CHESTER Allstars fell desperately short in their bid to become national champions on Saturday.
But the talented team could be still be proud of their superb third-placed finish in the English Schools’ FA Under 11s Inter-Association Trophy final held at Chelsea’s multi-million pound academy in Cobham, Surrey.
Up against the top seven schoolboys sides in the country for their age, the Allstars won their opening game against Bassetlaw 3-0.
The Cheshire champions then held strong Plymouth and Croydon teams to draws to progress to the semi-finals.
Their last-four opponents were a Barking & Dagenham side packed full of Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea players.
The Allstars, who were to rue a couple of unfortunate injuries at the tournament, went down 1-0 to the eventual champions after extra time.
Allstars manager Chris Timms said: “I am proud to be manger of such a talented group of players. To be ranked third nationally at this age group is a remarkable achievement.
“The players are a real credit and will remember this day forever.”
Trials for next year’s Allstars team will take place next month at Goals Soccer Centre Chester.
