Bermondsey and
Rotherhithe PSFA
Archives
Seasons
2010/2011
2009/2010
2008/2009
2007/2008
2006/2007
2005/2006
2004/2005
Playing
Squad
|
Name |
School |
|
Abraham Odoh |
St. Joseph's (Gomm Rd) |
|
Tommy Curtis |
St James' |
|
Joseph Olowu |
Grange |
|
Jack Sycamore |
Alfred Salter |
|
Liam Waller |
St Josephs Borough |
|
Ricardo Mancera |
St. John's |
|
Aaron Enahoro |
St. John's |
|
Kane Pearce |
Redriff |
|
Jordan Ellis |
Alfred Salter |
|
Lucas Vasquez |
St John’s |
|
Jamie Bennett |
Redriff |
|
Teddy Deverson |
Alfred Salter |
|
Moses Etutu |
Rotherhithe |
|
Bailey Dodd |
St. Joseph's (Gomm Rd) |
|
Cisqo Silva |
Alfred Salter |
|
Oliver Breen |
Riverside |
|
Also
Played |
. |
|
Jamie Soutter |
Alfred Salter |
|
Alwajud
Yusuf |
Rotherhithe |
|
Daniel Simms |
Eveline
Lowe |
|
Mehdi Mehadaoui |
Eveline Lowe |
2010/2011
Click on
opponents for reports
|
COMPETITION |
|
OPPONENTS |
SCORE |
|
|
Friendly |
A |
1-7 |
|
|
|
Friendly |
A |
1-2 |
|
|
|
Friendly |
H |
2-2 |
|
|
|
Friendly |
H |
3-2 |
|
|
|
Friendly |
A |
1-0 |
|
|
|
Friendly |
H |
2-0 |
|
|
|
Kay Trophy |
A |
0-1 |
|
|
|
Friendly |
A |
3-1 |
|
|
|
Kay Trophy |
A |
0-3 |
|
|
|
Kay Trophy |
H |
1-1 |
|
|
|
ESFA 7 a side |
N |
|
||
|
Friendly |
H |
0-0 |
|
|
|
Finch Trophy |
H |
4-2 |
|
|
|
Finch Trophy |
H |
2-0 |
|
|
|
Finch Trophy |
H |
5-1 |
|
|
|
Friendly |
A |
1-2 |
|
|
|
Finch Trophy |
A |
1-6 |
|
|
|
Finch Trophy |
H |
1-1 |
|
2010/2011
Match Reports
South London Primary
Schools 1 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools 1
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association’s District team rounded off their season with a
battling draw against neighbours South London in their final Lester Finch
Trophy group fixture at Pynners Close in Dulwich.
Despite a near impossible task of
recording a cricket score victory to keep alive hopes of qualifying for the
final, Bermondsey started the game strongly and forced several early corners
from their impressive opening the bets of which saw Liam Waller’s front post
flick being headed clear at the far post and Aaron Enahoro’s
snap shot on the rebound passing just over the bar. The long grass, whilst stopping
the awkward bounce from a rock-hard under-surface did not allow either side to
pass the ball freely but Bermondsey still managed to use the flanks well to try
and build. However as the half wore on south London became more of a threat and
on fifteen minutes had the lead as their right winger escaped to send over a
cross which was deflected into the path of their forward to tap the ball into
an empty net. The pace of the winger almost saw them double the lead when he
burst through to get onto a ball over the Bermondsey back line but Kane Pearce
was able to reach his attempted chip to avert the danger. The half ended with South London very much in
the ascendency but just before the break Bermondsey broke quickly and Jamie
Bennett capitalised on hesitation to nip in between defender and keeper and
having pushed the ball wide of the advancing keeper appeared to be sent
sprawling as he raced round to apply the finish but the referee waved away the
strong appeals for a penalty.
