FOOTBALL LOWER SCHOOL: AUTUMN HALF TERM REVIEW- September to October

FOOTBALL: AUTUMN HALF TERM

(SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER)

LOWER SCHOOL

The first half term at CHS has come to an end and here are all the results along with the manager’s thoughts on the lower school this half-term.

Year 7-

Won 7-2 v Eaton Bank

Won 5-0 v Holmes Chapel

The newcomers at CHS have had a fantastic start to high school football. Here’s what manager Mr De Sousa had to say. “I have learned lots about the year 7 footballers so far this year, I am especially impressed by the number of dedicated students that turn up to training on a Thursday evening which has been consistently over 45 students and this is something I would like to continue.”

“In the competitive league fixtures the year 7’s have been successful. The first fixture was against our local rivals Eaton Bank, all the players involved gave a great account of themselves. Special mentions need to go out to Matt Needham who came off the bench to score 4 goals and also to Elliot Darmon who gave an impressive display on his debut gaining a man of the match accolade. The students’ games against Shavington and Alsager had to be postponed due to the year 7 trip to Kingswood. The final game before half term was against Holmes Chapel, another local rival. The match produced another fine display from the newly formed team, there was some great build up play from both the flanks and also through the centre of midfield where man of the match Finlay Jackson was very influential.”

“Over the rest of the year I will be moulding the team into a new formation and getting them to play to their strengths. If all goes well we will have a successful season and future here at Congleton High School!”

Year 8-

Won 3-0 v Eaton Bank

Lost 4-0 v Shavington

Lost 4-2 v Holmes Chapel

Manager’s Mr Franklin and Mr Cross’ thoughts on what has been a mixed start for year 8. Mr Franklin said “We started tremendously with a hard fought win over our rivals, Eaton Bank. The subsequent losses have taught Mr Cross and I as much about the team as the win did. There are clear strengths in the side - when focussed, they demonstrate excellent team spirit and their passing game is a pleasure to watch. If the team improves its speed - both in fitness, thought and passing this will lead to further victories.” Mr Cross added “We want to build and develop players so they are fitter/faster/stronger/more technical/improved systems and teamwork so then we are ready for a cup run in February!”

 Year 9-

Abandoned at 3-2 v Eaton Bank

Won 4-1 v Shavington

Won 3-2 v Holmes Chapel

Written by Adam Bailey

FOOTBALL WEEK 4- 15th and 18th October

 

THRILLER SEE’S UNLUCKY YEAR 10 KNOCKED OUT OF CUP AND YEAR 11 ALSO KNOCKED OUT IN TRECHUROUS CONDITIONS

On Monday 15^th year 10 were in action against All Hallows in the second round of the Cheshire cup. The first ten minutes saw both teams having chances to take the lead.  However in the 20^th minute All Hallows took the lead after Tom Wright’s work to keep the ball, ended with him clearing it only as far as an All Hallows player, who after a few passes were clear on goal.  The next five minutes saw All Hallows go three up. They doubled their lead when they strung a few passes together before putting the ball in the back of the net from 10-yards out. All Hallows then made it 3-0 when CHS were slow to track the All Hallows players, and then Lewis Dunn thought he had cleared the danger after he tackled in the box but it only went as far as an opposing player. Hallam Carslake couldn’t prevent it from going in after his touch. Liam Evans then gave CHS a glimmer of hope when he rolled it into the corner after some good work on the right by Max Berkeley and Kieran Wilton. This is the first time this season that the year 10’s have been behind at half time. It was soon 3-2 when Danny Iohya’s head was on the end of a 25 yard looping cross from Brian Barton on the left touchline. But moments later, it was 4-2 after Carslake’s challenge couldn’t get the ball off the All Hallows player, who took it around Carslake and the legs of Sam Spooner couldn’t stop it from rolling in. Brian Barton then brought All Hallows lead to just one after a goal you would see from the likes of Leoni Messi! Barton picked the ball up on the left before skipping past three defenders and firing the ball like a bullet into the top corner. 4-3 All Hallows. The fight back was short lived as It was soon 5-3 when All Hallows advanced, which meant that Carslake had to come out of his net to shorten the angle but was sent the wrong way. CHS then had chances which summed up their day- UNLUCKY! First chance was an indirect free kick which was rolled into Barton’s path whose powerful shot was lifted over the crossbar by a deflection. Next, after a few attempts were saved by legs, the post stood in the way of Lewis Dunn’s shot. After that, saw Adam McHale going one on one with the keeper but lifted the ball over the crossbar. 5-3 it finished which saw CHS bow out of the cup with their heads held high.

