Colts
U11A v Boys’ Football Championship – IAPS
We faced St Andrew’s in our opening match of the group stages in the IAPS 7-a-side football tournament. We were able to win the ball back and set up rapid counter attacks after they pressed forwards and were able to break their defensive line on a couple of occasions. Louis opened the scoring, slotting one into the corner from open play. Unfortunately, we were caught out after a pass back to our defensive players and their strong striker was able to score a breakaway goal. The game ended 1-1.
We played Windlesham House in our second match, who were agile and skilful, taking the ball down the wing to get deep into our half. However, the powerful presence of Joel in midfield was able to turnover the ball and put pressure straight back onto the opposition. Louis scored another spectacular goal after sustained pressure in their half and we came away with a 1-0 win.
Our third game against Cumnor was possibly our most challenging. They had three tall defensive players who were able to intercept any long balls and set up an attack. eventually Cumnor broke the stalemate after scoring from a corner.
We played our last group match against Great Walstead. We felt confident in attack but were unable to convert any of our chances in the first few minutes as we squandered several chances. Our excitement settled and we were able to open the flood gates, scoring five goals in seven minutes. This resulted in us coming second in the group behind Cumnor, topping St Andrew’s on goal difference.
We faced Skippers Hill the semifinals of the cup. Skippers won the toss and played downhill for the 12 minute match. We had most of the possession and had several chances at goal. Skippers too had their chances, and the match ended in a 0-0 draw. We went on to penalties and Louis, Hugo and Freddy were chosen to take penalties with Ethan in goal. After a tense shoot out Skippers went 3-2 up to win the game, ending our tournament.
This was our second 7-a-side tournament in two weeks and the boys have shown fantastic team cohesion, sportsmanship and motivation. On both occasions we came second in the group stages despite strong opposition. The team has the ability and the mindset to do great things, and I am excited to see what the rest of the season will bring!
U11B v St Michael’s Prep
On a gloriously sunny and pleasantly warm September afternoon, we hosted our friends from St. Michael’s Otford, at Colts B and C team level. From the outset, this was clearly going to be a well-matched affair, with both teams have equal amounts of possession. Chances came and went, until St. Michael’s hit a purple patch of form, scoring three goals in 5 minutes, towards the end of the first half. However, the boys kept on with the passing, with some great movement down the left flank with Tadiwa, Louis C-J and Jamie particularly influential. Holmewood got their reward with a well taken goal and with 5 minutes left, the team was trailing 3-1. As they pushed on looking for a second goal, gaps were exposed at the back and St. Michael’s scored a fourth breakaway goal in the final minute of the game. The match was somewhat closer than the final score may suggest but it was certainly a marked improvement on the tournament last week. Well-tried boys and keep working hard in training.
U11C v St Michael’s Prep
The U 11 C team continued their tournament winning form from last week having a solid defence in the first half against St Michaels. They defended resolutely against a team with some talented players. Holmewood had been working hard on the training ground routines leading to them passing the ball well from goal kicks and had a winning formula of playing the ball out to the wings. Holmewood took the lead with a lovely long pass from Noah to Teddy who kept his composure before blasting the ball past the goalkeeper.
In the second half, we lost our shape slightly leading to an unfortunate equaliser, however the energy and enthusiasm was evident. In the last play of the game, St Michaels managed to sneak a winner to break Holmewood hearts after a very positive performance.
U10A v St Michael’s Prep
Draw 3-3
Goal scorers: Tate (Hatrick)
Man of the match – Tate
A shaky start to the game for HH, a deflected cross bouncing past Basti to give St Michaels the lead inside the first minute. A good response from HH saw Tate tap home a fantastic Alex Meston cross. HH looked the better team for the remainder of the first half with a few shots well saved by the St Michaels keeper and some promising passing sequences in the midfield, however a successful counterattack saw St Michael’s go into the break ahead (2-1). A change in formation saw HH dominate the start of the second half with Albert leading the charge from the right. Great passing between the front players set up another fine finish from Tate. Not long after, HH took the lead with Tate firing home to grab his Hatrick and HH’s third. HH dominated the remainder of the match however St Michaels managed to grab an equaliser and defend well to secure a 3-3 draw. A good performance from HH, just unable to turn all our chances into goals.
U10B v St Michael’s Prep
The under 10B team had a tough afternoon against St Michael’s School losing 5-1. The boys played well but were unable to stop the opposition who were partly made up of Year 6 players. My man of the match was Torres, who started in goal but came out on pitch for the second half and battled really well against boys twice his size!
U10C v St Michael’s Prep
After the disappointment of losing in the semifinals the previous week, the team went about their business in ruthless style. The shape of the team was first class and the passing into space caused the opposition plenty of trouble. The team created loads of chances with Fynn and Fraser regularly forcing excellent saves from the oppo goalkeeper. Eventually the pressure paid off and Fynn tucked away his 2nd goal of the season. No team can win a game without excellent defending and Will, Henry and Zenon did just that. When the opposition goalkeeper is their man of the match, it goes to show what a good game we played and how much pressure we exerted on them. Joint MoM went to Fraser and Fynn but the whole team did their part to ensure the victory.
