Newsletters

Friday 1 October 2021

1st XI vs Twyford 
Drew 3-3 (Gabriel O 3) 

Pilgrims’ 1st XI started with a game against local rivals Twyford.  Twyford settled the quicker, and played some lovely football in the early parts of the half.  However, we were, whilst not playing our best, resolute and organised, and always dangerous on the break.  The scoring was broken when we failed to effectively close down from a throw in, and a long range effort from the edge of the box sailed into the corner.  Pilgrims’ did not lose heart however, and equalised through Gabriel O five minutes from half time to take us into the break all square – probably the right score.  In the second half, Pilgrims’ came out much the stronger, and with Gabriel scoring a cracker from the edge of the box, and then one from long distance that the ‘keeper failed to hold, we found ourselves two goals up.  Twyford didn’t give in though, and soon scored to reduce the deficit to one.  We pushed on for the goal that would have made it secure, but the Twyford ‘keeper was not to be beaten and made a couple of brilliant saves.  Twyford were always in the game, and with 5 minutes to go, a mix-up at the back post allowed them to equalise.  A slightly frustrating end, but a good first performance of the season from the boys and one we can build on moving forward. ASD 

2nd XI v Twyford 
Lost 3 – 1 (Archie C) 

This was a match of high drama, unbearable tension, and three penalties. On a big pitch in the late autumn sun, Twyford away as our first match of the season had the potential to be a tricky fixture. However, the simple truth is that Pilgrims' could (and probably should) have been out of sight after about 3 minutes, Dominic K-S crossing invitingly after about 30 seconds for our first gilt-edged chance, before two more came and went. Pilgrims' were then awarded our first penalty, which Archie C struck well, but the Twyford keeper guessed right and made a good save. With the scores level at half-time, a reminder to take our chances or face the consequences was the key message, and despite going a goal down against the run of play, Archie C finally put one away to level things up with about 15 minutes to go. Rory K was immense throughout and K-S's fearless running ended up with him being upended in the box for penalty number 2! Otto G stepped up but rolled it agonisingly wide of the post. It wasn't to be our day; heads didn't drop, but energy levels waned towards the end and Twyford struck on the break to lead with 5 to go, before a penalty of their own gave the scoreline a gloss that took the shine off an otherwise dominant Pilgrims' performance.

However, goals are the only currency that matter in football and in truth, we were just too wasteful. There were impressive performances everywhere which bodes very well for the future. A bit of a choker to take, but one to learn from! Excellent attitude, spirit and performance - well done to all.  WD

3rd XI v Twyford  
Lost 2-1 (Kunfayo O) 

As football games go, this was an enjoyable one. Being our first of the season, it was our first chance to try out what we had been practicing on the training ground. Much of which went well. Pilgrims’ boys played with their heads up, looking for passes. However, Twyford put a lot of pressure on. More than Pilgrims’ were used to. This made passing difficult and closed down space. Nevertheless, Kunfayo O and Alex A in attack were constantly harrying the Twyford defence. But the main problem for Pilgrims’ was in midfield. Twyford ringed all set pieces meticulously and Pilgrims’ didn’t quite have the know-how to get around them. Twyford ended up winning a lot of ball and kept driving up in attack. Thankfully, Thomas R played like he was on fire at CDM! And Felix C was outstanding in goal. A special mention must also go to Orson S who was electric on the ball. There is much room for improvement. We’ll be training hard and looking forward to our next game. PB 

4th XI v Twyford  
Won  2-0 

Colts A v Twyford 
Lost 2-1 (Orlando S) 

Pilgrims' faced a strong Twyford side at the weekend. The fixture was well-balanced throughout, with both sides having opportunities to take the game away from their opposition. Pilgrims' looked comfortable in the first half, maintaining possession of the ball and defending well. Pilgrims' kept their shape but lacked the end product in the final third. Twyford utilised the space in the wide areas and put a number of good balls in the box. Twyford took the lead before the end of the half, but it was Pilgrims' who grew back into the game during the second. Orlando S was on the end of our well-deserved goal. Unfortunately, despite applying pressure in the final moments, an equaliser did not come. A great team performance, and some encouraging signs for the rest of the season. MTG

Colts B v Twyford 
Lost 6-1 

Colts C v Twyford 
Won 3-0 

Foals A Stroud Tournament at Wellington Lane
The Foals went into the tournament full of excitement but got off to a slow start with a 0-0 draw against Stroud in a game they really should have won. The next match saw a deserved 1-0 win over Walhampton - William S scoring the winning goal. Missed chances in the third match saw another draw with Springhill 0-0. Finally, a 0-4 loss to Twyford meant the boys did not progress into the main cup.

Pilgrims' 0-0 Stroud
Pilgrims' 1-0 Walhampton (William S)
Pilgrims' 0-0 Springhill 
Pilgrims' 0-4 Twyford

Into the plate competition, Pilgrims' took a narrow 1-0 win against Walhampton B with a goal in the final seconds from Chenhan Z to progress to the final, but a tough game here saw the boys come up short with a 2-0 loss.

