1st XI v Papplewick
Lost 6-1 (Gabriel O)
A tough afternoon this one! We knew Papplewick would be strong (rumours on the circuit had abounded), and indeed they were. Strong all across the pitch, the main problem was their Chelsea Academy central midfielder, who had very quick feet and hit thunderbolts from 25/30 yards. We were perhaps guilty in the first half showing him/them a little too much respect, and they were able either to shoot from distance, or take time to pick a pass. Harrison K did brilliantly in goal, but we still conceded four. A bit of a sort out at half-time saw us much more competitive after the break (with Harrison intermittently bailing us out again – a truly fine performance in goal). After a Gabriel O goal, we were drawing the second half 1-1 until the final kick of the game, which was another thunderbolt from distance. A much better performance in the second half showed the way to try to manage a team with strong players: get after them and don’t give them time! A valuable learning experience for a team that has often had things their own way this season. ASD
2nd XI v Papplewick
Drew 2-2 (Thomas Rs 2)
This was a belter of a match with the home team (us!) quick off the mark with a beautifully worked piece of play down the right wing. The initial shot from Otto G was blocked but Thomas Rs was there to slot home the goal. There’s reason enough to follow-up shot attempts and gain that ‘second’ ball. Papplewick recovered well and equalised shortly after. End-to-end action continued with some thrilling play. In the second-half, Pilgrims’ found gaps in the Papplewick defence, which Thomas Rs had been exploiting increasingly during the match. He scored the next goal but Papplewick found a reply once more. Nervous minutes followed as the game closed but in the end a draw was a fair result. The whole team played well, but I must mention the fantastic defensive work from Ray C, Thomas E, Thomas Rz, Henry S and Monty W. AJS
3rd IX v Papplewick
Drew 3-3 (Matteo L, Teddy M, Orson S)
Papplewick were a big, physically imposing team. They ran the ball well and were certainly very determined to win. Pilgrims' was the more skilful of the two teams but we were outmuscled around the pitch. However, this did not put us off one bit. Courageous displays from Jinmo K, Felix M and Alex Q in defence kept Pilgrims' squarely in the game. Felix C had another brilliant game in goal, not only making some vital saves, but almost more importantly bravely countering all attacks in the box. In midfield, Rohan F, Matteo L and Alex B ran things well providing lots of ball to Ollie R, Santi F, Teddy M, and Freddie F up front. It looked as though Pilgrims' was going to win the game at 2 - 3 but to their credit Papplewick fought back to score a final goal in the last five minutes. In a fitting end to the season, captain Alex B had his best game. PB
4th IX v Papplewick
Drew 2-2 (Harry H, Jaden P)
Two sides both hell-bent on finishing their respective seasons on a high was always going to produce a gritty encounter. From start to finish there was healthy competition all over the pitch with all the usual highs and lows that you would expect during forty minutes of attrition. Papplewick stated their intentions early and came at us hard, they took the lead with a scrappy goal after we failed to clear our lines. We returned the compliment with an equally scrappy goal from Harry H to draw level not long after. Just before half-time, Jaden P put us ahead with a sumptuous strike from a long way out; elevation, curl over the stranded goalkeeper and finally, dip into the far corner for a wonder goal. The same intensity followed in the second half as both sides tussled for the advantage. It was the hosts that netted late on to secure a draw, probably a fair reflection of the endeavour that both teams brought to the afternoon. AW
Colts A VII v Papplewick
Lost 8-0
This was a score line that did not fully reflect the whole game and effort levels displayed by our team. The first half was a well-matched and even affair. Papplewick had the lion share of possession, but our defence looked solid, soaking up the pressure. Our visitors went into half-time with a delicate one goal lead. The team started the second half well. Michael F nearly found the back of the net to level the scores. Goalkeeper James P had a fantastic game; his heroics in goal gave us all hope as he put his body on the line for the team. Papplewick score three quick goals, which you could see deflated the boys who had made three or four clear-cut chances themselves but could not capitalise on them. The margin grew further out of site but again, to their credit, the team battled until the final whistle. Not the end to season we wanted, but the team should take encouragement from some good performances earlier in the season. Well done. MTG
