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Our new Year 7 football team finally took to the field to begin their march to glory, following multiple frustrating cancellations. The task was a tough one, travelling away to Coombe Wood School for the 2nd round of the ESFA National Cup.

HBAED asserted their dominance early on, taking the lead with a terrific effort from Captain Harrison. There was a relentless energy demonstrated in the team's pressing, particularly from Posi, Malachi and Liam up top as we looked for a second goal. Harrison and Omar had complete control of possession within the middle, whilst the rock-solid defence of Yahya, William, Josh and goalkeeper Antoni preserved a first half clean sheet and a 1-0 first half lead.

The second half started with some fresh legs. Bilal took to the right forward position in the search for more goals for HBAED, whilst Nicholas and Khiyari came in to keep Coombe Wood firmly away from our goal. Posi continued to torment the home defence and won a free kick on the far-left side. Harrison stepped up, with an intent look in his eyes to put this in the top corner. Surely, he couldn’t, could he?

HE COULD! A sweet strike took the goalkeeper by complete surprise and nestled into the top corner, what a goal!

Coombe Wood fought back well following this, and won a dubious penalty, which was despatched by their captain, game on. There was no panic within HBAED’s play. Possession was the priority and the mentality of ‘attack is the best form of defence’ was evident to see. Posi then had two superb goals ruled offside, which would have added much needed comfort. The tenacious Liam then found the ball dropping towards him after a blocked shot and without giving the goalkeeper a second to react, struck the ball ferociously into the top corner, a superb strike.

Game, set and match – on to the 3rd round!

Report written by Mr Cassells