Churchill Academy

Year 7 Soccer Success

Churchill v Sidcot

Without an out-and-out goalkeeper, Tom Wring kindly offered to take a shift in goal. We started with a very high tempo, pressing at every chance. Max Smith, Captain, was encouraging everyone to win the game. In the first ten minutes we were playing a lot down the right-hand side. With a throw in just above the half way line, Owen Griffiths took the throw in, Will Smith wanted it short. Will used his pace, he was through on goal with only the keeper to beat, he finished into the bottom corner with Jude Milton ready for a tap in if needed.

Churchill's solid middle three of Noah Denis, Oscar Hall and Harvey Whacker were controlling the game. Max Smith played a lovely ball to the man in form Will Smith and he buried it into the bottom corner for a second time.

We went into half time controlling the game 2-0.

Mr Doel, in the team talk, told us to keep it tight at the back and aim for a clean sheet in the second half. So it was up to the defenders: Will Hathway, Harry Cekaj, Alex Cockran and Angus Bird to play their best and keep their concentration and discipline. Billy Avery switched with Tom Wring in goal in goal at half time.

We started the second half with the same tempo as the first. This half Sidcot attacked more and won a couple of corners but nothing that really troubled the Churchill goal line.  With Harvey on a nice diagonal run, Max Smith slotted a neat ball through the defence and Harvey finished it nicely from distance.

Not for the first time, Will Smith was again one-on-one with the keeper. He kept his cool and found the back of the net to record his hat trick ending it with a unique celebration.

From a driving run through the middle of the pitch Max hit a high, dipping shot which, with the wind to his aid, sailed over the goalie's head for number five.

Churchill went home with the victory and 5-0 was a fair result for a strong Churchill side in this local derby. This is the final school football match of the season as Year 7 now look forward to the summer season of cricket and athletics.

Owen Griffiths, 7WHOJ