FOOTBALL- 15TH OCTOBER

Year 11 win their “Biggest Game of the Season” with a Superb Performance

England may have had a crucial match which they had to win tonight (Tuesday 15^th October) but year 11 had an even bigger one when they travelled to St. Monica’s, Bury in the English School’s Cup Round 3.

CHS came into the match after two consecutive defeats and they were determined not to make it 3. Max Berkeley put CHS in front from a superb Adam McHale cross.  CHS were unfortunate to see their lead disappear when St. Monica’s were given a penalty for a soft challenge from Captain Dunn who led from the front for the whole match and was superb throughout. St. Monica’s successfully converted the penalty and it wasn’t the last of the match! CHS restored their lead following powerful play from Brian Barton which led to the goalkeeper spilling his shot but George Hooper followed it up with a rebound from close range. 2-1 CHS. With 6 minutes remaining it looked like CHS had enough to see the game out but a good shot from an un-marked player at the back post struck the roof of Hallam Carslake’s net. 2-2. Undeservingly CHS were forced into extra-time. Strength in both body and character ensued so penalties were to decide the victor.

Carslake's outstanding save from St Monica's 'penalty taker' subdued the crowd to the delight of the travelling CHS faithful (Mr Cross). With CHS’ first 3 penalty takers scoring the match was in the hands of CHS’ 4^th penalty taker who unfortunately missed which set up sudden death. Next on the list was Danny Iyhoa who knew that if he scored it would see CHS through and if he didn’t well it is not worth thinking about! He stepped up to take CHS’ first penalty in sudden death with the whole of the school’s hopes on his shoulders, he scored and sent the team very deservedly through to the next round.

Mr Cross said “that the response from the year 11s was superb after 2 defeats. Their strength, technique, skill, decision making and determination were demonstrated to the full against a good St Monica's side. The system we discussed and implemented worked very well, all players adding their contribution to the game with such a strong focus on succeeding in this competition.  In some respects we have really under performed in other competitions such as the league and the Cheshire Cup, however this is the biggest competition in the country and we have played 2 good sides so far, winning both convincingly overall.”

The man of the match was awarded to Liam Evans for another commanding display in midfield, taking both the physical and technical game to the home team.

Written by Adam Bailey and Mr Cross (Crossinio)