Comment

Footballer John Sargent is reflecting on a season of success.

Not only did the Clacton-based midfielder help Suffolk win the Eastern Counties League, he also inspired them to glory in the FA County Youth Cup.

The 17-year-old's double achievement capped a memorable campaign, in which his county stayed undefeated, sweeping all before them.

They won their league comfortably and recently made it a double milestone by beating Cambridgeshire in the final at Portman Road, 2-1.

Suffolk beat Hertfordshire 1-0 in the first round before edging past Durham, 2-1.

And that was a particularly special occasion for the former Holland Park Primary School and Clacton County High School pupil.

With his side behind, Sargent let fly with a stunning 30-yard equaliser and they went on to win the game - then beat Sussex 2-1 and West Riding 2-0.

In the final they were up against Cambridgeshire and Sargent - who represents Suffolk because he is a Bury Town player - told the Gazette: "It was a big achievement, especially as their squad was mainly made up of Cambridge United players.

"Overall, we had an excellent season. There are some great lads in our squad and everyone wanted to win and work hard for each other.

"I was happy with my performances, especially in that cup game against Durham.

"The goal was such a good feeling, especially as it got us back in the game. It was definitely one of the best I've scored."

Sargent, who played his youth football for Clacton United and lives in Warwick Road, is no stranger to success with Suffolk.

The previous year, at under-16 level, he helped them finish second in the Eastern Counties League.

After seven years with Clacton United, he had a spell with Stowmarket before joining Bury Town, by virtue of the fact he is studying sports science at the nearby West Suffolk College.

Now he is weighing up his options - hoping to spend another year playing semi-professional football at Ram Meadow or elsewhere in the Ryman or Ridgeons League - before taking up an offer to play for a university team in America.

Sargent, who previously had trials with Cambridge United and Crystal Palace, added: "I've had offers from unis in places like New York and Tennessee.

"It's a really exciting thought and it would be a great opportunity, but I'd really like to spend another year playing at a decent semi-pro level here first."

Sargent has one other feather in his cap, having last year helped West Suffolk College win the national England Colleges FA Cup, beating Gateshead 2-1.

7:50am Friday 9th May 2008

Print

Email this

Comment

Add your comment

Name:
Email: *
Location:
**
	e.g. 123-123
Comment: Please note: All HTML tags will be ignored. Format Text:
By posting a comment, I confirm that I have read and agree to the terms of use. Comments are not moderated but we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention and we may delete inappropriate postings. Please treat other people with respect. You must not post anything that is abusive, indecent, unlawful or defamatory. Remember, you are personally liable for what you post on this site. If you wish to complain about a comment, contact us here.
* Your email address will not be displayed ** To avoid register now or login