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Tuesday 19 October 2021

Last week we hosted Thomas’ Battersea, who made the journey down to us for round two of the ISFA U13 cup. It brought home how lucky we are when their Director of Sport commented on how picturesque our grounds are. The match was a nail-biter, as you’ll read from Mr Duncan’s report. The referee also wrote afterwards to let me know how enjoyable he’d found the match and how pleased he was with the levels of behaviour and respect shown by players, coaches and supporters. He hopes to visit again, and he may be lucky enough to do so if he officiates at our round three match, at home, against John Lyon, Harrow, date to be confirmed. 

We also had matches with Walhampton and Under 8 and 9 fixtures with Elstree on Friday. Saturday saw the concluding round of senior Inter-Set Football. I always enjoy scanning across the pitches to see them full of activity and set competition always provides this mixed air of carnival and contest. As ever, the football was hard-fought. Mr Buck commented on the high quality on display and some fine goals scored. There were victories to enjoy and losses to endure – all with grace. I have included the top three placings of each competition below. 

On Sunday afternoon, I had the pleasure of seeing some of our players in action at ISFA U13 trials at Ascot United football club. This is a representative pathway which leads to players aiming to be selected for a South Central team at a tournament at Shrewsbury School in April. From this tournament, where South Central will find themselves in action against the other English regions, three national teams will be selected at U14 to play in a variety of competitions. Gabriel O, Giovanni S, Hugo S, James Z, Oliver K, Ollie M and Toby L gave a good account of themselves and, regardless of their journey in this process, are to be congratulated on their nomination. 

After the break, we have more football with Twyford and Elstree, including an Under 8 and 9 mini-festival with Twyford and Farleigh. Also, the U12 and 13 swimming, postponed from the beginning of term, has been re-scheduled for Monday 8 November at Twyford. 

This month we are celebrating Black History Month. Of many examples of black sporting history to highlight, here are three: 

In the Olympics in Mexico City in 1968, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, taking their places on the podium for the national anthem, raised their black-gloved fists in what became known as the ‘Black Power’ salute. In support of the Black Freedom movement in the United States, it was an effort to highlight the civil rights situation there. The third person on the podium, silver medallist Peter Norman wore an Olympic human rights badge in solidarity. He was ostracised by the Australian establishment on his return home, failed to be selected for the 1972 Olympics, despite achieving the qualifying time, and was only given a post-humous apology by the Australian government in October 2012. The symbolic gesture made by these athletes has been echoed more recently through Colin Kaerpernick taking the knee during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner in 2016 and through the adoption of this stance by any player who wishes to, in men’s and women’s football. 

Hope Powell became England’s first ever full-time national coach in 1998, taking the team to four UEFA Women’s Championships and two FIFA Women’s World Cups. She won 66 caps for England and is currently the manager of Brighton & Hove Albion’s women’s team. 

Clive Sullivan was Great Britain’s first black captain in any sport. Playing in a sport known for breaking social boundaries – rugby league – Clive rose to fame with Hull FC and captained the British side in 1972, going on to lead the team to World Cup glory at the tournament held in France. 

Inter-Set Football 

Colts - U11 

Championship – U13 

Premier League – U13 

1st XI v Thomas’, Battersea 
Won 4-3 (Giovanni S, Gabriel O 2, Oliver M) 

This coach is not going to be able to take many games like this! We started well, but it was clear that Thomas’, though smaller than us, were here to play football. We rather dropped our levels and they upped their play. Whilst Giovanni S scored a goal after 21 minutes, they deservedly got an equaliser shortly afterwards and we were, on the balance of play, lucky to be drawing 1-1 at half time. A mix up at the back at the start of the second half put us on the back foot, and for a while it looked like we might not get back into it. However, when Thomas R was brought down in the area and Gabriel O slotted home, and then Gabriel followed that up with a great goal after a one-two, with us 3-2 up, it seemed like we might have the game in the bag. However, with five minutes to go, Thomas’ equalised, and we were suddenly to be going to extra time. We pressed hard and created chances, and when we won a corner with a minute to go, nervousness ensued from both sides; the ball bounced around a bit, but thankfully Ollie M smashed one into the roof of the net from close range to ensure that we won the game (and that Mr Duncan didn’t have a heart attack from the extra-time!). Not our best performance, but they do say that the sign of a good team is that they find a way to win when they are not playing well! ASD 

