Football Report

T. W. Roberts

FOLLOWING A COMFORTABLE 3-0 WIN LAST WEEKEND AGAINST THE KINGS SCHOOL, THE SECONDS THE SECONDS TRAVELLED TO NEWINGTON TO TAKE ON A SIDE THAT HAD BEATEN THEIR OPPOSITION 4-0 THE WEEKEND BEFORE. In what was always going to be a tight contest, the team started slowly conceding early to a well-worked set piece by Newington. Shore created chances, however, and kept playing their football, but Newington held their 1-0 lead into half-time. Unfortunately, the team couldn’t handle Newington’s numerous attacks in the second half and went down 5-0 at full-time against a Newington side that will be challenging with Shore for the GPS Seconds premiership.

The same can be said about the Firsts. After dismantling The Kings School 5-1 last weekend, the Firsts came up against Newington, a team that had already won two pre-season trophies, including the AAGPS Plate Trophy, a couple of weeks beforehand. In a game that was expected to be physical and scrappy, the plan was to be patient when defending, keeping a compact shape, and hitting on the counter when we can. The main message before the game was to come out with energy and intensity and the team did so, by dominating the first twenty minutes of the game, creating a few chances. However, a half volley from outside the box off a corner gave Newington a 1-0 lead which they kept until half time. The Firsts started off the second half immediately on the back foot, conceding early and making the goal of a comeback even harder. Shore kept playing well but it wasn’t until a late third goal for Newington right on full time which put the game to bed. Final score, 3-0 to Newington.

Due to the upcoming long weekend, the squad gets a weekend off and plenty of time to train before our next match against St. Joseph’s College in two weekends time.