Grove Academy lifted the Logie Cup with a 3-0 win over Harris Academy. A first half double from Leon Winterton and a second half strike from Owen Boath secured the silverware for Grove against the league champions.

Harris ran out 6-0 winners when these sides met in the league last week, with the victory securing them their first ever U13 league title. Despite the heavy defeat, it was Grove that opened the scoring after three minutes.

Leon Winterton picked the ball up 20 yards from goal and smashed it past goalkeeper Fraser Allan into the back of the net. It was very clear to all in attendance at Whitton Park that Grove meant business.

Grove nearly doubled their lead after nine minutes. Owen Boath’s low cross was met by Harrison Taylor, but he could only put the ball straight at Allan.

Three minutes later, Allan denied Taylor again. Some neat interplay at the top of the box saw the Harris defence carved open as Taylor went through one-on-one with the keeper. The forwards shot looked destined for the top corner, but Allan managed to push the ball onto the crossbar.

Oliver Brander sent a cross from the right wing against the crossbar as Grove continued to press for a second goal. Winterton was the next player to hit the woodwork as his free kick came crashing off the bar after 17 minutes.

With 26 minutes played, Grove found a way past Allan for a second time. Winterton picked the ball up 25 yards from goal and sent a thunderous strike into the top right corner of the net. It was a goal of the season contender from the midfielder, that had given Grove the lead their dominance merited.

Allan was called into action after 31 minutes as he denied Taylor again. Harris’s first effort came from Imran Madugu, but his shot sailed harmlessly over the crossbar four minutes before the interval.

Grove started the second half looking for the third goal that would secure them the cup, and with 14 minutes of the match remaining, they got it. Brander’s corner was met by Nathan Chew, and his effort fell for Boath who steered the ball past Allan from close range. It was a goal that the striker’s hardworking performance more than deserved.

As the final whistle approached, neither goalkeeper was seriously tested as Grove held on to secure a well-deserved win.

On the day, Harris struggled to match Grove’s tempo and were well beaten. After the match, they were presented with their leagues winners shield, and become the first Harris Academy team to win that trophy. So, while today may not have been their day, it shouldn’t take away from what has been a successful season for them.

As for Grove, while they will be disappointed not to have won the league title, but the Logie Cup will still be a welcome addition to their trophy cabinet. And based on today’s performance, this probably won’t be the last time we see this Grove team lifting silverware.