The second half saw the game open up
with South London quickly on to the attack and Lucas Vasquez having to gather
on his line after the ball had bounced around the penalty area. Bermondsey
battled well to find a way back into the game and got their reward ten minutes into the half when Teddy Deverson
carried the ball forward having picked up a half clearance and without being
closed down opted to line up a shot from distance which gained sufficient
bounce of the hard surface to climb over the keepers grasp and drop over the
line. The goal gave Bermondsey renewed hope of snatching victory and when
Abraham Odoh scampered clear down the left his centre only just failed to land
at Ollie Breen’s feet. Despite a draw suiting South London’s own qualification
hopes they too looked to find the winner and exerted string pressure in the
final fifteen minutes with their strikers shooting wide from several good
opportunities and then from the best chance yet smacking the far post before
Bermondsey scrambled clear. A further
late rally from Bermondsey saw them force a late corner but despite a perfect
delivery from Jamie Bennett a South London head cleared the ball away from the
six yard box before anyone could attack it and with Bermondsey pushing forward
on the break the final whistle brought a close on both the match and the season
with a well fought draw.
Squad: Jamie Bennett (Redriff) Tommy Curtis (St James') Abraham Odoh (St.
Joseph's Gomm Road) Joseph Olowu (Grange) Jack Sycamore (Alfred Salter)
Jordan Ellis (Alfred Salter) Teddy Deverson (Alfred Salter) Lucas Vasquez (St.
John's) Aaron Enahoro (St John’s) Kane Pearce (Redriff) Moses Etutu
(Rotherhithe) Oliver Breen (Riverside) Liam Waller (St Josephs Borough) Bailey
Dodd (St. Joseph's Gomm Road)
Croydon Primary Schools
6 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools 1
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association’s District team’s Lester Finch Trophy hopes took a
severe knock after group favourites Croydon gained a convincing victory in a
top of the table clash to take over the leadership of the group with a game
each to play.
A late arrival and three Friday night
drop outs from the playing squad disrupted Bermondsey’s preparations but they
still started brightly finding plenty of space on the large pitch as a hard
bumpy surface caused problems for both sides.
However with ten minutes gone the pace
of the Croydon side and in particular the off the ball running of their
midfield started to create gaps in the Bermondsey defence and having been saved
from falling behind by a linesman’s flag lessons were not learnt and two quick
goals followed as Croydon broke with pace to feed their forwards who finished
comfortably. Bermondsey battled back well though and shortly before the break got
themselves foothold back in the game as a loose clearance found its way to
Moses Etutu who spotting the keeper out of position quickly fired off a shot
which travelled thirty yards along the floor to roll into the unguarded net. A
quick break down the right saw Jamie Bennett almost equalise on the stroke of
half time but his shot flew wide of the upright.
The opening exchanges in the second
spell remained even with Bailey Dodd working well filling in at left back to
stop Croydon advances down the right, but with no outfield substitute to give
fresh legs a combination of the large pitch and unaccustomed heat from the sun
- making its first appearance of the season after a long spell on the sidelines
- saw Bermondsey appear to wilt. A third Croydon goal gave the hosts breathing
space that they went on to fully exploit as uncharacteristically visitors heads
dropped in what seemed a very long half and three late goals gave the scoreline
a lopsided look.
Squad: Jamie Bennett (Redriff) Abraham Odoh (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Jack
Sycamore (Alfred Salter) Teddy Deverson (Alfred Salter) Ricardo Mancera (St.
John's) Lucas Vasquez (St. John's) Aaron Enahoro (St John’s) Kane Pearce
(Redriff) Moses Etutu (Rotherhithe) Oliver Breen (Riverside) Liam Waller (St
Josephs Borough) Bailey Dodd (St. Joseph's Gomm Road)
Gravesham Primary
Schools 2 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools 1
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association’s District team travelled to Corinthians FC to
take on Gravesham Schools in a rare midweek outing under floodlights in what
turned out to be a very entertaining and high quality match for Gravesham’s
annual Ron Billing Memorial game.
