Y8 Football – End of Season Report

[26 Apr 2016]

Last night’s agonising defeat on penalties to South Hunsley in the Semi-Finals of the Humberside Cup marked the end of an encouraging season for the Y8 boys.
 
Despite a slow start to the campaign the team has shown a fantastic attitude and willingness to work for each other. This approach has been reflected in their improving performances and results. Season highlights include runs to the Semi-Finals in both the Hull and Humberside Schools Cups, and finalists in the Hull Schools 5-a-sides.
 
In an era where it appears most school teams are assigned managers, assistant managers, physiotherapists, sports psychologists and kit men, the team already face adversity with only myself on the touch line. However, I’m really proud of their efforts and their evident growth as a team.
 
Connor Foster has established himself as the number one choice in goal with some excellent saves, releasing Lewis Wilson’s tireless running into midfield.
 
The reluctant centre half pairing of Harry Blackham and Ali Alsheriafe has been a revelation. Despite complaining at least 100 times within a game about wanting to move into midfield or up front the boys have been fantastic. Relying mostly on their natural physical attributes the boys are a handful for any attacker and will only improve as they learn the role. The defence has played with growing maturity in recent games with admirable support from ever present Nathan Firth, Lewis Bibby and Saracen Clark.
 
Leon Dalee continues to be an important part of the team providing steel and aggression within central midfield. His cultured left foot balances well with midfield partner Jack Brown as they try to regain possession, set the team on attack and spread the ball to wide men Layton Petherbridge, Harry Gould or Elliot Pashley.
 
Leon Stewart has again carried the fight to the opposition in most games with his all action style and willingness to run through brick walls. Sometimes unconventional but generally always effective, Leon’s direct approach was highlighted in the 5-a-side competition where he scored 11 goals on the way to the final. Omali Mukulenge and Charlie Shooter make up for a lack in size with craft and guile. Omali’s constant running was a threat all evening for the South Hunsley defence last night as he was rewarded with two goals.
 
Player of the Year: Harry Blackham
 
Most Improved Player: Ali Alsheriafe
 
Top Goalscorer: Leon Stewart
 
Please congratulate the boys on their performance and endeavour throughout the season. They’ve been a credit to the academy.
 
First-Team Squad:
 
Connor Foster, Lewis Wilson, Lewis Bibby, Saracen Clark, Harry Blackham, Ali Alsheriafe, Nathan Firth, Layton Petherbridge, Elliot Pashley, Jack Brown, Leon Dalee, Harry Gould, Leon Stewart, Omali Mukulenge, Charlie Shooter, Shahin Zamani and Ali Hussein.
 
5-a-Side Squad:
 
Lewis Wilson, Harry Blackham, Layton Petherbridge, Omali Mukulenge, Charlie Shooter and Leon Stewart.
 
Results:
 
Malet Lambert (L 1-5) – Stewart
 
Beverley Grammar (L 1-4) – Clark
 
Kelvin Hall (L 4-5) – Stewart (2), Mukulenge and Petherbridge
 
Boulevard (W 7-6) – Blackham (3), Stewart (2), Mukulenge and Shooter
 
Sirius North (W 8-2) – Stewart (2), Blackham (2), Petherbridge, Shooter, Mukulenge and Pashley
 
Andrew Marvel (W 4-1) – Stewart (2) and Mukulenge (2)
 
Beverley Longcroft (W 2-0) – Shooter and Stewart
 
St. Mary’s (L 0-4)
 
South Hunsley (D 3-3) – Mukulenge (2) and Stewart

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