Ennis Z was once again the standout performer on the day, along with some fine football from William S. The boys can be pleased with the start they have made this season. Well done, chaps. JB

Foals Predator VII v Twyford 
Lost 4-0 

Faced against a strong opposition, the Predators’ defensive skills were pushed hard in the first half. However, the boys showed strong determination and character at half-time and pushed back hard to make sure no more goals were conceded in the second half. Some great goalkeeping (as well as some very risky runs) from Donghan L, combined with excellent defending from Edward G and Harrison E, meant the boys can hold their heads up high at the end of a tough fixture. CL 

Foals Copa VII v Twyford 
Lost 4-0  

Twyford is always a challenging fixture but it is always important to remember that any fixture increases our playing time and develops team camaraderie. Boots P’s work rate was fantastic. Well played boys. LH 

U9 Rovers v Twyford 
Lost 2-1 (Christian B) 

On Saturday, the Pilgrims’ U9 Rovers lost out in a close fought encounter against Twyford. A tentative start saw Twyford take control early on, scoring two well-taken goals through no fault of our own. This shook the U9s into action, and as the first half progressed, they gained the upper hand. For all this increased pressure, the U9s were unable to convert any chances. At half-time the scored remained 0-2 to Twyford.

The second half was a completely different story. Pilgrims’ U9 Rovers dominated from start to finish, with Christian B rounding off a superb move by firing into the bottom corner. With spirits up, all the boys put in 100% effort to try and force an equaliser. Despite numerous attempts, that all important second goal did not materialise and the game finished with Pilgrims' 1-2 Twyford. On another day Pilgrims' would have been victorious, but it was not to be.

This was a superb team performance, with some outstanding football being played at times. Continued focus on positional play is needed to make it easier for us to pass the ball into space and maintain the emphasis on attacking. All the boys contributed, and they should be proud of their efforts. Barney S and Patrick B linked up well and were the driving force when attacking. Special mention must be given to Archie W, as his positioning, strength in the tackle, and distribution demonstrated that he has all the qualities of a very good centre half. Well done, boys; lots of positives for us to build on. TMH

U9 Wanderers and Town v Twyford 

It was a fantastic afternoon for these boys’ long-awaited Pilgrims’ footballing debut! What could be better, with sunny weather in front of our famous castle on Wolvesey. The two sides from each school matched up against each other and half-time we swapped the visiting teams over. Twyford were the stronger but all the players were brilliant at doing their best and persevering – well done. AJS 

1st XI vs Ryde School with Upper Chine 
Won 4-1 (Gabriel O 4) 

The ISFA Prep school cup saw Pilgrims’ drawn against Ryde School on the Isle of Wight. Travelling on a ferry made it seem like a European fixture (Champions League music anyone?), and the boys (+ Mr Short) were excited by the adventure.  Even better, the game was superb. Ryde started strongly, and with a partisan crowd in the 1st half at their backs (it was their lunchtime, so 6th formers shouting encouragement!), Ryde certainly had the better of the first half. We held on resolutely, but when Ryde scored just before half time, I was worried that we might go under.  However, Gabriel scored from a scrappy header early in the second half, and from there, it was only going to go one way.  We increasingly took control of midfield, and more superb finishing from Gabriel, with three excellent finishes, saw us canter home in the end.  However, the score certainly flattered us, and I pointed out to the boys that the game was actually won in the first half when their committed approach kept us in the game.  All in all, a superb day (capped by being allowed by Wightlink to get an early ferry!), and the boys should be very, very proud of themselves.  Bring on round two! ASD 

3rd XI v Stroud 1st XI 
Lost 3 – 5 (Orson S 2, Kunfayo O 1) 

Playing Stroud’s 1st XI was a real challenge for Pilgrims’ 3rds. It was exactly what we hoped for, an exciting game against a good side. Stroud had several top-class players who passed and tackled with the experience of 1st team regulars. However, Pilgrims’ were not put off their stride. Once again, this week Thomas R was outstanding in defence as was Orson S in midfield. A big improvement this week came from William G playing at central midfield which gave the team a playmaker in the middle of things. With more passing and better momentum, Pilgrims’ were able to attack with verve. Rohan F was powerful and determined, pushing the ball up field with solid passes and creative running. He was ably assisted by Alex A and Kunfayo O who were ready to exploit all holes in Stroud's defence. In fact, Pilgrims’ would have been clear winners were it not for Stroud’s excellent goalkeeper. However, Stroud just managed to get ahead in the second half and although Felix C was excellent in goal, there was too much for him to do in the end. This was a great fixture for Pilgrims’ 3rds and has helped lay some foundations for the rest of the season. PB 

4th XI v Stroud 2nd XI 
Won 6-1 

Colts A v Stroud A 
Drew 2-2 (Felix F, Ben A)  