Playing down the slope Bermondsey were
quickly on the attack and despite a large pitch their neat passing and movement
caused the hosts some early alarm and saw the visitors take a fourth minute
lead as Abraham Odoh and Moses Etutu swapped passes to find Liam Waller on the
left of the penalty area and cutting inside with his first touch he powered the
ball back across the goal with his second to send the ball flying into the top
corner. Bermondsey looked to double the lead when another good move down the
right saw Jamie Bennett centre well but the cross just evaded Liam Waller’s
attempts to head home to add his second.
Gravesham defended the slope well and
going forward looked to put the ball in behind the high Bermondsey back line
but some good cover defence from Ricardo Mancera and Jack Sycamore thwarted
several breakaways until five minutes before the break from another quick
counter the ball pin-balled around the Bermondsey area before falling to a
Gravesham midfielder who drove it low into the net to equalise.
The second spell saw Bermondsey sit
deeper as Gravesham really took the game to their visitors with wave after wave
of attack as Bermondsey found it hard to get out of their half but eager
defending kept the home side at bay coupled with three terrific saves from Kane
Pearce, the best of which saw him dive full stretch to save one handed on the
goal line. With time running out Bermondsey seemed to have battled valiantly
enough to earn a creditable draw but Gravesham threw more players forward and
again under heavy pressure the ball cannoned off several defenders blocking
goalwards shots before finally arriving at the feet of the Gravesham right
winger who dispatched it into the net.
Bermondsey looked to find a late
equaliser and Cisqo Silva almost got his shot away as Moses Etutu’s hard work
released him and with virtually the last move of the game the Gravesham keeper
rushed out to take the ball off the feet of Abraham Odoh as he dashed behind
the Gravesham defence to latch onto Jamie Bennett’s cross but the equaliser was
not forthcoming and the final whistle saw a very good Gravesham side deservedly
take the spoils.
Squad: Jamie Bennett (Redriff) Tommy Curtis (St James') Cisqo Silva (Alfred
Salter) Abraham Odoh (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Joseph Olowu (Grange) Jack
Sycamore (Alfred Salter) Jordan Ellis (Alfred Salter) Teddy Deverson (Alfred
Salter) Ricardo Mancera (St. John's) Lucas Vasquez (St. John's) Aaron Enahoro
(St John’s) Kane Pearce (Redriff) Moses Etutu (Rotherhithe) Oliver Breen
(Riverside) Liam Waller (St Josephs Borough)
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools 5 Woolwich Primary Schools 1
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association’s District team continued their push for
qualification into the Lester Finch Trophy final with a 5-1 victory over
neighbours Woolwich at Dulwich Park to keep up their hundred percent record in
their group fixtures.
Despite playing up the slope
Bermondsey were soon on the attack and forced a series of early corners which
were well delivered by Jamie Bennett forcing the keeper into early action
although a lightening break form Woolwich from the final corner of the spell
presented their striker with a one on one chance but a bobble of the difficult
surface saw his final touch send the ball wide. Bermondsey were soon back on
the attack though and ten minutes in they had the lead when awarded a free kick
for a push on the corner of the penalty area and Ricardo Mancera stepped up to
flight the free kick over the corded penalty box and into the roof of the net
beyond the keepers grasp. Woolwich rallied well though and were soon level as
the ball was allowed to bounce around the edge of Bermondsey’s area and fell
invitingly for their forward to bury a low drive inside the post. The hosts
went into the break back in front after some neat passing in the final third
released Liam Waller on the right and his low centre was touched home by
Abraham Odoh via a deflection off a retreating defender.
Bermondsey were good value for their
half time lead but wary that the slope can sometimes be as hard to play down as
up and it was Woolwich who made the early running in the second spell as they
looked to get back into the game forcing several corners but the back four was
excellently marshalled by skipper Teddy Deverson and remained strong to allow
few clear cut chances before Bermondsey took hold of the game with third goal
as Abraham Odoh grabbed his second finishing off a flowing counter attack move
with a sharp strike.
There was to be no way back for the
visitors after that and Bermondsey finished the game strongly to grab two late
goals as first Moses Etutu struck home powerfully when getting onto a loose
ball following a corner and with virtually the last kick of the game Ollie
Breen tucked home from close range after another corner had caused Woolwich
problems.
