On Tuesday afternoon Magna Academy’s Year 9 Football team played host to a school from North Dorset in the first round of the Dorset County Cup. It’s no secret that on the previous two occasions Magna had been beaten in the first round of this competition. As a result, Mr Ginger challenged the team to start the quickest and Magna duly obliged, captain James H netting a terrific header from a corner after just five minutes. Magna were off to an ideal start. After a tough fought first half, the opposition managed to score an excellent equaliser from a close range free kick to send the sides into the half time break all square at 1-1.
Magna responded by upping their performance levels in the second half and really started to take the game to the opposition. This effort was rewarded as Ben H scored with brilliant technique, hooking a ball that was coming across his body into the far top corner to make it 2-1 to the hosts. Just as Magna were looking comfortable, a defensive lapse led to another equalizer from the opposition, this time from close range. Magna had to find another push in order to secure a berth into the second round. Step up Harley R, who found himself in exactly the right position as the ball dropped from a corner. Harley finished high into the net to put Magna 3-2 up 15 minutes from the end of play. It was at this moment that Magna really had to dig in and battle hard for the victory. Gladiatorial-like performances from James H, Lewis B, Dolton L, debutant Felipe A and substitutes Mason W and Gabriel W, as well as pivotal saves from goalkeeper Kieran I saw Magna over the line. A fantastic 3-2 victory! Magna have booked their spot in the second round of the County Cup, a home fixture which will be played after the half term break. A huge well done goes to every single player, I am so proud of the sheer amount of battle and perseverance that we displayed in order to progress into the second round that has always eluded us until now. Let’s get ready to go again after half term!
Mr Ginger