On a cold and sunny Thursday afternoon, Magna’s Year 9 Football team finally had the opportunity to play their round 2 derby fixture against a school from within the Aspirations trust. With the game having been postponed on two previous occasions, it was third time lucky albeit in tricky conditions, with a challenging pitch, a blinding low sunlight and a frosty wind chill.
The first half was a tense affair. Both sides had chances to take the lead but failed to convert any. The ball was proving difficult to get under control and as a result neither side could really gain total control of the fixture. The teams went into the half time break locked at 0-0.
The second half was a different story. Magna were able to use the advantage of the slight downhill slope and accompanying wind to start dominating phases of play. Striker Felipe A and wingers Ben H and Noah B went very close with their efforts on goal and Magna were knocking on the door. That door was finally opened when Noah managed to score directly from his corner! Noah delivered a lovely in-swinging cross that the wind got hold of and helped on its way to the far corner of the net and Magna held a narrow lead going into the last 15 minutes of the game. Magna continued to assert their authority on the game and were now producing wave-by-wave attacks that were really applying the pressure to the opposition. After some great inter-play from Magna’s midfielders, particularly Harry B and Ben H, striker Felipe A managed to latch on to a through ball in order to score from close range and put this crunch match to bed. Magna would ultimately run out as 2-0 winners in a very solid and professional performance which has enabled them to secure a place in the quarter finals of the Dorset County Cup – a very impressive achievement that has not been matched by any Magna Football team throughout recent years.
I would like to give particular credit to goalkeeper Kieran I for keeping a clean sheet in such an important fixture, Lewis B and captain James H for their astute defensive work in keeping said clean sheet and midfielders Harry B and Ben H for their ability to play between the lines and break the opposition down in order to create several chances throughout the game. Ben H was awarded man of the match for his very impressive all-round display.
Well done boys – bring on the quarter final!
Mr Ginger