Year 8 Football v LCHS
Priory LSST Year 8's cup campaign got off to a dramatic start with a match away at Christ's on a somewhat boggy pitch after a day of heavy rain.
After successive victories Joe Christopher continued in goal, Harry Milford returned at left back, captain Matty Clarke moved back to partner Sam Cavanagh at centre back and Mark Gee moved out to right back. In midfield Thomas Trimble and Jacob Thompson continued on the flanks with Jack Fixter and Will Sime in the middle of the park. Lucas Cooling partnered Jimmy Holden up front. Ryan Asher was on the sidelines along with Mike Baker and Phil Robertson, who were both looking to make their first appearance of the season.
LSST started the quicker of the two sides, and deservedly took the lead after 10 minutes when a good through ball by Jacob found Tom who saw his shot saved by the Christ's keeper but there was Will Sime on hand to knock in the rebound: 1-0. LSST remained on the front foot, mainly thanks to the skilful defending of Harry Milford, the tough tackling and vision of Jack Fixter and the tireless running of Holden and substitute Robertson up front. It was only due to some freakishly bad luck that Christ's pulled level on 20 minutes, a Mark Gee passback finding it's way under the boot of Joe Christopher and into the net via the post: 1-1. However, the lads' spirit was not to be broken and on the stroke of half time a Jack Fixter corner was inexplicably headed back into the area by a Christ's defender, Tom Trimble once again saw a shot blocked and there was Phil Robertson to hit high into the net: 2-1 H/T.
Further changes were made soon after half time, with Mike Baker coming on in the middle of midfield to mark Christ's dangerous playmaker and Ryan Asher replacing Jacob Thompson on the right wing. Both substitutes worked hard to maintain the momentum gained by the late first half goal and LSST continued to look good value for their lead. However, once again, the boys in blue were undone by bad luck, a free kick harshly awarded against skipper Clarke flying in via a deflection from the LSST wall. 2-2. With just ten minutes on the clock, LSST were awarded a free kick of their own just outside the area and up stepped the impressive Jack Fixter to blast the ball into the top corner. 3-2 and LSST look as though they are into the next round!
Those spectators counting chickens were given a shock though, when a long hopeful ball was not cleared by the tired LSST players and up popped a Christ's player to knock into the net. 3-3 F/T
The pack was again shuffled going into extra time, with Thompson re-emerging to add some extra pace. The first half of extra time came and went in the blink of an eye and it was then that Thomas Trimble was re-introduced to replace the hard working Ryan Asher and he had an instant impact, getting onto a loose ball in the penalty area, skipping past one challenge and being unfairly felled by the next. PENALTY! After some brief discussion Jack Fixter took responsiblity and confidently scuffed the ball into the corner of the net. 4-3 AET.
A great game, fantastic performances that were too numerous to mention and a brilliant spirit shown by all 14 players. Well done lads!