The win takes Bermondsey to the top of
the group table and sets up a thrilling final two games as they take on an also
unbeaten Croydon side and local rivals South London to determine who advances
to the final.
Squad: Jamie Bennett (Redriff) Tommy Curtis (St James') Bailey Dodd (St. Joseph's
Gomm Road) Abraham Odoh (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Joseph Olowu (Grange)
Jack Sycamore (Alfred Salter) Jordan Ellis (Alfred Salter) Teddy Deverson
(Alfred Salter) Ricardo Mancera (St. John's) Lucas Vasquez (St. John's) Aaron
Enahoro (St John’s) Kane Pearce (Redriff) Moses Etutu (Rotherhithe) Oliver
Breen (Riverside) Liam Waller (St Josephs Borough)
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools 2 Orpington Primary Schools 0
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association’s District team continued their good form in the Lester
Finch Trophy with a second successive win in their group game with Orpington at
Dulwich Park to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the final as group
winners.
Despite blue skies and sunshine the
pitch was still wet and spongy from Friday’s rain and with the grass left long
it was difficult for either side to find accuracy with passes as players opted
for an aerial route which meant chances were few and far between in the opening
half and despite first use of the slope Bermondsey did not test the visitors
keeper aside from a firmly hit half volley from Moses Etutu which slammed off
the crossbar and bounced away to safety. Orpington too were finding it hard to
find a final ball to open up the Bermondsey back line and the half finished
with the hosts feeling they may have not made enough use of some sustained
pressure with an uphill half to come.
The game sprang to life in the second
spell with Orpington using the pace of their forwards to try and get in behind
the high defensive line of the hosts, but just as Orpington seemed to forcing
Bermondsey deeper Aaron Enahoro made a goal out of nothing as he skipped free
of a tackle twenty five yards out and hit a lofted shot that sailed over the
keeper into the net.
Orpington rallied and forced Lucas
Vasquez into a smart save from a corner as the ball bounced around the
Bermondsey penalty area but some determined defending allowed the hosts to
clear their lines and any anxieties were eased when Ricardo Mancera won a free
kick from which he delivered a dangerous cross which was parried into the path
of Teddy Deverson to tuck home at the back post and double the lead. There was
still time for a late rally from Orpington and only the outstretched fingers of
Lucas Vasquez stopped a consolation goal as the visiting forward looked to
score with a lobbed effort having sprinted through from halfway but with the
resulting corner amounting to nothing Bermondsey had done enough to secure the
points.
Squad: Jamie Bennett (Redriff) Tommy Curtis (St James') Bailey Dodd (St. Joseph's
Gomm Road) Abraham Odoh (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Joseph Olowu (Grange)
Jack Sycamore (Alfred Salter) Jordan Ellis (Alfred Salter) Teddy Deverson
(Alfred Salter) Ricardo Mancera (St. John's) Lucas Vasquez (St. John's) Aaron
Enahoro (St John’s) Kane Pearce (Redriff) Moses Etutu (Rotherhithe) Oliver
Breen (Riverside) Liam Waller (St Josephs Borough)
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools 4 Bexley Primary Schools 2
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association’s District team opened their Lester Finch Trophy
campaign with a deserved 4-2 victory against Bexley Schools at Dulwich Park.
After a fixtureless few weeks due to
lack of opposition and waterlogged pitches the side could have been excused any
rustiness but worked hard in the opening spell to ensure their visitors were
not able to make use of the slope with keeper Kane Pearce well protected by a
hard working back four and only called on to safely deal with one long range
effort. Midway through the half Bermondsey took the lead when having already
sent over several dangerous crosses from the right, Jamie Bennett weighted a
perfect centre and Bailey Dodd nipped in at the far post to nod the ball over
the keeper and into the net. Further good work on the right with Liam Waller
and Abraham Odoh combining well gave Aaron Enahoro a chance to shoot but his
effort was saved by a well placed keeper as Bermondsey continued to take the
game to their visitors.