Colts B VII v Papplewick
Lost 3 – 1 (Louis M)
This was a very close and competitive game. Despite the score line, spectators would attest to the high quality both teams showed. The biggest difference lay in the size of goalkeepers. It is always tricky playing in an isolated position and even when goals were conceded our Goalie did the difficult part in getting hands to the ball. I was impressed with how he bounced back and displayed the right attitude throughout. The match was high drama and going into the half we were down 2 – 0. To bring the game within one, Louis hammered a shot which ricocheted off the goal post, shot again and the goalkeeper deflected, and third time lucky he nearly took the net off, the ball was hit with such force. Papplewick put an end to our comeback hopes by securing the decisive third goal. AC
Colts C and D VIIs
Colts C v Colts D: 3 – 0 (Arthur H 3)
Pilgrims’ C v Papplewick C: 0 – 2
Pilgrims’ D v Papplewick C: 0 – 2
Pilgrims’ C v Papplewick C: 0 – 2
Pilgrims’ D v Papplewick C: 1 – 1 (George S)
The Pilgrims’ Colts C and D teams played a triangular fixture against Papplewick on Saturday. Both teams gave a very good account of themselves and played with determination and grit. Papplewick would have expected less resistance from our boys, but they made the going tough for the visitors with a fine display of the skills they have acquired over the course of the season. It has been a delight watching both teams grow in confidence and ability, and they can feel very proud of themselves for the manner in which they have represented their school, and each other, this season. CXC
Foals A VII v Papplewick
Lost 3-2 (William S, Jacob H)
This was an outstanding performance from Foals A. Possibly the best of the season, despite the end result. Pilgrims’ went into half-time with a 2-1 lead and deservedly so. Goals from William S and Jacob H were well worked. In the second period Papplewick began to create their own chances and slowly got back into the game. A winner from the home side was scored with only 5 minutes to go. The Pilgrims boys were pleased with their performance and recognised that they played some excellent football. JB
Foals B VII v Papplewick
Lost 8-1 (Cole H)
If ever there was a scoreline that didn’t reflect the game, this was it. While 8-1 against Pilgrims’ may seem hard to take, the boys demonstrated such resolve, positivity and grit, that I left Papplewick a coach who was very proud of their efforts. 6-0 down at half-time to what was a very good side with plenty of skill and pace left us with a mountain to climb. The boys stuck to it and scored an excellent goal in the second half. It may seem odd to mention Charlie in goal, but he made numerous saves which had the opposition players, staff and parents admiring. Not a great result, but a fabulous way to end what has been an excellent season for the B’s. TWR
Foals Predator VII v Papplewick
Won 2 – 0 (Bertie B, OG)
A much-improved performance really highlighted just how much this team has developed over the course of the term. A clinical match comprised of clean passing, sensible shooting and solid defence meant the opposition failed to gain too much possession and rarely troubled Donghan in goal. Another excellent opportunity seized by Bertie “laser-eyes” B in the opening minutes was helped along by a fortunate own goal from the opposition. Special mention should go to Leo for some outstanding defending, and Seth and Johnnie for excellent runs and numerous breaks that kept the opposition sweating throughout. Well played boys; a fantastic way to end the season. CAL.
U9A VII v Papplewick
Lost 3-1 (Patrick B)
A fixture that was already going to be tricky, was made even more difficult by some key absences. However, the boys equipped themselves extremely well against a good Papplewick team. It was pleasing to see that the boys continued to try to play football throughput. Austin put in considerable effort leading the line, closing-down the opposition throughout. Penetrating wing play from Patrick on the right and Barney on the left meant that we always looked dangerous. Unfortunately, Papplewick’s speed and skill allowed them to take the advantage, and the lead. However, a decisive run down the left and superb cross allowed Patrick an easy finish just before half-time. The second saw more pressure from our opponents, and they scored two further goals. The result was a disappointing one to end the season with, but the effort during this match reflected the super effort that the boys had put in all season. Well done, boys; you have the makings of a fantastic team in the coming years. TMH
