1st XI v Farleigh
Won 3-1 (OG, Giovanni S 2)
A beautiful autumnal afternoon was graced with an excellent performance by the 1st XI. The first half of the game was fairly even, though with Pilgrims’ being first to the ball, the balance of play was more in Farleigh’s half. A couple of chances went begging, and one starts to worry when you don’t take your chances when on top. However, five minutes from time a slice of luck presented itself, with a long ball bouncing off the Farleigh centre-back and over the goalkeeper, giving us a deserved 1-0 lead going into half-time. Five minutes into the second half, Giovanni S scored a wonderful breakaway goal to give us what seemed like some comfort. However, this only served to wake up Farleigh, who suddenly became more combative and played some lovely football. When they scored with five minutes to go, there could have been trouble. However, straight from the kick-off, a mistake by the Farleigh centre-half presented Giovanni with a simple tap in for this second goal of the match. A really good performance from the boys, and an excellent result. Well done. ASD
2nd XI v Farleigh
Lost 5 – 1 (Guy P)
This was a fairly chastening day at the office. On a mammoth pitch, we never really got to grips with the space and weren't tactically aware enough to prevent us being overrun in midfield. This was a good Farleigh side and whilst the score line was perhaps a little flattering to them, there was no doubt that they deserved it. Some of their goals were well finished, whilst others came about through not clearing our lines and inviting pressure on ourselves. The second half was a much more even affair, but we had shipped 4 goals by then which is too much of a head start to be giving teams. A second half penalty miss might have doubled our tally but would not have had any bearing on the outcome. Things to build on but also an opportunity to put things right next time. WD
3rd XI v Farleigh
Won 4 – 1 (William G, Kunfayo O 3)
Finally, Pilgrims’ 3rd XI played the game that has been in the locker since the start of term. Right from the start they were out of the blocks and chasing down the goals. After five minutes, and thanks to great skill right from defence up to attack, they had a one nil lead after William G took his chances in front of goal. Ten minutes later and Kunfayo slotted one in from about twenty yards out. This was all credit to the whole team whose passing and running off the ball kept Farleigh completely out of the game. But then Farleigh woke up and just as they did Pilgrims’ assumed the game was theirs and were ready to go home. For the next twenty minutes, taking us well into the second half, Farleigh were on top and eventually got the goal they deserved. At 2 – 1, the game could have gone either way. In the nick of time, Pilgrims' once again stirred into action. A rebound, led by the determination and energy expended by Rohan F whose running up and down the pitch, passing into space, and all-round excellent vision pulled the team back from complacent oblivion. Before long Kunfayo had his chances, and he does not waste them! It was a great team effort. Every boy was at his best. PB
4th IX v Farleigh
Won 6 – 0 (Freddie F 2, Alex A, Jaden P, OG, Harry H)
The 4th IX demonstrated their class in this encounter with well-accomplished passing and movement. They scored five in the first half with sustained pressure and an unwillingness from Farleigh to deny them time and space. At half-time, we reset our goals to maintain high standards of play. Farleigh, too, were more resolute. Well played all. AJS
5th IX v Farleigh
Won (William C 3, Sebastian N)
The 5ths played away on Wednesday. The first half was a nail biter with a score of 1-1 at half-time thanks to a tremendous goal from William C. In the second half, Pilgrims’ ran away with it. Sebastian N scored a great goal and William C went on to complete a hat-trick!