With the eventful night in Warsaw only a couple of nights before CHS’ year 11 made the trip south to Wolstanton on Thursday 18th in the English National Schools Cup. The year 11 faced similar conditions to those that saw the England game abandoned but both teams battled on despite the weather. The pitch was waterlogged and certain areas were difficult to play in right from the start which made it very difficult for the year 11’s to play, but the conditions didn’t dampen their spirit. Wolstanton started brightly but CHS defended well in the early stages, as well as creating a few chances for themselves.  Joey Griffiths was causing their left back lots of problems down the right wing. CHS then took the lead midway through the first half thanks to Paddy McGovern pouncing on a throughball. His first attempt was saved but McGovern reacted quickly and headed it into the back of the net, 1-0 CHS. Before that, CHS looked dangerous attacking wise with the pace of the first goalscorer, McGovern and Ollie Conroy. However CHS weren’t able to go into the crucial half time break with the lead when Wolstanton used a counter attack to bring the game back level.  They broke down the right and CHS’ back four and keeper didn’t react quickly enough to this attack and were left watching a neat finish hit the back of the net which saw their team lose the lead. 1-1 GAME ON! The second half was difficult for both teams as the constant rain of the first half had seen the pitch deteriorate into a quagmire. Wolstanton scored their second goal early in the half with a well worked corner. The ball being delivered to the front post and the centre forward making a well timed run across the face of goal to finish with a well placed header. CHS pushed hard in the final twenty minutes, with Mr Naylor deciding to increase his attacking options when he went with four strikers to try to force extra time, but some questionable officiating denied this opportunity to take advantage of some good chances around the edge of Wolstanton’s penalty area. The game ended 2-1 to Wolstanton which saw CHS’ year 11’s cup run come to an end.

Written by Adam Bailey and Mr Naylor

HOCKEY WEEK 2- 18th October

 

BARLOW SHINES THROUGH THE RAIN FOR YEAR 8 AND YEAR 7 ALSO WIN

On Thursday, despite the rain, Rebecca Barlow scored a double hatrick which helped thrash Holmes Chapel 9-0. Hollie Massey and a Katie Archer double also got onto the score sheet.

The year 7’s were also in action but didn’t quite manage to put nine goals past the Holmes Chapel keeper when they beat them 2-0.

Written by Adam Bailey

HOCKEY WEEK 1- 11th October

 

YEAR 11 SHOW THE YEAR 10’S HOW IT’S DONE

Year 10 and 11 played hockey on Thursday against Holmes Chapel. Up first was the year 11’s. Nina Bennet got CHS off to a good start when she placed her shot perfectly past the Holmes Chapel goalkeeper. It was soon 2-0 when Witney Plant took advantage of an organised short corner when she received the ball and finished the attack off. CHS went into half time 2-0 after truly dominating the first half, with CHS goalkeeper having nothing to do as with the defence (apart from sweeping up the odd loose ball). After the restart, Chloe Turner made it 3-0 when she reclaimed the ball after she had lost on the half way line before dribbling the ball the entire length of Holmes Chapel’s half. When Turner neared the arc, CHS’ first goal scorer, Bennet shouted “It’s yours, take a shot.” Turner took this advice and advanced before taking a shot which was kept out by the goalkeeper’s foot, but only as far as Turner who made sure she didn’t let the goalkeeper near her shot this time. 3-0 CHS. Jess Archer then added a fourth when she received a pass from the right. Archer then advanced a short distance before putting it into the net and made the goalkeeper pick the ball out of the net for the fourth time. She was definitely happy to score which reflected on her celebration! Nina Bennet received the player of the match with a great performance as well as getting on the score sheet. The fixture finished 4-0.

The question was could the year 10’s follow in the footsteps of the year above? In the early stages it looked like they couldn’t but it looked even more unlikely when Holmes Chapel scored the opening goal. The stretched body of Catherine Mulligan couldn’t stop Holmes Chapel from taking the lead. But, at half-time Mulligan and the rest of CHS’ defence said that they were convinced that the goal didn’t go in. But, it still stood and CHS were behind. CHS’ best chance of the game developed from a short corner, when Emma Ingle rifled her shot inches wide. With CHS trailing by a goal at half-time, the CHS coach, Mrs Henderson told her team “I WANT A GOAL”. It wasn’t long until Mrs Henderson saw this and saw her team draw level when Emma Ingle’s shot was deflected into Hannah Tatton’s path who made sure CHS drew level. Tatton’s celebration definitely showed how much it meant to her and her team. 1-1 GAME ON! However, former CHS player, Meagan Jackson, on her return, made it a day to remember for her but a day to learn from for CHS, when she scored.  It got worse for CHS when minutes later Homes Chapel added a third with only two minutes remaining which put the game out of CHS’ reach. The game finished 3-1. Millie Henderson received the player of the match award after her strong performance as sweeper. One thing’s for sure the year 10’s have got to hold their heads up high as there were positives from the game.

