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Posted on February 25th 2016
Year 10 Football Team Storm into Harris Cup Final
The semi-final of the Year 10 Harris Cup, against Beckenham, was dominated yesterday by HBAED. Possession was high in the favour of our team as they battered the Beckenham goal in the first half only to see some great saves from the keeper.
The defence stood strong and held off wave after wave of attack as Beckenham pushed forward. The game really opened up after 20 minutes, as some thrilling end-to-end football emerged. Our team was outstanding and was strengthened by some outstanding attacking displays from Abioseh, Ahamed and Nathan. Josh and Thomas were consistent and reliable as always, as they led from the centre, dictating the attacking play, much to Beckenham’s dislike. Their defence were rattled as Shamar and Nathan proved near-on impossible to deal with, holding the ball up and troubling the Beckenham goal keeper.
Beckenham then pushed on the earn a corner, which resulted in a goal from a driven cross to go ahead 1-0 just before half time.
Pace and strength
Weighing up both the positive and negative aspects of the first half, HBAED devised a plan and made some changes to the formation. On came Ernest and Tom to solidify the midfield and provide some fresh pace and strength. The back four were compact and organised as they dismissed any chance of a Beckenham attack in the second half and the attacking play of HBAED began to prove more and more difficult for Beckenham to deal with.
With the roar of captain Marco echoing through King’s College sports ground, HBEAD were uplifted and really started to show their desire to get back into the tie. Dennis and Sam began to power forward as the formation further resembled a 1:10 look, with debutant Kai holding strong and producing some monstrous goal kicks! Having earned a free kick, Josh stepped up to deliver the ball and he sent it straight towards the Beckenham goal. The ball floated over the crowd of hustling players, and nestled in the side netting off the goal keeper. It was game on!
Last minute winner
HBAED pushed on further, creating numerous chances, without successful conversion. It was looking like a penalty shoot out to decide the winner, when Josh sent a long through ball over the Beckenham defence. Players from both teams stampeded towards the Beckenham goal, with completely opposing foci. East Dulwich were looking to get anything on the ball to score, where as Beckenham wanted to get the ball to any side line as fast as humanly possible!
And then, a player in orange made a break for the ball and, with a straining, out-stretched leg, poked the ball home for a last minute 2-1 victory! Well done to Nathan and every single member of a truly outstanding year 10 team.
The final will be played on Thursday 25th February – against Chafford Hundred or Crystal Palace.
