Inclusive Football 19/10/16
After some tireless recruitment by Chief Scout/Physio/Head Coach Julie Watson there was a steely determination in her eyes when she told me “We’ve got to do better then last year…we scored 1 goal”. Making my debut at the event I certainly concurred.
The weather was a worry as the famous 5 of Grace Crompton, Charlie Harrison, Jay Richardson, Keiron Athraby and John Hughes boarded the mini bus to GOALS pitches. It was game day and they were not to be denied.
The drills and skills session gave them the opportunity to fine tune their skills before a hearty lunch and time to focus on the real task at hand. Avenging last years showing.
Game 1: Sirius West 4-0 Baysgarth School
We started like a house on fire with Gracie Crompton slotting home a tidy penalty to make it 1-0. Nerves calmed, now we can play! Quick goals gave us a 3-0 lead through Kieran Athraby and Jay Richardson. The game was won with a lot of Sirius posession until Athraby slotted his 2nd of the game to make it a final score of 4-0. Already an improvement from last year.
Game 2: Sirius West 1-2 Oakfield School
In a tough physical battle, Oakfield proved too strong for West as Richardson got the only goal for us. Reality check.
Alex Sherwood must have had a large sum of money against West as he’d set our fixtures to play 3 games in a row. The management team were furious, but we had to play the hand we’d been dealt.
Game 3: Sirius West 2-0 Axholme Academy
After regaining their composure, West were never troubled as Richardson bagged a tidy brace to give us a 2nd win of the day. Confidence was high and the mood was bouncing.
Game 4: Sirius West 5-1 Healing
The impressive work rate continued as again West got an early lead through Richardson which was only kept in tact by Hughes who put his body on the line to ensure West did not get pegged back. The goals then flew in as goal from Athraby and Richardson confirmed a 3rd win of the day.
Game 5: Sirius West 2-3 St Lawrence Academy
It was a scene reminiscent of Guardiola returning to the Nou Camp, as I was matched up against the school I learnt my craft. However, this was not about me, it was the 3 points on offer that mattered. Tired legs were telling as shipped 2 early goals 2-0 down. Richardson fired in a wonder goal from an acute angle 2-1…game on? Perhaps not as St Lawrence quickly reclaimed their 2 goal lead and despite a late 2nd it was not enough as the whistle blew 3-2 loss (Thanks Mr Sherwood!)
A fantastic day all round with all 5 players performing out of their skins. Mrs Watson was overjoyed as she boarded the mini bus back Sirius West, pride restored.
