On Thursday, a local derby took place between the U11 football teams of Bridgewater and Branwood Prep. Both teams entertained the spectators with some dazzling football at times and credit must go to the opposition, who battled gamely throughout the match. However, it was very clear early on, that Bridgewater have moved up a gear since the teams last met and dominated the game from the outset.
George and Luca swapped goalkeeping duties at regular intervals and the most they had to do was work on their distribution skills. Harper and Thomas patrolled the back line with authority, whilst Craig, Regan and Matteo took control of the midfield. Up front, David was a constant threat and when the interchanges came, Jaydon, Josh, Jackson and Toby all showed why the squad has so much strength in depth.
In the first half, Bridgewater rarely found their rhythm in possession but had enough control to ease in front 5-2 by the end of the half. David opened the scoring, adding a second soon after, with Craig and Regan adding to the total. Branwood hit back with two goals and will have gone into half time thinking they had a chance in the game. However, Bridgewater came out in the second half and found their ability to pass the ball around and move the opposition around the pitch. Chances were created almost at will and from all areas of the pitch. Harper scored a header from a corner; Jackson forced an own goal as he turned striker for part of the game; David drove in shots from all angles to finish with five goals overall; Regan scored two; Josh completed a well-deserved hat trick and Craig also scored.
A controversial last-minute penalty gave Branwood some solace at the end, but Bridgewater secured a 13-3 win that was a more than fair reflection of the difference between the two teams. The U11s have a busy term ahead of sport, starting next week with an AJIIS rugby tournament at Rossall on Wednesday and a MCFC tournament on Friday. The following week, the team try to reach the AJIS Cup final as they take on Merchant Taylor’s of Liverpool in the semi-final, followed by the ISA Northern Rugby Tournament on March 11th. Finally, the football team will also attempt to get to the ISA Final with Highfield School, Preston standing in their way. It could be a very special month for Bridgewater and fingers crossed it will be a great term of sport for all our teams.