BURY Grammar School for Boys have made the final of the Investec Independent Schools FA under-13s competition for the first time in more than 20 years.

Ben Holland scored the only goal of their semi-final against the City of London School to book a place in the showpiece match, which will be played at Burton Albion's Pirelli Stadium on Thursday, March 3.

The other semi-final between Whitgift, of Croydon, and Aldenham, of Hertfordshire, will be played tomorrow after the original fixture was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Simon Williams, director of sport at Bury Grammar School, said: “What a fantastic result. The boys were a credit to the school, both in their performance and conduct on and off the pitch."

Bury have battled their way through five matches to make the final of a competition that started out with 71 teams from schools across the country.

They won 4-2 at Oldham Hulme in the opening round before a 2-1 victory at home to Cheadle Hulme and 3-2 win at Newcastle School for Boys.

Their most comprehensive result of the competition came in the fourth round when they thrashed Bolton School 4-1 at home.

A strong cross-wind made it difficult for both sides to produce their best football in what was a closely contested semi-final.

The tight and exciting encounter was decided in the first half when a free-kick eluded the City defence and Holland was on hand to poke the ball home for Bury.

There was plenty of goalmouth action at both ends in a tense finale, but the home side held on to secure their place in the final.