Ref. 28730-116SWINDON TOWN could have representatives in this season's play-off final, even if Andy King's men fail in their push for promotion, writes CRAIG LYUS.

Two Swindon schools donning Town red are hoping to grace the Millennium Stadium at the end of the season in the National Schools' Cup.

St Andrews Primary School have won the right to represent Town in the regional heats after defeating 31 Swindon rivals in the under 11 competition.

They will be joined in a new category by Wootton Bassett School, who won the under 13 girls tournament.

The two teams were winners of the finals staged by Swindon Town's community office at the County Ground last week after two pre-Christmas qualifying events at Greendown School.

St Andrews claimed a deserved 2-0 win over Ruskin in the under 11 showpiece last week, while Bassett edged past Hreod Parkway on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the girls event, despite the heroics of Hreod goalkeeper Grace Purell.

Town Community Officer Clive Maguire said: "Bassett went through on sudden death, but the Hreod goalkeeper was absolutely superb.

"She made a string of great saves and saved two penalties in the shootout but it was not enough.

"St Andrews deserved their 2-0 win in the under 11 competition."

The two schools will now represent Town at the South West heats in Bristol, where they will face teams playing for the likes of Reading, Swansea and both of Bristol's professional clubs.

The under 11 heats take place on Febuary 9, but a date has yet to be confirmed for the girls' event.

Town have twice had teams in the grand final of the tournament, with St Joseph's and Bradon Forest playing at Wembley in 1996 and 1997 respectively.

Maguire is hoping this year's candidates can emulate that success.

He said: "The standard this year is equally as good as it has been previously, and it would be great to get to another final.

"I've told the teams that the standard will be very high in the next stage. But if they show the kind of commitment that they have in the heats then they will do well.

"Whatever happens it's a brilliant experience for them as it's a very good competition."

"We must thank all of the schools for taking part and the teachers for supporting the event and a big thank you to Greendown School who allowed us to use their wonderful facilities for the first stage of the competition."