Brentwoodian 2019

60 spot in the ESFA national semi-final against John Madejski Academy. Finlay Turner, still learning when not to make a joke, was pleased to be starting. The opposition started the game quickly whilst dominating most of possession however, we remained strong and kept our shape well. With a lapse of concentration from the team, they managed to score the opening goal shortly before half-time. With a few changes made, our players needed to be more attacking-minded in order to have a chance of progressing. This meant that John Madejski scored again making it 2-0. With two late goals from Mason Murray and Finlay Turner this meant the game was going into extra time and then penalties. We narrowly lost on penalties 3-2, but I thought the team put in a courageous effort in order to reach the final stages of the competition. It has been a very successful season this year for the 2nd XI. With our opening match against the Old Brentwoods, we fought hard whilst dominating possession; it ended 2-2. Having shown promising signs throughout passages of the game, we knew work had to be done in training in order to strengthen our weaknesses. We recorded some difficult scores at the start of the season with losses to Alleyn’s School and Harris Academy 3-0 and 2-0 respectively. When Callum Balsom had finally finished doing his hair and Isaac Ng eventually turned up on time to training, we developed a strong chemistry and ensured high morale within the side. A strong middle of the season saw the 2nd XI only lose two games out of 18 with progression in ESFA competition. Strong wins against Forest School and Ravensbourne ensured we had secured a SECOND XI With a win percentage of 68% the efforts from the team this year can only be commended. Having never entered the ESFA competition before, reaching the semi-final had to be a highlight. Thanks to the Upper Sixth for their commitment throughout their final year at school. Max Fewster and Zak Wiggans ended the season top scorers and notable performers throughout included Ollie Scott, Jonny Mace and Fin Hardy. Special thanks to Mr Wingrove for his continued support. By Jack Warman The 3rd XI this season, which included 17 different goal scorers, was one of resilience and adaptability, often not reflected in certain scorelines. Our season did not begin in the way we had hoped and we were sometimes incapable of stringing a few passes together. However through the tactical innovations in a change in formation from Mr Murphy, the second coming of Guardiola, we remained unbeaten for six games through November to January. Involved in this success were the goal-scoring assassins, Sam Blundell and Mason Murray. The “pace” of Harrison O’Shea and Patrick Desmond in central midfield can also not go unnoticed, the latter scoring an outstanding free kick against Whitgift, a goal so good he is still going on about it today. The most memorable games of the season came in the 6-0 win over Bedford Modern and the 1-1 draw vs Dulwich College - both memorable for conflicting reasons. The teamwork involved in the 6-0 win would have put Barcelona to shame, through sensational goals by Jack Cheek, James Willy, Harrison O’Shea, Alex Maplesden and George Pugh. Contrarily, the 1-1 draw vs Dulwich was memorable due to individual brilliance from Clarke McGillicuddy, a 30 yard pile-driver. Too bad he missed the next 500 of the ones he attempted! And who could forget 'The Terrier' Alfie Fursedone, who displayed brilliant performances throughout the season and was finally rewarded with a goal in the penultimate game against Colfe’s, something he should cherish as who knows when the next one is going to come! The glue that held us together was the senior players of the team: Ryan Aston, Edward Brown and Patrick Desmond, making up for their lack of goals through their attitude towards the game and performances on the pitch. I, Captain Chris Lehr wish to state that I scored 3 goals this year, one being a beauty from halfway and I, Vice-Captain Narman Aria wish to state that although my performances were average, I never stopped persevering in trying to steal the Captain’s armband for myself. We as Captain and Vice Captain are incredibly proud of the 3rd XI. By Narman Aria & Chris Lehr THIRD XI