Having looked the stringer team
playing uphill Bermondsey turned round at half time looking to press on to seal
the game early in the half but were immediately pegged back as Bexley moved the
ball quickly to create space for one of two strikers alone the box to calmly
convert. From looking in total control Bermondsey had to now battle hard to
regain the initiative and Lucas Vasquez was called on more than once to keep
the Bexley forwards at bay before Bermondsey again took the lead as Liam Waller
neatly played in Abraham Odoh who turned his marker with a quick step over and
tucked the ball inside the far post with the outside of his boot for an eye
pleasing goal. Minutes later Bermondsey had further stretched the lead when
Bailey Dodd fed Ricardo Mancera from a short corner and he skipped past two
tackles before chipping the keeper from just inside the penalty area.
Once again through Bermondsey rested
on their laurels and gave Bexley some hope when they failed to clear their
lines and saw the loose ball thumped back into the corner of the net but any
hopes the visitors had of a comeback were quickly diminished when Liam Waller
quickly recycled a poor clearance and Moses Etutu flicked the ball into the
path of Abraham Odoh who dropped a shoulder to slip past his marker and hit a sweet
half volley into the corner of the net to seal the win.
The side have an early opportunity to
keep their perfect record in the competition going when they take on Orpington
at Dulwich Park next Saturday.
Squad: Jamie Bennett (Redriff) Tommy Curtis (St James') Bailey Dodd (St. Joseph's
Gomm Road) Abraham Odoh (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Joseph Olowu (Grange)
Jack Sycamore (Alfred Salter) Cisqo Silva (Alfred Salter) Teddy Deverson
(Alfred Salter) Ricardo Mancera (St. John's) Lucas Vasquez (St. John's) Aaron
Enahoro (St John’s) Kane Pearce (Redriff) Moses Etutu (Rotherhithe) Oliver
Breen (Riverside) Liam Waller (St Josephs Borough)
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools 0 Islington Primary Schools 0
After last week’s county sevens
tournament Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association
District team returned to their usual eleven a side action and played out a very
entertaining though goal less game with Islington Primary Schools at Dulwich
Park.
A strong wind blowing across the pitch threatened to affect the game but with
both sides looking to keep the ball on the floor it was to their credit that
they managed to master the conditions and still play plenty of pleasing to the
eye passing football. The opening ten minutes saw both sides show attacking
intent with Islington helped by the slope penning their hosts into their own
half after Bermondsey had opened with some early pressure of their own. Dogged
defending from the Bermondsey back line with Jordan Ellis deputising well at
left back restricted the visitors to long range efforts which keeper Kane
Pearce was able to watch pass wide of the post having positioned himself well.
With one of the squad’s two keepers, Lucas Vasquez having a run in midfield,
Bermondsey were using the ball well and both his and Jack Sycamore's
intelligent passing to wide areas kept Bermondsey pushing forward despite the
slope, allowing Abraham Odoh to scamper after a good supply of through balls
from Bailey Dodd and Jamie Bennett on either flank. Long range efforts from
Jamie Bennett and Ricardo Mancera both passed over the cross bar as Bermondsey
looked to take the lead before the break but the sides turned round still
deadlocked.
Despite now having the advantage of the slope Bermondsey took time to get into
their stride in the second spell and the early threat came from Islington but
with Aaron Enahoro becoming more and more influential pushing forward from
central midfield Bermondsey started to raise their game. Bailey Dodd almost
broke clear but could not get enough power in his left footed shot to force the
ball home and a spell of pressure in the Islington penalty area saw the ball failing
to sit kindly for any of the Bermondsey players as they sought to find a sight
of goal. With the both defence seeming to have the upper hand both sides
resorted to further shots from distance but with the gusting wind accuracy was
proving difficult as most failed to trouble the keepers.
As the game became more stretched with both sides looking to find a goal, half
chances came and went. Islington had their best opportunity when their centre
forward got free of the back line and advanced into the penalty area but his
low shot was well saved diving to his right by Kane Pearce. With time almost up
Aaron Enahoro burst down the right and whipped in a powerful low cross that saw
the outstretched legs of Abraham Odoh and Bailey Dodd just fail to find a contact
on the ball to divert it into the net as it flashed across the goal mouth.
