2011-2012 Season Year 8 football v William Farr

The Priory Academy LSST Y8 started their campaign with an away trip to a blustery William Farr. The side was captained by right-back Owen Mitchinson and joining him across the back four in front of goalkeeper Joe Christopher were Jack Fixter, Mark Gee and Harry Milford. Providing the width were Jacob Thompson and Sam Cavanagh with Sam Biggs and Will Sime patrolling the midfield. Spearheading the attack were James Holden and Lucas Cooling, with Ryan Asher on the bench.

Right from the very start LSST were looking to get the ball down and play, and within five minutes the first chance came, with James Holden narrowly missing out by tucking a shot against the inside of the far post, only to see the ball rebound into the goalkeeper’s arms. The rest of the half continued in much the same vein and only some smart work from William Farr’s defence and goalkeeper retained parity, in particular a save from a speculative Will Sime effort.

A series of corners were well cleared by the home defence, until eventually one of Jack Fixter’s many skilful set-pieces was turned home at the back post by Jacob Thompson – a well deserved lead at the break.

Ryan Asher replaced Sam Cavanagh on the right wing at the start of the second half and it was Asher’s industry down the flank which nearly brought a second goal for LSST, only to see his through ball to James Holden cut out by the William Farr defence. The wandering Jack Fixter began to cause real problems for the home side, and being ably supported by Sam Biggs in midfield, he began to run the show, putting through balls to the forwards on regular occasions.

Any William Farr attack was well repelled by the LSST defence, marshalled superbly by Mitchinson and Milford, who were outstanding all the way through the game. William Farr’s only real clear cut chance came five minutes from the end of the game, however Joe Christopher was able to watch the ball sail past his past and out for a goal kick.

This was a hard fought win in difficult condition against a reasonably useful William Farr side. A very good start by all concerned but surely there will be tougher challenges ahead.