Written by Adam Bailey

 

FOOTBALL WEEK 3- 10th and 11th October

YEAR 7 AND 9 REMAIN UNBEATBLE WHILST YEAR 8 FACE ANOTHER DEAFEAT

The third week of fixtures took place this week against Holmes Chapel. Year 7,8 and 9 were all in action on Wednesday at CHS. Before the year 9’s kicked off their manager, Mr Donnelly, predicted a score of 5-1 to CHS which would see him and his team remain unbeaten this season. It looked like CHS were going to score more than five when AJ Eardley, scored an early goal for CHS after they dominated the first few minutes. Conner Docherty added a second when he scored directly from his corner. Was it meant to go in is another question. Reece Carbutt then scored a blinder from 25 yards out, when he guided the ball into the top right corner which left the goalkeeper diving. 3-0 CHS. Both teams had a few chances but CHS made theirs count, which saw them lead 3-0 at half time. Holmes Chapel then put one past Morgan Buckley after the ball was passed into the centre and then was pushed past him by a stretched leg. 3-1 CHS. Holmes Chapel then missed chances. However, Holmes Chapel then made sure they didn’t miss another chance when they made it 3-2 which put even more pressure on CHS. CHS saw out the game with Morgan Buckley having to make a few saves which saw the year 9’s stay unbeaten.

After a week off at Kingswood, the year 7’s were back in action on Wednesday. The first half saw Matt Needham get onto the score sheet as well as Josh Brinley who scored two which saw CHS go into half time leading comfortably. Logan Clowes and George Johnson then scored one each to complete the goal rout in the second half. 5-0 CHS.

The year 8’s have had a mixed start too the season with a win and a loss. But, were they going to make it two wins and one loss? Bradley Oliver received the man of the match after an outstanding display as well as getting on the score sheet when he scored a great goal. Jake Rowley then added a second when Ramtin Musah slotted through Rowley who finished the attack off. But two wasn’t enough as Holmes Chapel successfully put four past David Speed. The year 8’s have now won one and lost two but Mr Franklin and Mr Cross can take positives from the game as CHS had Holmes Chapel on the back foot in the second half.

Written by Adam Bailey

 

FOOTBALL WEEK 2- 2nd, 3rd and 4th October

YEAR 10 and 11 THROUGH IN CUP WHILST MIXED RESULTS IN OTHER YEARS

The first cup fixture took place this week at Congleton High School which saw the year 11’s face Trinity on Tuesday. Harry Gilfoyle scored the first, Tom Hampton made it 2-0 with his free kick and Joey Griffths scored CHS’ third.  Trinity nearly made it go to extra time but could only manage two goals. The match ended 3-2 which saw CHS’ year 11 through into the next round.

Our year 10 were also in cup action when they entertained Reddish Vale on Wednesday.  CHS won the toss and decided to change ends which put Vale’s goalkeeper facing into the sun in the first half. Within, a few minutes Adam McHale took advantage when he headed home, at the back post, from Danny Iohya’s cross from the right. Come next July, perhaps CHS’ second goal will be one of the contenders for goal of the season as Brian Barton ran the length of the field, when he claimed the ball inside his 18 yard box before he sprinted with the ball to Vale’s box where he coolly put it into the left corner to make it 2-0. But, CHS payed for not clearing a vale free kick when vale shortened the deficit to 2-1. George Hooper soon made it 3-1 when Danny Iohya progressed down the left side before he centred it too Hooper who finished the attack off. CHS goalkeeper, Hallam Carslake, made sure he defended CHS’ two goal lead when he tipped over a free kick. Which made sure CHS went into half time 3-1 up. Ten minutes into the second half and Hooper had his second of the game when Barton played him through which meant all he had to do was chip the ball over the goalkeeper. 4-1 CHS. Carslake again tipped a Vale shot over the crossbar which made sure CHS progress in the Cheshire Cup.

It wasn’t only a cup game on the pitches at CHS on Wednesday, as the year 8 and 9 were in action in the league against Shavington. The year 8’s were 2-0 behind at half time. But, luck was against them when Ben Oakley hit the crossbar with his shot, before it bounced on the line and returned back into the 18 yard box. Against the run of play, Shavington scored a third before adding a fourth when they lobbed CHS keeper, David Speed. The year 9’s also hosted Shavington which saw CHS win 4-1 with Morgan Bratt scoring twice as well Jack O’Gara and Josh Dempsey, with a header, getting on the score sheet.

On Thursday it saw our year 10 and year 11 travel to Shavington after they both reached the next round of the Cheshire Cup. Both teams took their confidence into their games as the year 11’s won 4-0 thanks to an Ollie Conroy hatrick and a goal from Joey Griffths. The year 10 also won comfortably, with Brian Barton and Danny Needham scoring before Adam McHale scored a brace. Shavington scored two consolations but nothing more. The game ended 4-2.

