On a Saturday morning in spring the snow storms returned, but the mini-Beast from the East could not stop the Bridgewater U9s claiming more big wins at the AJIS Football Festival.
Fifteen schools attended from across the north-west and the action kicked off at 10am at Cheadle Hulme Junior School, with the snow and biting wind already putting the tournament in doubt. In the first game against Cheadle Hulme C, both teams struggled to find their feet and chances were hard to come by. It was a Luca C goal following a driven corner by Alfie that was to settle the game 1-0 in Bridgewater’s favour.
Game 2 saw the team move over to the 4G pitches and this suited Bridgewater much more. Goals from Alfie, Josh, Craig and David have the team a more comfortable win over Merchant Taylor’s from Liverpool.
In the third game against Westholme, the team hit top form and the opponents became the third team to not even test keepers Thomas and George! The team passed the ball around more precisely and created chance after chance. The final result of 5-0 was a fair reflection of the dominance shown by Bridgewater. Alfie added another two to his tally, with Jaydon, Josh and Harper also getting on the score sheet.
Bolton School were up next and were looking for revenge after defeat in the MCFC tournament on Friday. However, the team continued to warm the frozen supporters up with opportunities to clap their goals! Alfie scored a terrific solo goal, with Josh and Craig adding to the total. A great save in the last minute and a goal line clearance from Harper kept the Bridgewater goal in tack and another comfortable 3-0 win was the end result.
With the weather worsening, the decision was made to suspend the festival at the end of the group stages. This news seemed to galvanise Bridgewater as they turned up the heat on their final opponents Cheadle Hulme B. Matteo opened the scoring with a drive that smashed into the roof of the net, followed by Alfie with a similar spectacular strike. Jaydon added the third following a great team move from defence through to attack.
Bridgewater finished the event as Group B winners, winning all five games, scoring 16 goals and not conceding a single goal. Credit must go to the concentration shown by both keepers George and Thomas who when called upon sprang into action. Harper was a rock at the back and the attacking flair shown by the front and midfield players would make Guardiola and Klopp proud! Well done to the boys once again for their performances today, but also for their commitment. Many of the team put Bridgewater first today and did not play for their usual Saturday teams. This kind of loyalty and support for their school and the cooperation and support from parents is very much appreciated.
Next up for the talented youngsters is a semi-final and hopefully final in the ISA Cup. The finals day will be after Easter and Bridgewater will compete with The Grange, Abbey Gate and Lady Barn for the trophy.
Well done to the Bridgwater Boys excellent performance in trying conditions now to the next Game.