Pilgrims’ started slowly against Stroud on Wednesday, conceding straight from the kick-off. The Colts’ got up, dusted themselves off and grew increasingly into the match. Pilgrims’ started to take control of the midfield, building up long spells of possession in Stroud’s half. Barnaby D bossed the midfield, picking out passes and working hard off the ball. By half-time, our confidence was back, but we were still down on the scoresheet. The second half made for fantastic viewing, both sides endeavoured to put the game to bed. Pilgrims’ worked efficiently, creating chance, after chance. Felix F rifled an equaliser home as Pilgrims’ continued their charge. Stroud came back strongly as the game opened up. With seven minutes on the clock, Ben A was able to stab the ball home after a goalmouth scramble as we took the lead. With only minutes remaining, a deflected strike found its way into the net to level the score for Stroud. A draw is perhaps a fair reflection of the efforts of both teams; however, Pilgrims’ can feel understandably disappointed not to have finished victorious. Fantastic effort from all, well done! MG 

Colts B v Stroud 

Won  

Colts C v Stroud 

Won 8-2 

Colts D & E triangular v Stroud 

Lost 4-2 

Lost 1-0 

Foals A Mercurial v Stroud 
Lost 1-0 

Pilgrims’ matched Stroud for the entire game and produced some excellent football at times. Charles N worked tirelessly in midfield and Chenhan Z looked threatening going forward. However, as is becoming increasingly clear this season, the boys struggled to find the back of the net. Stroud also had their moments and forced some great goalkeeping from Ennis Z to keep the score 0-0 into half-time. After the break it was more of the same, both teams going toe to toe but not managing to break the deadlock. It was only in the final minute of the game when Stroud delivered a corner into the Pilgrims’ penalty box, the ball bounced off bodies in a bit of a mess and ended up over the line. A very cruel way to end the game for Pilgrims’ who did not deserve to lose the match! On to the next one, with hopefully, some goals! JB 

Foals B Tiempo v Stroud 

Won 4-0 

U9 Rovers vs Prince's Mead 
Won 1-0 

U9 Rovers vs Stroud 
Won 8-0 

Pilgrims’ U9 Rovers had a great afternoon winning 1-0 in a tight game against Prince's Mead and then 8-0 against Stroud as part of a triangular tournament.  The boys were dominant throughout the day with goalkeeper Lucas J having to make very few, but important saves. Special mentions must go to Patrick B, Elliot N, and Barney S for their exceptional finishing. 

U9 Athletic vs Stroud 
Won 1-0 

A strong performance against well-matched opposition.  We were very solid at the back – well done Seb and Nicolas, who were always alert to danger. As the game went on, we dominated and increasingly played in their half. A goal was just reward. Davis looked a natural in front of goal. 

U9 Athletic vs Princes Mead 
Won 2-0 

Another powerful game, with many outstanding performances.  Farid was dominant on the right, Harry was strong on the right and Austin, as ever, was a real workhorse, snuffing out any threats. Again, as the game wore on, we dominated possession and field position.  Boris was everywhere on the pitch and Eddie was incredibly versatile in many positions.  Well done, chaps, on a successful afternoon. 

U9 Town & Wanderers 

It was another cracking afternoon, with Prince’s Mead playing excellent hosts. Our two teams each played Stroud and Prince’s Mead and then finished the afternoon playing each other, whilst Stroud and Prince’s Mead had their match. I have been impressed with the way that coaching is being taken on board, in particular regarding bunching round the ball. We are now seeing some positional awareness being employed with better passing. Keep it up, chaps! AJS 

U8 Football Festival vs Stroud and Prince's Mead 

On Thursday, U8 welcomed Stroud and Prince's Mead for a football festival. The afternoon was a success with all boys showcasing their ability and representing their schools excellently. Pilgrims’ worked well in their teams, looking well- organised and focused on the outcome. Each and every boy should be proud of their performance, working hard on and off the ball, passing well and putting themselves in attacking positions. A special mention to Rio C, who scored three goals over his two fixtures and to Edward Z for his focus and work rate over the afternoon. Well done to all, I look forward to seeing how your next fixtures go! MTG 

1st XI at Hall Grove Tournament 
Winners 

On a blustery but very pleasant afternoon, the 1st XI ventured to Hall Grove School for their Oscar Foundation 1st XI tournament.  A new location for Pilgrims’, with many new schools played, and a highly enjoyable afternoon culminated with the collection of winners' medals.  

A simple format (five teams played four 15 minute games against each other to find the winners in a league over the afternoon) led to some excellent, well-matched games. We started strongly in our first match against Edgeborough, but failed to manage more than a 0-0 draw; despite dominating possession, we simply couldn’t get the ball in the net. A comfortable 2-0 victory over Daneshill followed, with goals from Thomas R (lovely finish across the goal) and Hugo L (calm finish after a goalmouth scramble). Our third game against Eagle House was perhaps our toughest of the afternoon; we made lots of chances, but they did too. 0-0 was a fair result. And so to the final game, against the hosts, with the winner deciding the tournament. We started strongly and when Gabriel O scored with a header direct from a corner, it looked like it might be comfortable; however, Hall Grove kept plugging away, and we were indebted to goalkeeper Thomas E with a spectacular save five minutes from time, deflecting a low shot onto the post and away for a corner. 

A great afternoon’s football, and all played well (special note must go to the defence for not letting a goal in all afternoon).  Well done, boys! ASD