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Posted on November 18th 2024
Brilliant Game Sees Year 7 in National Cup 4th Round
Year 7s demonstrate a full house of Active Citizenship traits to book their place in the National Cup 4th Round!
The games did not get any easier for our Year 7 Football team. Following their London Cup success on Monday, they faced the daunting prospect of going away to St Thomas the Apostle (STAC) in the 3rd round of the National Cup.
The boys started the game showing bundles of confidence in the early stages of the game. They moved the ball well and had opportunities to go ahead against a strong defence. Posi ran through with a chance to make it 1-0 but was pulled down by the defender. Posi mirrored the confidence shown by his teammates, to strike a beauty of a free kick into the bottom corner, 1-0!
Resilience needed to be shown throughout the rest of the first half, with STAC coming back into the game. They equalised with a lovely finish into the bottom corner on the break. From there until half time, Harris Boys needed to dig in and that they did. A well-deserved rest and a time for fresh ideas.
Ambition and confidence
After two changes and a new formation, we began to find our stride again after half time. The team were curious to find ways to open the resolute STAC defence. Multiple efforts from Malachi, Posi, Harrison and Liam were saved, whilst endless long throws from Joshua caused them even more problems. Still, we couldn’t find a way!
With six minutes to go, STAC scored. The boys would have been forgiven for having their heads firmly against the floor. However, this team is made of stronger stuff. The team showed ambition to claw their way back in. The lively Posi was awarded a penalty with two minutes to play, which he put away with confidence.
Disaster then struck with a minute to play, as STAC went 3-2 ahead with an unbelievable strike. Surely, you’d think that’s game over? THINK AGAIN! With 30 seconds on the clock, Harrison beat a defender and had the goal at his mercy, hundreds of students from STAC who were spectating could barely watch. Harrison remained calm, composed and confident to strike the ball into the bottom corner, ice in his veins.. 3-3!!!
Penalty shootout drama
This incredible game then went to the cruel world of a penalty shootout, which neither team deserved to lose out on. The confidence was oozing from our boys however, as multiple boys put their hands up to take a penalty. The team passed on their encouragement to goalkeeper Colman, who had been outstanding all game.
Magnificent penalties were scored from Posi, Joshua and Yahya which had the shootout tied at 3-3. Colman then produced the moment of the day, saving a penalty with a strong right hand. Omar and Harrison calmly stepped up to secure the win and our place in the 4th round – WHAT. A. GAME! Our boys finally demonstrated their most impressive trait of the day, respect. Soon after the win was secured, they consoled the opposing team and shook their hands after what was a brilliant game of football.
A huge well done to: Colman, Khiyari, Yahya, Joshua, William, Harrison, Liam, Posi, Tyrese, Malachi, Bilal & Omar – A brilliant win!
Report written by Mr Cassells
STAC 3-3 HBAED (HBAED WIN 5-3 ON PENS)
Goals: Posi x2, Harrison.
Penalties: Posi, Joshua, Yahya, Omar, Harrison.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Colman – What a debut from the keeper!
