Y8 STORM INTO SEMI-FINALS

The Year 8 Boys Football Team have reached the semi-finals of the English Schools National Cup! In a pulsating cup tie The Grange emerged victorious after winning a penalty shoot-out 3-1.

In a nerve jangling hour and a half the game ebbed and flowed keeping everyone on the edge of their seats! Northampton reached the quarter finals last year and were always going to be strong opposition, they have 220 boys in every year group to choose from!

The first half was a tight affair with Laurent Davis-Wilson putting Grange ahead with a sublime finish lobbing the keeper from 25 yards out. Northampton soon equalised after some slack defending. The rest of the half was a tight affair and Grange could have easily found themselves further behind, but thanks to lady luck and some poor finishing, it remained 1-1 at half time.

Into the 2nd half, Grange found themselves 2-1 down early on . This was until Billy Arnold was moved up front in a tactical switch, with Liam Crewe dropping back to centre midfield. Within minutes Billy scored after beating the last defender, following a terrific through ball by Liam Crewe. The Grange then found a new lease of life and were soon creating more chances.  Finally good work down the right hand side by Toby Clifton, found Laurent in space and he hit a superb half volley past the Northampton goal keeper putting Grange 3-2 in front.

The last 10 minutes was backs to the wall stuff as Northampton pushed players forward, creating several chances. Nick Croucher in goal was simply outstanding some of the saves, one in particular was out of this world – even the referee, Andrew Woolmer, a current Championship League referee, thought it was amazing! However, with two minutes remaining they scored an equaliser following a goal mouth scramble to dash Grange hopes of winning in normal time.

Extra time followed with no further goals so penalty shoot-out time! Nick Croucher was again the hero as he saved Northampton’s first two penalties, Aaron Sutton and Laurent scoring for The Grange. Liam Crewe made it 3-0, Northampton then pulled one back, then we missed our fourth. 3-1 up Northampton had to score to remain in the tie, however their striker pulled his effort wide, leaving Grange to celebrate their victory. Nick Croucher was named man of the match as without his expert goal keeping we may not be celebrating our victory.

Overall, an outstanding game in which we rode our luck at times but the attitude and commitment shown by the boys was excellent! Big thanks to Mr Allister for his support and helping out with the driving! Special mention to those hardy supporters who also made the trip – it was worth every minute!

Squad: Nick Croucher, Toby Watson, Matt Fudge, Aaron Sutton, Jacob Wherry-Alimo, Liam Oswin, Liam Crewe, Camen Harvey, Billy Arnold, Khius England, Laurent Davis-Wilson, Toby Clifton and Dan Nash.

For more news on our next opponents watch this space as the draw should be made early next week.