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Posted on: 06/02/2018

We are in the quarter finals of the English Schools’ F.A Cup!

Burnham Grammar School – BoysFootball Team Success 

 

The ‘Burnham Bucks’ have done it again!

This time they had to travel to Exeter in Devon to face St. Peter’s Church of England School for this 7th Round tie in the ESFA Boys Under 15 Playstation Schools Cup.  

As a team progresses in any competition the task becomes harder for both sides have dispatched opponents to merit the next match.

The game against St. Peter’s proved to be another equal match of talent on a very good grass pitch that was affected by strong winds and a vigilant trio of officials.

 

BGS 1

The first half was notable for the long balls and strength of defence but was drawing to a close when St. Peter’s managed to scramble in a goal not long before the half-time whistle. Not a good time to go one down.

Conscious that a deficit, even of one goal, when going into the break, is not beneficial mentally the Burnham team quickly recovered and gave an immediate response with an attack that forced the ball into the St. Peter’s six yard area giving  Joe a chance only to see it blocked but not totally and when it came loose from the keeper, Ethan was there to finish it off at close range. Exuberant Burnham walked off at the half-time whistle with spirits high knowing that they now had the upper hand.

The second half see-sawed from end to end with Burnham steadfast defence standing strong around their central defenders,  Nrip and Matthew  who once again commanded the centre ground. The last line of defence in the form of Burnham goalkeeper Anhad  proved every inch of his worth.Time after time he came out to gather the long ball carried on the wind and  scrutinised the play to ensure maximum concentration at all times. There was one point  mid-way through the second half when an attacker forced himself through to the inner box when Anhad dived at the ball but in the scramble it came loose and the striker managed to turn and shoot at goal from close quarters only to find  Anhad  throw himself at the shot and deflecting it away for a corner – a brave and game-saving effort.

At full time it was still 1-1 and once again extra time was needed to settle the match.  Ten minutes each way and if all square then penalties (Oh no not again!).

The commencement of the first period saw a resumption of the ‘attack and defend’ syndrome but this time about five minutes into the half Burnham forced their way through and a shot by Esosa which was closely followed up by Alex found the back of the St. Peter’s net. It was 2-1 at the end of the period one whistle and everything to play for.  

Into the second period of extra time:  Now was the time for digging deep and withstanding the expected  onslaught from worthy opponents.  It duly came but was repulsed again and again and counter attacked by Burnham.  The end was drawing near and the referee acknowledged to the linesmen that full time had been played saying to one that he would whistle after this St. Peter’s corner.   The corner was cleared for a throw-in to St. Peter’s and when this came to nothing the whistle blew and Burnham had won a very hard victory.

The spirit and togetherness of the team was apparent in all ways throughout the match. Forced substitutions by injuries in each of the first and second halves brought smooth transitions to the team and when the referee felt he needed to have words with one or other of the Burnham team they were subsequently encouraged by their team-mates to not let the chastisements affect their play. Similarly, throughout the match the players gave each other encouraging words and gestures when necessary.

The Coach, Mr Lawson continuously offered calm encouragement to the players to maintain concentration and commitment. He was assisted by Mr Fawcett who made copious notes for the next match. The strategy paid off for the cohesiveness and togetherness of the team was apparent.

Every member of the team showed individual skills throughout the day and each deserve praise for their efforts.

The next round is the Quarter Final and this will be away to Carshalton Boys Sports College in Sutton. Date to be played is awaited.  

One statistical note: Carshalton have scored 23 goals over seven fixtures whereas Burnham have scored 24 goals over five fixtures but whatever the statistics it will prove to be another hard game.  Come on the ‘Burnham Bucks’!

 

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