Football Update #1
Player of the Week
It was a fantastic start to the football season, with several players making a strong impact across the school teams.
Jatin (Year 10) was excellent out wide for the U15C team, providing plenty of energy, pace and attacking threat.
In midfield, 1st XI players Jacob (Year 13) and Philip (Year 12) were outstanding, demonstrating composure, work rate and creativity in the centre of the pitch in this first week. Their performances provided an excellent platform for the 1st XI to build from. Samo (Year 12) made a great start in goal, showing confidence and producing some excellent saves between the posts.
Sid (Year 9) was strong and in commanding form driving the U15A’s on in their opening day win.
First eleven centre forward Nana O (Year 13) has been in outstanding early season form, scoring an impressive five goals in just three games earning him the first "Player of the Week" of the season!
Team of the Week
The school football season was underway almost immediately, with our fixtures against Tonbridge coming just one day after returning to school. Our teams showed great enthusiasm and commitment, finishing the day with an impressive four wins from six.
There were good victories for the 3rd XI, U15A’s and U15C’s, providing an excellent start to the season and setting the tone for the weeks ahead.
Our team of the week this week is the 1st XI, after an outstanding first week in which they won three away games in just seven days. They produced excellent performances against some strong opposition, including a superb 4–1 victory over Whitgift and a hard-fought 1–0 win against Tonbridge. It has been an excellent start for the 1st XI, with the team showing quality, resilience and a real desire to succeed.
Well done to all players on a fantastic opening week!
Match Report
1st XI 1 VS 0 Tonbridge
Throughout the game, we always looked like the better side. Tonbridge were a physical team who looked to a couple of players to try and win them the game, particularly their number 8 and both their wingers. But as a team, and in particular against Ege (Year 12), Phil (Year 12) and Aarush (Year 11), they didn't create any clear chances.
The defensive effort was superb again, made easier by the leadership from both Rishi (Year 13) and Nana A (Year 13), with Samo (Year 12)'s distribution constantly pushing us forward.
The midfield worked well together, fighting for second balls, staying connected to each other and constantly running from the first whistle to the last. It was made so much easier for me and the rest of the team because of the performance of Jacob (Year 13), who seemed to win every challenge or duel he went in for, and constantly progressing the ball.
The front three created multiple chances, and on another day we could have scored three or four, but when we work as hard and as well as we did today as a unit, one goal might be all we need. The one goal in this game came from Nana O (Year 13), who constantly pressured the Tonbridge defenders. The subs contributed massively towards the end of the game against a very physical side, when we needed fresh players working hard to make up for tired legs. It was a fantastic away win and a great first week with a win over local rivals Whitgift as well.
Match Report by Aidan (Year 11)
Results
Saturday 29 August
vs Old Wilsonians (Friendly)
- 1st XI Won 5-1
Wednesday 2 September
vs Whitgift (Friendly)
- 1st XI Won 4-1
Saturday 5 September
vs Tonbridge (Friendlies)
- 1st XI Won 1-0
- 2nd XI Lost 5-1
- 3rd XI Won 3-2
- U15A Won 4-0
- U15B Lost 2-0
- U15C Won 4-0
