Match day for pupils (From Free Press Series)

Match day for pupils

TORFAEN students' excitement reached fever pitch as they led their national side out onto Old Trafford turf to face rivals England.

Though the 2-0 result was no dream, Torfaen could take its share of Welsh pride thanks to the impeccable behaviour of its mini fans from three of the borough's schools.

The 11 students were chosen from Abersychan Comprehensive and its feeder schools, Hillside Primary and St Peter's Primary.

Pupils were honoured to have the chance to watch the Wales side warm up before the all-important World Cup Qualifier and got to keep the Wales strip they wore as they sung the national anthem, backed by the National team.

The lucky pupils were picked due to Abersychan schoolteacher Ian Hayward's connection with the Welsh football supporters' charity The Gol Appeal.

The charity aims to help underprivileged and deprived children as well as promote a positive image of Wales.

The charity Gol! made a £500 donation to the leukemia ward at Manchester Hospital

Mr Hayward said: "Though the match result wasn't the best I know that the children had a really marvellous time."

Garndiffaith youngster Oliver Chatfield was overjoyed to be at the ground, he wasn't far off in predicting the score either.

Before the game he said: "I think the score will be 2-1 but I don't know who to.

"I was so excited about going out on the pitch I was jumping up and down. And I was excited about meeting the players." .

Dionne Thomas, aged ten from Blaenavon said: "It was such a nice surprise when we found out we would be at the game. I'm going to get Giggs' autograph.

"I also want to meet David Beckham as well but I won't say anything to him because I'm so nervous."

Astounding that with all that luck from Torfaen, the boys in red should have had it made.