Wednesday 13 October, Walhampton

1st XI @ Walhampton Triangular 
1st XI vs Dumpton: Won 1-0 (Giovanni S) 
1st XI vs Walhampton: Won 2-1 (Gabriel O, Thomas R) 

After the disappointment of the performance (if not the result) the day before, to see the 1st XI play like they did at this triangular was thrilling.  We arrived to see Dumpton playing Walhampton; it was a fierce competitive game with a lot of good play – we knew we were in for a tough afternoon (with Walhampton looking especially strong).  The first match against Dumpton was a tight affair, but we were playing well and managed to maintain control, winning after a goal from Giovanni S having been put through one-on-one.  Next up was the strong looking Walhampton.  To be honest, we didn’t give them a sniff.  Organised and committed at the back, competitive in midfield, and with the strikers holding the ball up well, and making some penetrative runs, we played some of the best football we’ve played all season.  Captain Gabriel O (in perhaps his best game this year) scored from a free-kick, and Thomas R scored an excellent goal having been put through.  Although Walhampton got one back with two minutes to go, this really was nothing more than a consolation. To be this dominant over a strong team was very pleasing; the result was pleasing, but most of all was the performance.  It was a pleasure to watch. ASD 

2nd X v Walhampton
Won 3-2 (Osamede A, Otto G, Kunfayo O) 

A good game for the neutrals, this! We were a few players short, so it was nice to be able to promote Will G, Thomas Rz and Kunfayo O into the starting line up. In truth, this was probably our least compelling performance of the season: our control and first touch were poor, passes were misplaced and the only two moments of quality from either team came in the form of the first two goals, Osamede A opening things with a powerful shot into the corner and Otto G's mazy run and rifled finish being the pick of the bunch. We went in at half time 2-0 up, knowing that the next goal would be important. We promptly conceded two very avoidable goals and Walhampton were suddenly back in it! What followed was end to end stuff, but justice was done when, a couple of minutes before time, Kunfayo O latched on to a through ball to slot past the keeper for the winner. We made heavy work of what should have been a routine victory, but credit must go to the boys for grinding out the result when not at their best. Will G played particularly well and looked threatening throughout. Well done to all, boys; good to be back on the winning track. WD 

3rd X v Walhampton 
Won 6 – 1 (Teddy M 2, Orson S 3, Santi F) 

After quite a few tough games in the opening of the season, this was a fun game for the 3rds. Walhampton was quite disorganised and this allowed Pilgrims’ plenty of space to run, pass and play creative football. Thankfully, we did not waste our opportunity nor lose our heads in a flurry of wild excitement as the chance to score goals often entails. Instead, we kept our shape and our cool and in doing so, kept Walhampton on the back foot throughout. A special mention must go to Rohan F whose work rate was exceptional. PB 

4th IX v Walhampton 
Won 8 - 0 (Alex A 2, Jayden P 2, Harry H 2, Laurie S, Freddie F) 

The fourth team enjoyed a productive visit to the South Coast. Four goals in the first half, Jaden P 2, Alex A and Laurie S gave the boys a comfortable lead as we switched ends. Four more goals followed; Harry H 2, Freddie F and another for Alex A. This was our third consecutive match without conceding a goal; recognition is due to goalkeeper Patrick C and to defenders Nikhil D, Charlie P, Laurie S and Nikheel D. I hope the half-term break doesn't affect the winning momentum. AW 

Colts A VII v Walhampton 
Drew 2-2 (Fraser N, George S) 

