Parents

Football match report

Beths Grammar School 1 - 3 Dane Court Grammar School

As part of their preparations for Saturday's Kent Cup Semi Final our Year 9s travelled to BETH's Grammar School in Bexley yesterday, Monday 20th February. The fact that the game was played is in itself a testament to the status of this team within the county as we were contacted by Beth's who asked to play against us as they wanted to play a team of quality for their students to test themselves against the current county champions. For our boys to forfeit a day off school to play was a reflection of the sporting spirit and competitiveness that sits well within this squad. It also represented an opportunity for us to glean some information about the Welling team that we will face this weekend, who beat Beths in the Quarter Final on penalties after the game was tied 2-2 after extra time.

We travelled with a strong squad and we intended to utilise it to the full, this was reflected in the starting eleven where we made a number of changes to the side that started the last game in the English Schools Competition. This, therefore, represented an opportunity for those not usually in the starting line-up to impress in a match environment which is essential in order for them to contest for a starting place. The adjustments to the team meant that we failed to hit our stride early on as Beths', clearly energised by the prospect of beating the current Kent Cup holders, started strongly showing strength in midfield and pace in a three pronged attack. The new centre back pairing of McGuirck and Holden were required to make a number of interventions but overall our play was tentative and lacking in the conviction and pace that we have come to expect. Beths early dominance was rewarded with the opening goal from a corner delivered to the front post for the attacker to nip in front of his marker and tuck away a header. Dane Court responded with more urgency but the game was crowded in the centre of the pitch as we failed to make the most of a short but wide playing area, whilst our effort was admirable we failed to control the tempo or dictate the game, Beths continued to attack and Joe Peskett in goal was required to come off his line quickly on a number of occasions to clear.

As the half wore on the team adjusted to their new positions and the changes in personnel. The team began to enjoy more possession and exert more influence on the play in the opposition half as their attacking instincts came to the fore. Our full backs in particular gave more support going forwards and this led directly to our first goal. Van Hinsbergh linked well with Paxman down the left and the full back delivered a cross for Todd Jordan who adjusted his feet well to fire home from a tight angle. This continued a remarkable run of goals from the attacking midfielder which has seen him score in each of his last six games. The goal spurred the rest of the team into greater action and they would finish the half the stronger team, good work from Mileham putting the opposition defence under pressure would see the ball once again at Jordan's feet whose chip was mere inches from being perfect but the keeper saved well. A half time lead was within grasp and emerged from a set piece. A corner ran right across the box only to be returned from the back post, the ensuing melee saw Mileham poke the ball into the corner of the goal and secured a 2-1 advantage at the break.

The second half would see the team playing up the hill and into the wind which would force them to pass the ball more and as is so often the case this would suit them better than looking for a ball over the top. A degree of control would settle the team and the introduction of Adams into midfield brought this about. Working alongside Foster passes found feet more often which meant Yogendran and Paxman could hug the touchlines and stretch the defence, their task was made easier as now Cohen was providing superb support on the right hand side. The boys revelled in the space in these wide channels and several opportunities arose as a result causing a rising tide of desperation in the home side. A period of sustained pressure drew three excellent stops from the Beth's keeper but the incessant attacking was now more controlled than it had been in the first half. Eventually the pressure would tell as a fiercely struck free kick from Foster was punched into the air and Dan Adams was on hand to touch home the rebound. A 3-1 score line may have been harsh on Beths who individually possessed a number of very strong players but our team cohesion proved greater yet again. This was epitomised by the organisation and communication of Harry Holden who managed to control and dictate the shape of the defence despite the continuous roar of articulated lorries thundering along the A2 behind him.

A good victory for the team but perhaps more importantly lessons learned on adjusting to new formations and most significantly a growing recognition of the need to organise and communicate as a team when placed under pressure.

So onto the next challenge we move and it is a notable one, a second semi final in two years represents a significant achievement, this team knows its aims however, and they will endeavour to meet these with a victory this Saturday. The game is sure to be an entertaining one and our opposition are certain to pose a rigorous test, we hope to see you all at Dane Court on Saturday 25th February for a 10.30am start.