After a disappointing exit in the first round of the Dorset County Cup, the Year 8 boys football team returned to winning ways on a crisp and clear Thursday afternoon away at a local school.
The game started at a frantic pace, with neither team managing to settle and thread many passes together. Magna soon settled down though and started to assert their dominance in possession. This was rewarded when midfielder Harry B opened the scoring from a close range free kick. Magna then began to dominate the rest of the first half, stringing some nice phases of play together in the middle of midfield and in wide areas. Attacking midfielder Ben H finished well from close range after a lovely team move, a first goal in just a second appearance for Ben. 2-0 at halftime.
The second half was played under the floodlights, with the significant drop in temperature rather reflected in a sluggish opening 10 minutes. The opposition managed to half the deficit with just 15 minutes to play, tapping in from close range to pile the pressure on. This was exactly what Magna needed to uplift their performance and reassume control of the game. Not 5 minutes after conceding, Magna restored their two goal advantage – Harley R with a proper poachers goal from 2 yards out. The game was put to bed shortly after, Bailey D whipping in a corner that an opposition player couldn’t help but turn into their own net. A last minute lapse in concentration saw Magna concede a consolation just before the final whistle, final score 4-2.
This game was a much needed victory for the boys, coming off the back of two straight defeats. The coaching team were particularly impressed with the style of football that was played for the majority of the game, with Magna frequently looking to thread several simple passes together and play the way they were facing. This is really pleasing as we have worked on this a lot in training. Today’s man of the match was Harry B, with his free kick goal and excellent playmaking ability really helping to control possession and assert Magna’s advantage. Well done Harry! Other notable performances include Lewis B and James H for keeping things calm and solid at the back, Dolton L for his exceptional determination and battling throughout on just his second appearance for the team and Ben H for his control, playmaking and debut goal on just his second appearance as well! A well needed and deserved victory boys, now let’s put a run together!
Mr Ginger, Mr Clapcott & Mr Hammett