The U11s returned to action against Cransley Prep on Monday, and were involved in a thrilling encounter. The A team were joined by a freshly formed B team, giving debuts to Dean and Daniel playing alongside Alfie, Jess, Freya and Ellen.
The B team understandably struggled to find some cohesion in front of goal and despite an intense performance from the energetic Ellen, Cransley found scoring opportunities easy to come by. Freya scored a consolation goal for the team and Harrison scored late on, after joining the game for the final moments, having helped the A team to a brilliant 4-2 victory.
The A team game was a pleasure to watch and the organisation and structure of the team contributed to the win. Lukee and Owen were solid throughout at the back, whilst the energy in midfield from Paul, Oliver B and Freddie was instrumental in determining the outcome of the game. Harrison was a constant threat up front and but for an unbelievable performance from the Cransley keeper, he would have scored a triple hattrick. A special mention should also go to Dina who stood in for the absent Oliver A in goal and she produced an admirable showing in the Bridgewater goal.
The team showed great character to come back from a goal down, as the Cransley striker pounced on a rare missed clearance from Lukee to go 1-0 up. Driven on by Freddie, Bridgewater pressed forward for the equaliser and did not have to wait long for it to come. Another neat through ball from Freddie saw Harrison in space and he flashed a drive across the face of the goal, to be turned in by Oliver B.
The goal gave Bridgewater greater confidence and minutes later Oliver again combined with Harrison to allow Paul to fire in from close range. Once in the lead, the chances came thick and fast, but very rarely could the opposition keeper be beaten. After a brilliant double save from Harrison, the third goal was blasted home from the resilient Harrison. At the back, Lukee’s presence was reassuring alongside Owen and laid the platform for some excellent break away play, especially from Oliver B, Freddie and Paul. Harrison scored his second to make it 4-1 late on, before Pownall hit a consolation goal for the hosts.
With a basketball tournament to look forward to this Wednesday and a possible game at home to St Margaret’s on Friday, there is much to look forward to in a sporting context for the Prep youngsters.