Chadderton school clinches Oldham Schools Plate in thrilling final

The Radclyffe School’s Year 11 boys football team secured a dramatic and hard-fought victory in the final of the 2025 Oldham Schools Plate Trophy earlier this week - overcoming North Chadderton in a thrilling 4–4 match that was ultimately decided on penalties.

Played at Avro FC’s ground, the match saw Radclyffe come from 4–2 down to level the score and force a penalty shootout.  

Goals from Josh, Ozan, and two from Max - who was named Man of the Match - brought the team back into contention.  

With both sides converting their first five penalties, the shootout went to sudden death.  

Goalkeeper Josh produced a crucial save, diving to his left to stop North Chadderton’s sixth penalty.  

Caleb then stepped up under immense pressure and coolly slotted home the winning penalty, sealing a 6–5 shootout win for Radclyffe and sparking jubilant celebrations.  

The victory was particularly sweet for the team, who lost in the same final last year.  

This time, however, their perseverance paid off, and they lifted the trophy in what is their final competitive year together as a school team.  

Mr Finc, the team coach, said: “This team has been a pleasure to coach for the last five years and deserved to win some silverware, especially in their final year together as a team.”  

The Oldham Schools Plate Trophy is contested annually by secondary schools across the borough.  

Radclyffe’s triumph stands as a testament to the team’s resilience and commitment throughout the tournament.