Written by Adam Bailey

FOOTBALL WEEK 1- 19th and 20th September

 

A GREAT START FROM ALL YEARS AGAINST ARCH RIVALS

This week saw the opening days of the school’s football season. The year 8’s and 10’s kicked off on Wednesday 19^th September which saw both teams win comfortably.  Their opening games were against local rivals Eaton Bank, which some people would say is the equivalent to the Merseyside and Manchester derby. Even though the football may not be the same, each team from the whistle only gave the opposing players a few seconds on the ball. However, in the 5^th minute Brian Barton, year 10, went one on one with Eaton Bank’s goalkeeper and calmly put the ball into his net. 1-0 to Congleton High. It wasn’t long until Max Berkeley carried out the same move as Barton did and put the year 10’s 2-0 up. From this point Congleton looked safe and in the 25^th minute Berkeley headed home for his second of the game, which made it 3-0. Minutes late Brian Barton added to his previous goal which made sure Congleton went into the break with a four goal advantage. 

Barton nearly scored another two goals in the opening minutes of the second half as his powerful header had to be lifted over the cross-bar before minutes later he hit the post. Barton and Berkeley were still both on a brace but who was going to get their hatrick first? The answer was Max as he made it 5-0. However, it wasn’t long before Barton got his hatrick which made it 6-0. But from the restart Eaton Bank found a gap on the left and played that to their advantage, Sam Wilson left Hallam Carslake diving in mid air with his shot. 6-1 Congleton. Wilson’s goal definitely didn’t have an effect on Congleton as Adam McHale won it on the left touchline and centred it to Barton who slotted it to Berkeley who put it above the keeper. 7-1 Congleton. The goal galore continued when Adam McHale’s corner made its way too Kieran Wilton who made sure he got on the score sheet. Then Barton scored his fourth of the game which made sure Max Berkeley and him go into the next game as Congleton High School’s top scorers. The last kick of the game saw Adam McHale score a well deserved goal. McHale found himself in open space and played a one two with Brian Barton before putting it between the posts. The match ended 10-1 to the Year 10’s at Congleton High School, who under a new manager, Mr Baxendale, showed that they are not like Premier League clubs who need weeks to solve the transition between managers.

On the other side of the field, the Year 8’s hosted Eaton Bank’s. Congleton took the lead with Jake Rowley before Amy Rodgers, volleyed home from the edge of the area to make it 2-0 to Congleton High School.  James Reid then rifled his shot into the back of the net with his left foot to make it 3-0. Eaton Bank pulled one back to make the final result 3-1 to Congleton High School.

On Thursday 20^th September it was the other year’s (7,9 and 11) time to kick off their season when they all hosted Eaton Bank. The Congleton boys must have been in full confidence after finding out about the previous night’s results as Tom Summerfield got Congleton’s year 11’s off to a flyer when he scored early on. Then Louis Hartles, halted the party, when he pulled one back from the penalty spot which saw him calmly, place the ball past Alfie Stone. Minutes later Congleton High’s year 11’s got the ball in the back of the net but the referee, Mr Naylor ruled it offside. There was even more controversy when Mr Naylor’s whistle blew seconds before Joey Griffiths’ cross somehow drifted over the Eaton Bank goalkeeper into the net. However in the 28^th minute Congleton’s bad luck made way to good luck as Ollie Conroy took advantage of the CHS counter attack when a cross from the right found Conroy in space in the middle of the box. Conroy then scored his second when he leapt above the defenders to score with his head. Five minutes before the end of the first half a long ball found Conroy who turned and got a shot off but this was blocked and parried by the keeper, which rolled into the path of Paddy McGovern who made it 4-1 at half time. Tom Hampton made it 5-1 ten minutes after the break from close range. That was soon 6-1 when Hampton slotted in his brace at the far post following a deflected shot from a corner. Eaton Bank scored a consolation but couldn’t add to their score and the match finished 6-2 to CHS.

The year 7’s played their first competitive match at high school when they thrashed Eaton Bank’s year 7’s 7-2. The game was 1-1 at half time but shortly after the restart Eaton Bank took the lead through a short corner which turned into a goal mouth scramble with the ball ending up beyond Congleton’s goalkeeper, Josh Riley. The year 7’s manager, Mr Da Souza inspired his team when he bellowed “switch on Congleton” from the sideline as moments later CHS had the ball in the net twice to make it 4-2 to Congleton. The new pupils at Congleton High School went on to score another three before the final whistle. The PE staff are expecting a good season for the year 7’s.

Unfortunately, the year 9’s game was abandoned in the second half with the score at 3-2 due to a serious injury too one of Congleton High’s players, AJ Eardley. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch soon.

One thing’s for sure all of CHS’ players will go into next week’s games full of confidence.

Written by Adam Bailey