The football season kicked off with the visit of The Grange School to take on the U9s Bridgewater team.  The hosts had the better of the first quarter, with the opposition keeper pulling off a string of fine saves in quick succession. On another day, Alfie would have had a hat trick but for some inspired goal keeping heroics from The Grange number one.

Totally against the run of play and on the stroke of half time, a deflected free kick and a rare break away on the Bridgewater goal, resulted in the home team trailing by 2-0. Nevertheless, heads did not drop and after another Bridgewater press from a goal kick, Prep III’s Tommy Jack levelled the score with two quickfire goals.

With belief restored, Bridgewater went on the attack once more and Alfie finally got the goal he deserved with another fabulous long range strike. The final quarter of the match saw both teams threaten to add to their totals. Luca pulled off a couple of great saves for Bridgewater, whilst Josh and Joel went close at the other end.

As the game entered the final minutes, The Grange were able to make use of their bigger squad to maintain energy levels. Two long throws created panic in the heart of the Bridgewater defence and The Grange scrambled home two late goals to take a 4-3 lead.

Bridgewater rallied with a series of corners and Luca B almost tapped home an equaliser with the last kick of the game. The final whistle went much to the relief of the opposition players and management, whilst a disappointed Bridgewater team can take pride in how they were the better side for much of a closely fought and competitive game. The boys have no time to dwell on the result as they are back in action 24 hours later, away to local rivals Branwood Prep.