8:05am Monday 12th May 2008
Former Newcastle and England defender Warren Barton hailed the performance of Potters Bar United at the Southern England regional final of the Tesco U13 Cup.
Alan Hunt's side were representing the Amateur Football Association at the finals' day in London, and only missed out on a place in the final on goal difference, after they finished the group stage level on points with eventual winners Buckhurst Hill Youth from Essex.
Despite missing out on a place in the Tesco Cup UK final at the City of Manchester Stadium, Barton believes some of the Potters Bar squad have the talent to go a long way in the game.
"The standard was very high, higher than it has been in years gone by," he said.
"The plan is to see some of these players progress to the highest level. It would be great in a couple of years time if someone who played here for Potters Bar went on to play at the top level.
"There are a lot of talented players here and I'm confident we won't be hearing the last of some of them."
Potters Bar beat Chaseside Youth 2-1 in the AFA Cup to qualify for the regional final and Hunt was beaming with pride after watching his side remain unbeaten in the Roehampton sunshine.
"We promote a team ethic at this club and the lads have been excellent in the way they have handled themselves. It's a fantastic experience to play in an event like this and the lads have all enjoyed it and done well."
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