Boreham Wood U19s were crowned the English College National Cup Champions after a hard-fought win against current holders Gateshead.

Wood saw off the likes of Worthing College, Bath City, SEEVIC, Gateshead, Walford & North Shropshire, last week.

But this was achieved in style, Wood scoring an impressive 16 goals and only conceding one, during extra time in the semi-final.

Wood faced favourites Gateshead in the final, seven time winners of the competition and defending champions.

A tight game ended in a well-earned 1-0 victory for Wood.

“They were faultless in their performance from start to finish and they went about their business in a professional manner,” praised boss Luke Garrard.

“As a club we have worked extremely hard in the last couple of years to achieve what we did today and all the hard work and effort of everyone makes today that little bit more special.

“We know we had a special group of boys, we had good strength, work rate and team spirit and on their day can match anyone.

Wood started bright with them having an early chance through top goal scorer Simeon Akinola, who was unable to test Dawson in the Gateshead goal.

Soon afterwards, Gateshead hitman Brown was allowed to turn and burst past both Bradley Fraser and Ruddock Yala, going one on one with Baker Owers.

But the inspirational stopper stand up tall and made Brown shoot wide of the mark.

Into the second half, Boreham Wood were awesome in their play with some real tempo and drive they which pierced Gateshead’s back line.

Early on, Ruddock Yala was denied goal of the season when the centre half found himself in the opposition box.

Bending his effort goal bound, Gateshead’s left back somehow cleared off the line.

Then Pelly Ruddock was denied by the woodwork, after turning Short outside the box, he sent a crashing half-volley goal onto the crossbar.

But the pressure kept on mounting and Wood got their reward soon enough.

Harvey Scott and Pelly Ruddock combined in a neat passing move, which ended in Ruddock being floored by the on-rushing Gateshead stopper.

Up steeped Charlie Hunter, who showed character by placing his driving effort into the bottom right corner, leaving the keeper no chance.

Hunter had missed from the spot in the semi-final, but he made sure it was second time lucky.