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Elshaddai, Year 9, reports on Year 9's victory in the Harris Cup over Harris Academy Purley.

In a jaw-dropping football face-off between HBAED and Harris Academy Purley (HAPU) in the first round of the Harris Cup, Active Citizen traits of ambition and resilience were shown throughout the entirety of the showdown.

The match ended with a staggering 5-2 victory for HBAED. From the first whistle, HBAED showed teamwork and determination, with Ayomide setting us off with a great shot on target with the opposing side’s keeper saving it.

But the second time’s the charm, right? By the fourth minute Ayomide was able to gift HBAED our first goal with a stunning reverse stepover and, cool with ice in his veins like Frozone, he slotted the ball in the back of the net.

The tone was set from then on and not long after Ayomide, once again with a goal stemming from teamwork with Kayleb, showed how it’s supposed to be done. 2-0.

HBAED continued to show why South London do it best with Jayden bossing the midfield. However, disaster struck as Purley acted on a loose ball, getting a goal back. 2-1. The opposition were then gifted a penalty, which was scored, which was quickly followed by another goal to make it 2-2. Little did the opposition know this would be their last goal. With an unstoppable back four of Nathan, Holy, Abel and Kaleb we were set for another goal.

With an inspiring half-time talk from Mr. Weir and Mr. Cassells, the boys were more than energised to face the second half. With Anis playing an exemplary half at RW, a personnel over personal change was made. Harun was subbed on for Anis, leading the boys to play two defensive midfielders and that was a decision to remember. Harun and Jayden’s link-up play brought memories of Xavi and Iniesta back at Barca.

From the start, an impact was felt as our No. 9 Mr. Jacob was creating chances and happened to play the ball to Ayomide who went on a glorious solo run and there obviously could only be one outcome, a fourth for the Fulham boys. 4-2. We were set for a comfortable win, but Purley believed they were still in it. However, our keeper Elshaddai thought otherwise.

Their CM had a crack at goal from just outside the box and it looked as if they were going to get another goal back but Elshaddai to the rescue as he leaped to tip the ball over the bar. Harun then received the ball, turned to his right and sent the ball to the back of the net where it belonged and happily celebrated with rest of team at the corner flag with crossed fingers signifying the familiar built relationship between the boys.

A final score of 5-2 with the boys leaving the away ground with joy proclaiming that: “We’re through to the next round!” Deservedly so!!

By Elshaddai, Year 9