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Match report from Mr Jones:

It was the boys turn to take to the field this week as the year 11 boys kick started their final football campaign as students of St Augustine Academy. A full squad of 16 including 2 year 10s were ready for battle against neighbours St Simon Stock. It was the visitors that adapted to the tricky playing surface the best as they started brightest and had SAA penned into their half early on. They were rewarded for this when the Stocky striker pounced on a rebound to put them 1-0 up. Still SAA could not get going as St Simon Stock dominated first and second balls. A mistimed clearance at the back from SAA allowed their striker to bow down on goal once again and score for 2-0. A string of fine reflex saves from Matthew Finch kept the home side in the game early on. SAA finally began to grow into the game, year 10 Jayden West trying to make things happen. It would be the winger on the other flank that would give SAA their first real chance though as the pace of Callum Houghton-Ayling allowed him to nip in front of the keeper and round him before the Stocky centre back made a phenomenal slide tackle as Callum went to pass the ball into the back of the net.

Half Time SAA 0-2 St Simon Stock. A few changes at half time saw JayJay Hudson come on and Eldho come on for his first minutes for the school team. But still St Simon Stock were the brighter of the two teams. A quickly taken free kick went short, before the St Simon Stock player would blast the ball from distance into the top corner. A great strike for 0-3. The SAA students felt aggrieved that the free kick was allowed to be taken quickly and this seemed to spark them into life. The midfield of Jayden West, Harry Brooks and Chris Asher began to get on the ball and dictate the game. An excellent corner from Alfie Twyman was met by Euan Baker at the back post for 1-3. A confident SAA finally began to play and some brave goalkeeping from the St Simon Stock keeper kept the game at 1-3 and it felt like it wasn’t going to be our day. The home side refused to lay down as Callum Houghton-Ayling scored a well-deserved goal, he was relentless in the second half in closing people down and chasing through balls. 3-2 and game on! A dangerous corner again caused havoc and it resulted in a penalty for SAA. Step up skipper Harry Brooks from the spot.

The keeper from St Simon Stock went the right way but couldn’t keep it out. A frantic end to the game ended with two great saves from each keeper Stockys keeper denying Callum again and Lewis Bradley tipping a low shot round the post that looked destined for the bottom corner. Final score 3-3, a fantastic game and a spirit and determined performance to be proud of. We need to start games with that confidence and bravery to get on the ball and we will show the potential that I believe this team has.

Player of the Match – Jayden West really impressed, he kept trying to get on the ball and make things happen for us. He was direct and dragged us into the game. Euan Baker was excellent as he won many headers along with Cameron Snepp who battled well for 80 minutes. Harry Brooks led by example second half too.