Despite the lack of goals the match had been an entertaining spectacle for the
assembled spectators and was played in terrific by both sides giving good
preparation for their respective Lester Finch trophy campaigns in the remaining
weeks of the season.
Squad: Kane Pearce (Redriff) Jamie
Bennett (Redriff) Bailey Dodd (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Abraham Odoh (St.
Joseph's Gomm Road) Joseph Olowu (Grange) Teddy Deverson (Alfred Salter)
Ricardo Mancera (St. John's) Lucas Vasquez (St. John's) Aaron Enahoro (St
John’s) Jordan Ellis (Alfred Salter) Jack Sycamore (Alfred Salter)
English Schools FA Seven
A Side Competition
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools District team played some scintillating football at the Inner London
County Round of the English Schools Football Association seven a side
tournament at the Marathon Sports Ground and were desperately unlucky to exit
at the semi final stage after a penalty shoot out defeat to Hackney.
Bermondsey had been drawn in what
appeared tough five team group but quickly showed they would be a team to be
reckoned with a dazzling passing display in their opening game to see off South
London with a comprehensive three nil victory. Abraham Odoh revelled in the
smaller sided game and opened the scoring midway through the first half when
his speed and quick footwork created an opening and a flowing passing move saw
Jordan Ellis sweep home a second shortly after. With games just six minutes
each way goals are usually at a premium at this event but Bermondsey were able
to aid what could have been vital goal difference with a third goal late in the
second half to cap an impressive opening game.
The second game saw them take on a
Tower Hamlets side that also looked to have a fluid flowing passing game
required for seven aside football and Bermondsey were indebted to Lucas Vasquez
in goal for two impressive saves to keep them in the match coupled with some
battling defending from Teddy Deverson and Joseph Olowu as Tower Hamlets
pressed continually. However having absorbed a lot of pressure and seen a
couple of shots just pass over their own bar Bermondsey rallied late on and
pressed forward in the final few minutes. A draw would have still been a useful
result at this stage of the group so it was a huge bonus when with what proved
to be the last kickoff the game Abraham Odoh nipped into the goal mouth to
flick home Ricardo Mancera’s driven cross to steal all three points.
Camden were next up and an open game
saw both sides make openings without converting before midway through the
second spell Abraham Odoh raced through to neatly lob the advancing keeping and
keep up the sides hundred percent record.
Other results in the group meant the
side were now certain of qualification to the semi finals but had a final group
game with Lewisham who were also boasting three wins from three to decide who
would top the group. Bermondsey had a
great chance to take a first half lead when they awarded a penalty for a push
in the ix but a well struck kick cannoned back of the foot of the post and the
sides turned round at the break still level, but their hopes of getting the
point that would have meant topping the group and meeting the runners up from
the other group were quickly dashed as two quick second half goals saw Lewisham
race into a two goal lead. Again Bermondsey rallied late on and Moses Etutu was
sent clear after good work form Bailey Dodd to pull a goal back just as the
momentum of the game turned in their favour time ran out.
Second placing in the group meant a
semi final against Hackney who had topped the other group. The game was cagey
affair with neither side quite finding their zip form earlier in the morning in
the first half but as legs tired the game become open and again Lucas Vasquez
had to save his side with some confident keeping. Aaron Enahoro worked
tirelessly to stop Hackney building in midfield and keep Bermondsey pushing
forward and as the game went into extra time Bermondsey started to find a flow
to their passing to match the opening game but could not quite find a clear
sight of goal and so the tie went to a penalty shoot out where despite a
reaction save from Lucas Vasquez and successful kicks from Ricardo Mancera and
Aaron Enahoro, some well struck penalties form Hackney Bermondsey bow out by 3
kicks to 2.
Despite the disappointment of exiting
the tournament in such a cruel manner the side can be very proud of their
achievements throughout the morning. Both the quality of their football and the
manner of their sportsmanship and conduct drew praise from other sides,
spectators and the referees and despite not reaching the final they were the
days leading scorers.
