By Trevor Stocker Today’s match was an opportunity for Priory Celtic to redeem themselves after a wet a muddy defeat a few weeks ago. This morning we were all grateful for a little sun on our faces as the boys warmed up for the match. It was great to see our goalkeeper Cayleb back after his thumb injury too. The match was set to be a 9 v 9 playing with offside rules, thankfully Rei was able to step in as linesman in his flip flops to support the match!
Both teams played fiercely from the kickoff whistle, with the ball up and down the pitch, a few bounces of the ball just catching us out. The first real chance came a few minutes into the match for Priory Celtic from a corner ball that went just wide. We fought back quickly up the pitch with a through ball to Maxi but he was caught out offside. There was a real battle across the midfield with Teddy, Ezra and Maxi pushing up the field and dropping to assist with defending.
Our first chance on goal came from Ezra’s boot but it went safely into their goalkeeper. The Priory Celtic boys and girls pushed back hard on us, really working our back three that were well marshalled by our Captain today, Jake. These first ten minutes showed we were on for a real treat of a match between these two sides. A great cross in from Priory saw Kiran step up for a superb save, the first of many in the first half.
Star Strike kept their cool and pressured a free kick which was well placed into the box and Jake had a number of attempts to get it over the line, but the ball was eventually wrestled to the ground by their keeper.
About 15 minutes in Ezra struck the ball across the box but was denied the goal as it came off the cross bar causing the crowd to gasp as it was close.
Priory Celtic were in no mood to let us take control of the match though fighting back for a corner ball after a chase into the box that was forced just wide. Shortly after the best chance of the match came with a goal kick from their half which put them in a 3-on-1 position with Kiran who kept his nerve with a terrific block to keep a clean sheet. The pressure was firmly on with the Celtic boys firing on all cylinders! Forcing further saves from Kiran and were unlucky with a great strike that came off the cross bar too.
Star Strike put all the things we have been practicing in training together, and towards the end of the first half boys’ teams were looking worn out. Then from nowhere a little bit our magic took place on the pitch for us…. A ball up the line to Teddy on the wing who clashed with their defender made a beautiful turn and pass over to Danial who carried the ball safely again making the cross to Reuben, who kicked the ball into the corner of net! GOOOOOOOAAAALLL, as the crowd erupted! Reuben had a great celebration with the team, dropping to his knees. It was fantastic play and well fought for as the first half ended 1 - 0 up.
Scott briefed the boys at half time and focused on them. It had been a tremendous effort in tough match so far and they were all ready for a well-earned drink and rest.
As I already highlighted Priory were in no mood to let us run away with it and came out fighting in the second half, applying the pressure to us and for a few minutes we were pinned down in our half. We managed to break out and fight back up the pitch to win a corner, but the ball from Ezra went way over the top of the goal on this occasion.
Priory were straight back up the pitch at us with a real chance for Priory forcing a critical save from Cayleb, who resumed Goalkeeping duties in the second half.
The next ten minutes of the match were brilliant to watch, and the crowd was cheering on their respective teams! Finally, we got a break though with Ezra making a fantastic run up the right-hand side of the pitch, a great cross in to Reuben in the box, who was able to slot the ball over the line for our second goal!
Moments after though, the Priory Celtic boys and girls showed they were not out of it yet with an awesome strike from the halfway line over everyone, including our keeper. Goal for the opposition! Taking us to 2 - 1 in the last few minutes of the match.
A few substitutes saw Ryan and Kiran come on into the midfield to give us a boost. But Priory could sense a draw and worked us hard across the pitch. This pressure eventually forced a handball error in our box for a penalty with moments to go...
Cayleb prepared himself like the final penalty of the World Cup… the ball was kicked hard towards the goal (as the crowd held its breath)… Cayleb launched forward to save but the ball was momentarily loose before he secured it again to the relief of the Star Strike fans!
The battling continued and Daniel took a big tackle where the ball struck him in the face and had to be subbed off, he was super brave.
We kept going to the very end, with pressure back on Priory, forcing multiple corners. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the ball over the line again before the final whistle. Scores at the end 2 – 1 to Star Strike.
It we such an immense effort from all the boys today, some amazing individual performances, passes and teamwork which helped us to secure the well-earned win. It was great to see the smiles on their faces after putting in the hard work and determination. Super proud of all of them, they dug deep for this win.
Some areas of improvement for training though, so please try and come to the training sessions in the week! It really benefits the boys’ teamwork.
Onwards to face Second Chance Academy next weekend!
