Football: Hopwood Hall College Football Academy make national semi-finals

Adam Knott scored the only goal of the game

Hopwood Hall College's Football Academy made it through to the semi-finals of the English Schools FA Cup, after beating York College 1-0.

The win came against a York side that was one of the favourites for the cup and currently sits unbeaten at the top of their own league, two leagues above Hopwood Hall College.

Hopwood Hall had the first chance, with Adam Knott testing the keeper with a low drive.

The Yorkshire side gave a display in how to master the pressing game, with Hopwood Hall constantly having to defend against their attacks.

Hopwood Hall planned for this by basing their game on the counter attack, and their plan almost paid off when Knott again had a chance, but the York keeper thwarted his effort.

The half time whistle gave Hopwood Hall a chance to regroup from York's relentless pass and move play.

Eight minutes into the restart, Knott latched onto the end of another counter-attacking pass. This time, he made sure he did not miss the mark, scoring with a left-footed drive.

York were rattled, but continued to pen Hopwood Hall into their own half.

Hopwood keeper, Adam Lomax was forced into several saves and when York did finally score, it was ruled offside.

Disaster came for Hopwood Hall in the 84th minute, a second yellow card reducing them to 10 men. With an extra nine minutes of time played after the 90, it was a big ask for Hopwood to get over the winning line.

When the final whistle did blow, scenes of jubilation broke out between Hopwood Hall College’s players and staff.

Rob Johnson, Head Coach at Hopwood Hall College's Football Academy, described the scenes: "Our boys were both ecstatic and shattered. York were devastated and no wonder, they were by far the best team we've played in a long time. We did not stop singing on the coach home.

"However, as good as York were, sometimes hard work, grit, drive, desire, determination and fantastic defending comes out on top. Adam Knott and Adam Lomax were key to the win, but man of the match has to go to our whole team. Magnificent."