Southill FC dig DEEP to claim the win!

After school today, we welcome St Augustine’s on the top field as the boys tried to maintain the high standards they had set in the tournament last week…

In football training yesterday, Tim worked hard with the team on how to control the tempo of the game and pass and move the ball at the back in order to give more space to the more offensive players. In the first 10 minutes, Southill were doing this confidently, dominating possession and they were eager to win the ball back if they did lose possession. Despite the ball being predominantly in the final third of the pitch, Southill were struggling to find space in order to shoot as St Augustine’s were quick to press and give protection to their goalkeeper. This continued throughout the first half and no shots on target were registered. At half time, it remained goalless.

During half time, we discussed the importance of stretching the pitch, keeping our wide players out on the touchline in order to provide more space in the middle. This worked a treat! After a great run down the wing by Leo, the ball deflected outside the box where Mason calmly took a touch and slotted it into the bottom corner making it 1-0. We really grew in confidence after the goal went in and we didn’t have to wait long for the second. Corey pushed up to support the midfield and found himself outside the box with space in front to shoot, however a St Augustine’s defender threw themselves in the way of the shot just in time. Luckily, the ball fell straight to the feet of Mason who rifled his shot up into the top right hand corner scoring his second goal of the game. Not even two goalkeepers could have save it! 2-0 to the mighty Southill!

St Augustine’s remained resilient and started to hit Southill on the counter attack in the final 10 minutes of the game, playing long balls over the top for their offensive players to run onto. Some great defending by Reed and Gurraag prevented the opposition from scoring on a number of occasions and Oliver successfully made several clearances, including one from a corner that looked destined for the back of the net. As we approached the end of the game, Southill’s tactic of spreading the play and using the wide pitch to their advantage resulted in some really attractive football. Eli and Albert were confidently dribbling past players in order to get us up the pitch and Samuel’s persistence in playing through balls for our attacking players to run onto meant that St Augustine’s spent the final few minutes of the game defending rather than attacking. A shot by Albert led to a corner in the final moments of the match. Leo hit his cross hard and low into the box. It somehow ended up at the back post where Ashton calmly slotted it under the goalkeeper making the final score…

Southill FC 3–0 St Augustine’s  

Well done boys! Another victory under our belts and we now await news on who we will play in our next match (hopefully before we break up for Christmas). A huge thank you to everybody who came and supported the team today. We hope you enjoyed the game.

Mr. Prior