LEWISHAM College’s football academy stormed back to record a stunning victory in a thrilling Conference youth League Cup final.

Playing as Charlton Athletic Trust, Lewisham came from 3-0 down against Redbridge to win the game 6-3, with skipper Haydn Ankle grabbing a hat-trick.

He said: “It feels great.

“I knew we weren’t going to lose, even when we were 3-0 down, because we always had the strength to come back.”

Goalkeeper Matt Bailey added: “When we were 3-0 down, I felt it slipping away and thought it was going to be one of those days.

“When we got our first goal, I knew that winning was possible again, as long as we worked hard.

“This win has really put Lewisham College on the map.

“I’d definitely say to anyone looking to start their career in football to join our football academy.”

Lewisham’s victory builds on their recent impressive run in the Dallas Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals.

Head coach Dan Thomas said: “I’m really proud of the boys.

“In my four years at Lewisham College this is the best group I’ve worked with, they’re a really strong team.

“They did it the hard way. When the chips were down, they stepped up and showed great character and determination.

“We’ve got some really great players at Lewisham College, they could all go on to play professionally or semi professionally in the future.”

For more information on trial dates at Lewisham College’s football academy, email dan.thomas@lewisham.ac.uk or sharon.archibald@lewisham.ac.uk

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