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GLORY years: The Stockport Schoolboys team, and inset left, the cover of the match programme
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Reunion marks day in sporting history
Exclusive by Alex Scapens2/ 4/2008
A LONG-forgotten but tremendously significant day from Stockport’s sporting past will finally be commemorated in style at Edgeley Park.
The seven surviving heroes from the Stockport Schoolboys team that were joint winners of the FA trophy - the junior version of the FA Cup - in 1948 will be reunited for the first time on Saturday (April 5).
They drew 3-3 over two legs with their counterparts from Liverpool to become the only football side from the borough ever to win a national trophy.
But this amazing achievement had remained just a footnote in history until Stockport County fanatic Marcus Heap decided it was worth some proper recognition.
He set about contacting players from the team that are still alive and all will be guests at County’s home match with Darlington for a special day of celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of the triumph.
Marcus, 41, said: "The 50th anniversary passed by without even a mention so I thought something really should be done as this was a huge achievement.
"They were all local lads and to compete against areas such as Liverpool, which has a much bigger area, is amazing and doesn’t get enough recognition.
"It will be the first time the players have seen each other in over 50 years so they are all looking forward to it."
The magnificent seven - now 75 - will be given a tour of Edgeley Park before the game, be presented with commemorative ties and watch the match.
At half time they will parade on the pitch with the FA trophy - loaned out for the day from the National Football Museum - and after the match there will be a reception.
Three survivors from the Liverpool team and one from the Brighton side Stockport beat in an earlier round will also be part of the day.
Back in 1948 a 0-0 draw in the first leg was watched by more than 24,000 at Edgeley Park, while the 3-3 return fixture was seen by an amazing 40,000 at Anfield - a record for a schoolboy match in England. Around 4,000 had travelled from Stockport.
Among the Stockport side was England Schoolboys Bryan ‘the boy’ Brennan, who scored an amazing 32 goals en-route to the final, Keith Goalen - one of three who went on to play for County - and Jeff Whitefoot who went on to play for Manchester United.
Marcus said: "The story has been passed down by County fans who remember the team so they should get a fantastic reception."
Des Hinks, from Stockport County, said: "We are delighted to have the boys back. It was a big day in the history of Edgeley Park and the town."
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8/04/2008 at 18:46