There was some solid defence work from Ben H and great play in the midfield from Ben T and Seb N. The team really appreciate all parents who fought the traffic to support us on an away game. DBO
![](/_site/data/files/images/auto_upload/E8C11AD24EE054365ECFE214287B5229.png)
Colts A VII ISFA Under 11 Tournament at Bedales
Progressed to the quarter-finals (lost on penalties)
The Colts A travelled to an eleven team ISFA tournament hosted at Bedales School. The boys turned up excited and raring to go; this, coupled with ten other excited squads and plenty of parental support made for an excellent afternoon of football. Pilgrims' worked hard in their first match, but RGS Guildford came out on top after a defensive breakdown. The boys put this to the back of their heads and won their next fixture convincingly. Olly P and Rory D controlled the midfield and created attacking avenues for their teammates. Our next two group games were tough against strong, physical sides. Pilgrims’ contested well in both, showing great determination and work rate over the pitch. Neil C made a couple of driving runs from defence, creating a few chances that were not converted. Next, came an agonising wait as we watched on, hoping that other results in the group went our way. Thankfully, we had done enough to make it through to the quarter-finals. Here we faced up against Group A winners, Churcher's. Pilgrims' looked refreshed and played more positive football in this game. The boys battled tirelessly, stringing together some great passages of play. Crucially though, we could not get the breakthrough as the game ended 0-0. The final whistle blew and the atmosphere changed as the realisation of penalties hit both players and supporters. Pilgrims’ took this in their stride with cool heads and were able to tuck away their penalty kicks. James P was close on a couple of save attempts, guessing and going the right way. Unfortunately, Churcher’s was victorious on this occasion, but the boys should be proud of their efforts throughout the afternoon. The boys showed glimpses of excellence throughout the afternoon, especially in the quarter-final. Well played, all! MTG
![](/_site/data/files/images/auto_upload/F8CEF9E2827404C0AC7EB89D3357A1BB.png)
Colts B VII v Farleigh
Lost 6-1
Colts C VII v Farleigh
Lost 4-1
Colts D VII v Farleigh
Won 4-1 (George S 3, Alex W)
Playing the ball along the ground and out wide was the order of the day. Although marking was loose in the first half, Pilgrims' dominated the Farleigh half for the majority of the first half. George S was converted his second hat-trick in as many matches, and despite fewer goals being scored, the performance was much more effective. Farleigh scored their consolation goal late in the match and just as Pilgrims' looked to a deserved fifth, the final whistle was sounded. This was a very strong performance because the Pilgrims’ boys played no-nonsense football. AA
![](/_site/data/files/images/auto_upload/7BC5EF121C4D0A13F2055423964E2A61.png)
Foals A VII v Farleigh
Lost 4-0
Foals were beaten by the better side today. Farleigh had some excellent players who moved the ball quickly and found passes far more regularly than Pilgrims’. Pilgrims' showed great heart however and continued to work hard throughout. At time Pilgrims’ showed glimpses of good attacking play, but the few chances they did create were not converted. Ennis Z was once again a standout performer and rescued Pilgrims’ on many occasions. JB
Foals Triangular v Farleigh
Lost 0-1 (both matches)
Short, sharp, 8-minute matches take a lot of energy and require both teams to be on the ball from the blow of the whistle. Unfortunately, a slow start from Pilgrims' led to a quick opposition goal within the opening minutes of each match. However, both Pilgrims' sides showed strong determination and resolve to defend heavily, and the match became much more level-pegged for the final minutes. A great effort once again, with attitudes focusing on the matches to come. CL
U9A VII v Farleigh
Lost 2-3 (Elliot N, Patrick B)
No one can fault the effort that boys put in today, especially during the second half. It was our positioning on the pitch that was our weakness, and something that Farleigh did well. When we retained our positions, we were able to pass the ball around and always looked a threat. In what was a close fought match, Farleigh went 2 – 0 ahead in the first half. The half-time team talk refocused the boys, and they came out in the second half to score early through a well-directed shot from Elliot N. Despite dominance, a second did not follow and Farleigh scored their third on a decisive counter-attack. The Pilgrims’ boys did not give up and pulled one back though Patrick B in the final minutes of the game, but unfortunately, we could not find an equaliser. There continues to be many positives to take from the U9A team’s performances this season. TMH
U9B VII v Farleigh
Drew 1-1 (Boris H)
A vast improvement from the Twyford game, especially considering Farleigh drew with the same team. In fact, I think we edged this one and were a little unlucky not to take the win.
Building from the back, Farid, Nicholas, Eddie and Seb were very solid and laid the platform for the rest of the team to attack. Austin, Boris, Harry were intelligent through the middle of the pitch and Davis was very threatening in attack. Boris’s finish was fantastic.
To improve further, we need more shots on goal and boys getting into better positions to finish moves. But I am super proud of the boys and how far they’ve come. MDS
U9 Wanderers VII v Farleigh
Won 4-1 (Edward D 2, Hugo W, James Y)
The U9 Cs had a brilliant game against Farleigh. All the boys played very well working together with great passing and defending. The final score was 4-1 with goals scored by James, Hugo and Edward. Special mention goes to Edward for his constant effort and determination throughout the whole game.
U9 Town VII v Farleigh
Lost 3-0