04.11.22

The match started very evenly, both teams trying to work each other out and exploit weaknesses, but it was Abbey Park who worked this out quicker. The central midfield pairing of R Woodfield and C Portlock dominated the middle of the field through putting in great tackles, controlling the ball, and driving forward. After a few missed chances from APS, coming very close to breaking the deadlock, C Portlock found himself 20 yards out with the ball. A comfortable volley saw the ball dip over the opposition's keeper to find the back of the net and open the scoring. The boys kept on pushing for more, and through the use of C Portlock and C Clark the wings, we were able to move the ball really well between the team, and a through ball was played to Z Ranford who comfortably slotted the ball under the keep to score the second. With 10 minutes left of the first half, the boys attacked further. A lovely interception and drive up the pitch from R Woodfield allowed him a chance at goal which was saved, but the finished the rebound to give us a 3-0 lead. Comfortably in the driving seat in the dying seconds of the 1st half, Devizes played a ball over the top, and were through on goal. A 50/50 challenge between their striker and M Coates saw us concede a penalty with the last kick of the half. 3-1.

At half time, I praised the boys for their performance so far in the match, but stressed the importance of not becoming complacent.

We went in to the second half, and became complacent.

Devizes started off strongly, outnumbering our strong central midfield pairing. This gave our defence their first challenges of the match. The back 3 of C Stone, M Rendall and M Yorukoglu dealt with the constant challenges very well, but a strong and quick counter attack from Devizes made the match 3-2. We replied with a spectacular strike from Z Ranford, who controlled the ball and put the ball in the far side, top corner. Early contender for goal of the year, to put us up 4-2. Devizes responded almost immediately with another strong counter attack which mirrored their previous goal and brought the game back to 4-3. Abbey Park started to drop off, and Devizes were playing some good football and creating chances. This led to them finding the net once again to draw level at 4-4. Our year 7's didn't quit however, and C Portlock found himself sitting outside of the box with a clear shot at goal. An amazing long-range strike was sure to hit the back of the net, but a comfortable save was made, however it wasn't from the opposition's keeper but rather one of Devizes outfield players. A situation which mirrored Luis Suarez's sending off in the 2010 world cup. A penalty awarded to us with 5 minutes left on the clock saw Z Z Ranford complete his hat trick with a composed finish from the spot. With a 1 goal lead, we struggled to keep up the same outstanding performance as we did in the first half, and a trailing foot from us tripped a Devizes player in our box, awarding them a penalty which was comfortably scored. 5-5 with very little to play, APS threw a lot at the visiting school, attack after attack with no success. Until the last minute where a C Stone cross came over the box causing a disturbance between players trying to get the ball out, and get the ball in the net. The ball bounced up high to which seemingly out of no where, C Clark jumped and met the ball with his foot to slot it in the back of the net. The final whistle blew shortly after.

An amazing first display by our Year 7's, and a very exciting game to open up their season. Onto the next round.