St Matthias v Aldersley
Tonight kicked off a busy start to the week of fixtures for us at St. Matthias as the year 8’s hosted the first league game of the season against Aldersley School.
Last year saw the same fixture end in defeat for us 4-0 so we were expecting a tough test. Anyway, early stages of the first half saw us dominate possession playing some lovely attacking football. We played with real energy and pace with ball. The Aldersley keeper made some fantastic saves which denied many of our early chances until a deflected effort from Isaac R found the back of the net for us to take an early lead.
20 minutes into the game Jeldi had at least 5 fantastic shots saved by their keeper - one of them being the best save I’ve seen at this age group. Furthermore, Jeldi continued his excellent form scoring a hat trick in 10 mins to allow us to go in at half time 4-0 up.
Second half, we made a few changes and we started brightly again. Passing and moving with really energy and driving into space - some fantastic runs from Kayden (he has really come on having found a new position at left back). Jeldi scored again midway into the second half from a tight angle just outside the 18 yard box to squeeze it in at the far post - a fantastic finish. We finished the game winning 5-0.
I am really proud of the group tonight, the progress they have made from losing to the team 4-0 last year. I am even more proud of the fact the group worked together as a team, just playing with sheer enjoyment and a bit of class about them.
Man of the match - Kayden.
St Matthias v Wolverhampton Grammar
Tonight, our year 8 group hosted Wolverhampton Grammar school in Division of the Wolverhampton City league. We weren’t sure what to expect after they came from division 1 last season.
Well, 20 seconds into the game, a poor pass from Faiz led to their main threat scoring. We held our nerve and worked hard – Faiz coming back from his mistake to make the scores level. We started to wake up, playing with confidence and showing the opposition glimpses of what we were doing Tuesday night. We went 2-1 up with a finish from Essy.
Wolverhampton equalised from their striker who calmly beat two defenders to slot it home. Last minute of the first half we get a penalty from a handball – Captain Isaac calmly slotted it home.
Second half we made a few slight changes and looked to double up on their main striker which Logan and David did really well working together to minimise his threat towards our goal. A very exciting half but our group defended with their life and made some great blocks and tackles. Thomas also pulling off some great saves in his new role of GK.
Haeydian Makengo was introduced at half time up front, and she had a belting game! A real inspiration to many girls at our school, representing the boys’ team and scoring – unfortunately, she was flagged offside by a whisker! We were all gutted for her as she deserved to get on the scoresheet.
Thankfully, we ended up completing our second win of the season 3-2! The group did us proud once again!! Fantastic test of character and our STM group coming through again with class and professionalism – stuff you love to see!
Player of the match – Thomas Woodhall for his fantastic shot stopping and really working hard to get better in his new position. Well done, Tom.
St Matthias v St. Peters
Tonight, saw year 9 host the two year reigning champions of division 1 – St. Peters. St. Peter’s contain 5 county/academy players which proves the strength of them as a side.
First half – sadly, we were not at the races. Making poor decisions, not passing the pall or taking time to execute the gaps in midfield which led to St. Peters being 4-0 up. Three mistakes by our keeper which is a sad to say as the player’s who offered to go in goal isn’t our regular keeper.
Second half, after the team talk, we were right at the races. Playing two touch football in the midfield to move the ball, linking up down the wings and eventually we scored. A penalty kick - slotted home by captain Harry Jones. We had many chances to score but sadly couldn’t convert, some great saves by the opposition keeper. Another mistake by the keeper and a penalty meant that St. Peters finished the game beating us 6-1.
In all fairness, we were beaten by the better team but our group showed the grit and determination which makes them ours! We have played St. Peters a lot in friendlies previously (due to us being in the division below) and they have beaten us 8/9 goals. So some progress to talk about.
The group again represented us fantastically well, even the year 8’s stepping up to try and strengthen the group.
Man of the match for his sheer effort and being a rock at the back – Chaviv Coleman.
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