BRIDGEWATER 3 HUDDERSFIELD GRAMMAR 1
Bridgewater kicked off their ISA campaign with a hard fought 3-1 win over a strong team from Huddersfield Grammar.
Bridgewater dominated possession for much of the first half, but neither side could create any real significant chances to test either keeper. However, in a five minute burst just before half time, the goals finally came that was to change the outcome of the match dramatically. Harper got the break through, as he strode forward out of defence to play a delightful one-two with Jaydon, before calmly spotting past the on-rushing keeper. With confidence high, Bridgewater pressed forward and following great wing play by Joshua, the ball fell on the far post to Jaydon, who controlled with one touch before firing into the top corner with his second.
Half time arrived and Bridgewater were 2-0 up. However, they knew that the next goal was going to be vital. Unfortunately, the Huddersfield goalkeeper was in fabulous form and stopped everything that came at him! Alfie, Craig, Luca and David all went close but nobody could get that crucial goal. With 10 minutes to go, Huddersfield earned a free- kick and from the resulting shot off the cross- bar, the ball ricocheted in off the back of Tom as he dived full length to cover the shot.
A frantic last quarter of the match was to follow, with both teams driving onwards to a victory. Fortunately, Matteo settled Bridgewater nerves with a brilliant strike from outside the area, that two keepers would not have got anywhere near! In the closing moments Alfie was denied once again by some resilient defending by the Huddersfield players and his performance certainly deserved at least one goal.
Man of the match had to go to Harper, who held his defensive position very well, winning some big tackles and passing the ball forward with accuracy and control. It was an impressive win by the Prep 3/4 youngsters, as it was a game that without their resilience and determination the result could of been so much different. Well done to all the players for their hard work and we can now look forward to getting a good draw in the next round!