Rain, Resilience and a Ruthless Fightback

Was it fourth time lucky? Yes!
Did it rain? Yes!
Did Southill step up to the plate? YES!

When we left school at 2.45pm, the weather was fine. The next thing we knew, just as we reached kick-off, the heavens opened. Nevertheless, the boys were ready and raring to go.

The opening 10 minutes saw the team finding their rhythm, with a few new players making their debut. We moved the ball well, getting it down and playing some great passes, although we couldn’t quite test the opposition goalkeeper. Max and Filip controlled the midfield, while Archie made some excellent runs into the box - we just couldn’t find the final pass.

After 12 minutes, Wyke Regis attacked down the left-hand side. A ball into the box evaded everyone - including our goalkeeper - and looped into the back of the net. 1–0 to Wyke.

Fifteen minutes in, Wyke doubled their lead. A through ball cut open our defence and was cut back to a teammate in the box, who calmly slotted it home to make it 2–0.

Being two goals down in those conditions could easily have knocked the team’s confidence, but quite the opposite happened. The setback galvanised Southill and we responded quickly. A looping ball over the top from Bryce was flicked on brilliantly by Max, allowing Noah to sprint onto it from the right wing and toe-poke the ball through the keeper’s legs. 2–1 and game on!

In the first half, Gurraag, Bryce, Layton, Ellis and Jossy were solid at the back. However, lightning struck again late into the first half. A cross from Wyke’s right winger somehow nestled into the net at the back post - heartbreaking and incredibly unlucky.

At half time, the score stood at Wyke Regis 3-1 Southill. Despite the scoreline, we were the better side, creating more attacking threat. Getting the ball into the box quicker would be key, and we knew the next goal would be crucial.

The first 10 minutes of the second half were an onslaught from Southill. Ronnie, Archie, Max and Jossy were outstanding in midfield, constantly winning the ball back and creating chance after chance. Noah was also being a real tricky customer upfront, causing all kinds of problems for the Wyke defence. We just couldn’t quite find the half-yard needed to get the shot away.

Max in particular was on fire in the second half - Wyke simply couldn’t handle him. He came extremely close to an unbelievable goal. Starting in his own half, he jinxed past three players and nearly slotted it past the goalkeeper. After three corners in quick succession, we finally got our reward. Sixteen minutes into the second half, Max delivered an absolute peach of a corner and Noah was perfectly positioned to control the ball and slot it home from the heart of the penalty box. 3–2 - and suddenly it was game on.

With only minutes remaining, we came agonisingly close to an equaliser. A free kick on the edge of the box gave Noah a chance to complete his hat-trick. His effort was superb, but the keeper just managed to get a fingertip to it, pushing the ball onto the crossbar and to safety.

Even as Wyke tried to clear their lines, Gurraag’s composure on the ball stood out as he controlled possession and helped launch another attack. Sadly, time ran out, and the match finished Wyke Regis 3–2 Southill.

Despite the result, I could not be prouder of this team. To play in those conditions and show such resilience, determination, and team spirit was inspiring.

A huge thank you to all the parents, carers, and grandparents who helped get the children to Wyke - and stayed to cheer us on in the rain. I hope you all eventually get warm and dry! Special thanks to Mr Frampton, who somehow mastered the art of taking action photos while holding an umbrella, and to Mr Allen for hosting and refereeing the match.

We’re already talking about a rematch - this time back on our turf.

Tom