Colts A battled well on Wednesday afternoon as they came up against a well-matched Walhampton side. Things did not start as planned; the boys must have still been dreaming about their swanky team coach as they found themselves 1-0 after five minutes. Pilgrims’ regained possession and looked the most likely to score next. Unfortunately, though, by half-time, we found ourselves 2-0 down. The boys rallied and came out fighting in the second half. Fraser N clawed one back as the momentum began to swing in our favour. This was backed up by some excellent wide play by Olly P, who was energetic and creative throughout. George S was rewarded for being a threat all game with his goal to level the scores. Despite five minutes of extra time, a winner could not be found, and a draw seemed a fair result. MTG 

Colts B VII v Walhampton 
Won 2 –1 (Nathaniel B, Neil C) 

A competitive match with slightly different personnel, but the principles of team play and effective passing that were showed in our last match were evident again. It was a really pleasing performance and boys showed great determination and effort throughout. Well done, boys! AC 

Foals A VII v Walhampton 
Lost 2-3 (William S, Jacob H) 

Pilgrims’ played their part in a tough match that had everything! Good saves, good passing, and some very tough tackling! Unfortunately, Pilgrims’ were on the wrong end of the result, despite creating plenty of chances to find the back of the net. A game in which we should have been victorious. On to the next one! JB 

Foals B VII v Walhampton 
Won 1-0 

Foals Predator VII v Walhampton 
Lost 3-1 (Bertie B) 

Happy to get back to full length matches, Pilgrims’ played well against some stout opposition. An excellent second-half goal from the one-man-team that is Bertie B gave a smile to everyone’s faces but ultimately, we would have to accept that the better team won this one. A good effort all round, and great leadership by Harrison to bring team sweets on at the end. Well done all. CAL 

Foals Copa VII v Walhampton 
Lost 5-1 (Zach M) 

Pilgrims’ lost 5-1 to Walhampton on a tricky afternoon, however, the scoreline does not truly reflect the boys' efforts and skill. After going two down early on, Zach’s brilliant strike gave the team a lift and Pilgrims’ regularly tested the opposition’s goalie. Three Walhampton goals came late on whilst Pilgrims’ - without regret - committed men forward whilst searching an equaliser. Overall, the boys had fun and celebrated Zach’s goal like they had just won the World Cup. LE 

U9A VII v Elstree 
Won 3 – 1 

Friday afternoon saw the culmination of the boys’ hard work this term with an impressive display against a good Elstree team. The boys played with pace and flair throughout, and at times the football that was played was outstanding. When the team's positioning was correct, the football flowed and the U9A team was impossible to play against. All the boys deserve praise for the performances, but Barney S showed that he had listened to the coaching given and demonstrated how to exploit the space in the wide areas. Lucas J pulled off a string of outstanding saves in the final few minutes of the game and was perhaps a little unlucky to concede with the final kick of the game.  

Well done, boys. It is pleasing to see how you have developed as a team as the season has progressed. TMH 

U9 v Elstree B 
U9B VII - Drew 1-1 

U9 Wanderers VII - Lost 0-2 
U9 Town VII - Lost 0-1 

We mixed and matched the teams somewhat and it was great to have boys playing together for the first time in different combinations.  Against a solid Elstree team, we looked good at times, but only the B team realistically threatened the goal, and as was the story against Stroud, we really should have been able to finish two or three clear chances. 

The other teams impressed with their work ethic and improved communication skills.  Both teams need to play positions more clearly as it remains they like to chase the ball. All in all, a great afternoon. MDS 

U8 Wembley VII – Lost 3-1 
U8 San Siro – Won 2-0 

A fantastic festival of football was enjoyed by all. Wembley squad enjoyed a high-quality match against good opposition who they matched all the way. Despite being on the losing end of the result, the boys demonstrated some great football at times. Some more composed finishing and a bit of luck might have seen a closer score line. San Siro played in a triangular and showed great spirit, winning against the Elstree C team and coming up just short against the Bs. Edward Z showed great perseverance and attitude, Augustin H showed versatility playing in goal and outfield! A fantastic afternoon! Well done, boys. JB