U18 Selby League Cup Victory

U18 Selby League Cup Winners

U18 Selby League Cup Victory

Garforth Villa FC 3 (Jake Pinkney 14, Charlie Davies 15, Ed Lee 23)

Hemingbrough 2 (19, 90)

Alfie Sedgwick (GK), Zack Robinson, Dom Farr, Will Clarke, Ernie Hague, Eddie Coulson (C), Ed Lee, Charlie Davies, Zack Finn, Jake Pinkney, Lucas Foster.

Substitutes: Zak Williams, Ushin Brading, Taylor Neesam, James Fitzpatrick, Jamie Allaway.

Manager: Simon Pinkney. Head Coach: Izaak Brading

Club Photographer: Ian Broadbent

Mascots: Lissy and Lottie

Garforth Villa U18s Crowned U18 Selby League Cup Champions After Thrilling Final Victory

Under glorious sunshine at The Young Guns Arena, home of Tadcaster Albion, Garforth Villa U18s delivered a scintillating performance to clinch the Selby League Cup Final in a 3-2 thriller against a determined Hemmingbrough United side.

The boys in yellow got off to a dream start, setting the tone early. Jake Pinkney opened the scoring with a determined effort after a pinpoint cross from Zack Finn caused havoc in the box. His initial strike was blocked, but Pinkney was relentless—slotting home the rebound to ignite the Villa faithful.

Before Hemmingbrough could regroup, Villa struck again. Charlie Davies unleashed a thunderbolt from well outside the area, his long-range effort flying past the keeper to double the lead in spectacular fashion. It was the kind of strike that deserves to be replayed over and over again.

But the game had more drama to offer. On 19 minutes, Hemmingbrough capitalised on a foul just outside the box, curling a free-kick over the wall and into the net to claw one back. 2-1, and everything to play for.

Villa, however, showed no signs of nerves. They dominated the midfield with Charlie Davies, Ed Lee, and captain Eddie Coulson pulling the strings and refusing to let Hemingbrough settle. Their tireless work laid the platform for a third goal. On 23 minutes, Ed Lee found himself unmarked at the back post following a well-worked corner and calmly nodded home to restore the two-goal cushion. 3-1.

Throughout the first half, Garforth’s back line—Ernie Haigh, Dom Farr, Will Clarke, and Zack Robinson—stood tall, repelling every attack with grit and precision. Substitutes James Fitzpatrick, Ushin Brading, Zak Williams, Taylor Neesam, and Jamie Allaway brought fresh energy in the intense heat, ensuring no let-up in pressure.

Leading the line up front, Lucas Foster put in an outstanding shift as Villa’s centre forward. Known as the team’s top goal scorer, Foster was relentless from the first whistle to the last, covering every blade of grass with his tireless running and intelligent movement. He constantly stretched the Hemmingbrough defence and created space for his teammates. Though the goal eluded him on the day, his unselfish play and non-stop work ethic were crucial to Villa’s attacking presence and overall success.

Both Zack Robinson and Ushin Brading deserve huge praise for their performances, each showcasing their versatility and commitment in the right-back position. Zack Robinson was a rock all match, consistently winning the ball back and driving Villa forward with purpose and composure. Ushin Brading, ever reliable, stepped into midfield when needed and brought calm, energy, and drive to the heart of the pitch. His ability to slot in wherever the team needed him most was a testament to his football intelligence and team-first mentality.

Zak Williams also stood out with an intelligent and composed performance in the heart of defence. Stepping into his familiar centre-back role, he showed maturity beyond his years—reading the game brilliantly, making crucial interceptions, and keeping his cool under pressure. His solid presence at the back was vital in frustrating Hemmingbrough’s attacking efforts and maintaining Villa’s shape throughout the game.

After the break, Hemmingbrough came out fighting, desperate to get back into the game. But they were met by an inspired Alfie Sedgwick in goal. Producing a string of world-class saves, Sedgwick was unbeatable and rightly earned the Player of the Match award from the officials.

Villa continued to push forward, with James Fitzpatrick causing chaos in midfield. His blistering pace left defenders trailing and he was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, denied only by the woodwork. Will Clarke was a constant menace with a fierce, relentless display, while Taylor Neesam slotted into his familiar left-back role with confidence, helping to maintain structure as the pressure mounted. Both Ernie Haigh and Dom Farr continued to do what they do best—solid, dependable, and dominant at the back, making key tackles and frustrating Hemmingbrough’s attackers with their smart positioning and fearless defending.

Jamie Allaway was unfortunate to have his final cut short after picking up an ankle injury. It was a tough blow in such an important game, but Jamie can hold his head high. He’s been a key figure throughout the season—reliable, hardworking, and always giving 100% for the team. His attitude, commitment, and consistency have been nothing short of brilliant, and he played a huge part in getting Villa to this final. Everyone at the club knows how much he’s contributed this year, and he thoroughly deserves to share in the celebrations.

As the clock ticked down, Hemmingbrough managed to pull one back in the 90th minute, setting up a tense finish. But Garforth Villa held firm, seeing out the final moments to lift the cup in front of jubilant supporters whose encouragement could be heard throughout the match.

After the final whistle, manager Simon Pinkney praised his team: “I’m absolutely thrilled for the boys. They’ve given everything all season, and this victory is a testament to their hard work, character, and unity. What a way for many of them to end their junior football journey—it’s a day they’ll never forget.”

Head Coach, Izaak Brading commented “So proud of the boys today. They well deserved their victory. It was a fantastic team effort. It is a well deserved end to an amazing season with plenty of standout performances. Their dedication to training and matches has been second to none. Coaching this group has been such an honour, so, thank you very much for making this season a real pleasure, and what a way to end their time with Garforth Villa as league cup winners”

A day of sunshine, spirit, and sensational football—Garforth Villa U18s, Selby League Cup Champions 2025.