Bridgewater School Under 9 football team arrived at the Etihad Stadium excited about their forthcoming tournament against several other schools. There was a subdued atmosphere around the campus which we put down to the first team players being away on international duty. Little did we know that we were at the Etihad on a historic day in the history of the club and the Premier League!
Our first game was v Gawsworth School. The opposition were mesmerised by the slick passing of the BWS team and the pace of Zane as well as the vision and skill of Tyler. The score was an emphatic 3-0 victory. Although Zane scored he had a plethora of missed opportunities from the right hand side which flew wide past the right hand post. Mr Rooney pointed out the importance of hitting the ball across the goalkeeper and aim for the inside of the far post. Killian had the moment of the match when a long ball from defence was killed on the spot with amazing control and turn.
Our second game was against St Bernard’s. This game was the emergence of Zane’s finishing skills. He scored 4 goals and could have had more. The interesting fact was that the majority of the goals were hit across the goalkeeper. This was of course a man of the match performance but special mention has to be made for Tyler who’s long range passing set up the goals. Jett also impressed Mr Rooney with his maturity and energetic pressing game which allowed Tyler the space and time to make his passes.
The third game against Aldwyn was a rude awakening for the team. The opposition were an impressive outfit who passed the ball swiftly and decisively. Aldwyn went in to a 2 goal lead with BWS hardly touching the ball. Thankfully Bridgewater did not give up and in the final 2 minutes a pass from Tyler eluded the final defender with a measured pass and Zane slotted the ball home. This goal turned out to be crucial when the league tables were examined by the Man City coaches later.
Our final game was a tense one with both teams missing chances. Strong defending by our back three of Jacob, Antonio and Ismail kept the eager beavers from Beaver Road School at bay to ensure that BWS were in the final reckoning for a coveted place in the semi-final.
Calculators were out and everyone held their breath with the good news that BWS were through to the semi final by scoring one goal more than the other teams in the group.
Our semi-final match against Light Oaks was another tense affair with both teams working hard to avoid defeat but not being able to go that extra step and win the game. Albert Beale shone in this game with some intricate passing. The final whistle blew and unfortunately the penalty shoot out went to sudden death and then a BWS penalty was missed.
The boys were naturally disappointed but smiles soon returned when Killian’s mum provided an edible treat for the journey home. Special mention must go to the injured Nikolas who came along as Mr Rooney’s number 2 and did a great job!