw the game finish 1-0.

“We were distraught, we felt we had the better of the game and were very unlucky not to proceed into the final,” said PE teacher Lee Parkinson.

“But to finish in the top four in the whole of England is an astounding achievement. From thousands and thousands of schools it is incredible to make it to the national finals let alone top four. I was truly proud of the team who could not have given anymore.

“They way they have approached the game all season has been inspiring, they work hard for each other and thoroughly deserved to celebrate their amazing achievements.”

Meltham went on to win the tournament to be crowned national champions.