Next week sees a return to eleven a
side football with a visit from this morning’s other finalists Islington for a
friendly game at Dulwich Park.
Squad: Bailey Dodd (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Abraham Odoh (St. Joseph's Gomm
Road) Joseph Olowu (Grange) Teddy Deverson (Alfred Salter) Ricardo Mancera
(St. John's) Lucas Vasquez (St. John's) Aaron Enahoro (St John’s) Moses Etutu
(Rotherhithe) Jordan Ellis (Alfred Salter)
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools 1 Camden Primary Schools 1
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools District team finished their Kay Trophy group games with a one all draw
against a Camden side that were still hoping to earn qualification into the
semi final stages of the competition. Previous defeats to South London and
Lewisham had left Bermondsey without a route through the group but their
visitors started with a good tempo in search of a win that could have seen them
sneak through in second place. Playing up hill Bermondsey found the movement of
the Camden forwards difficult to track and were pinned
into their own half in the early exchanges. The momentum changed though midway
through the half when having earned a free kick twenty five yards from goal
Teddy Deverson’s strike saw the keeper distracted by the run across the goal
of Moses Etutu and resulted with the
ball nestling in the corner of the net. However the lead lasted barely a minute
as Camden quickly broke forward and whilst a timely challenge from Tommy Curtis
appeared to have averted the danger the resulting corner was nudged home at the
near post.
The second spell started slowly but as
the half wore on Bermondsey legs seemed to cope better with the heavy pitch and
with use of the slope they were able to build a sustained period of pressure
resulting in several good chances as Mosses Etutu saw two shots in quick
succession flash past the post and a when a terrific cross from Teddy Deverson
was spilt into the path of Abraham Odoh his shot too was just inches wide. With
Bermondsey now laying siege to the Camden goal it looked only a matter of time
before a goal would come. Joseph Olowu shot from distance but again it flew
wide and Bailey Dodd almost got on the end of the lobbed ball into the box as
Bermondsey tried to find a winner but some resilient defending saw Camden hold
firm and as can be the case after such pressure the visitors almost snatched
victory in the dying moments when breaking at speed but good tracking back from
Ricardo Mancera allowed him to retrieve the ball as it rolled towards the goal
and clear and ensure the hosts did not fall to an undeserved defeat.
Squad: Jamie Bennett (Redriff) Tommy Curtis (St James') Bailey Dodd (St.
Joseph's Gomm Road) Abraham Odoh (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Joseph Olowu (Grange)
Jack Sycamore (Alfred Salter) Cisqo Silva (Alfred Salter) Teddy Deverson
(Alfred Salter) Ricardo Mancera (St. John's) Lucas Vasquez (St. John's) Aaron
Enahoro (St John’s) Kane Pearce (Redriff) Moses Etutu (Rotherhithe)
Jordan Ellis (Alfred Salter) Liam Waller (St Josephs Borough)
Lewisham Primary Schools
FA 3 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools 0
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools
District team bowed out of the Inner London Kay Trophy after a 3-0 defeat at
neighbours Lewisham left them unable to advance from their qualifying group
even if they win the final group with Camden next Saturday.
Despite the persistent rain in the week
Lewisham’s Elm Lane pitch was in surprisingly good condition but against the
wind and slope in the first spell Bermondsey found it hard to get into their
usual flowing style and were pushed back into their own half form the onset. It
seemed only a matter of time before Lewisham’s forward would find the target as
a wave of attacks gave several shooting chances all of which travelled high or
wide before on the quarter of an hour mark a switch of pay opened up the
Bermondsey back line and a low cross from the right was tucked in at the near
post to give the hosts a lead. This lead was doubled three minutes later when a
long range effort was powered low and hard into the corner of the goal as
Lewisham set up shooting opportunities at will.
The second spell saw Bermondsey put in
a much better display and whilst Lewisham added a third early on from a
lightening break, the visitors enjoyed more possession and using the slope and
wind were able to put together several flowing forays into the Lewisham half
with Abraham Odoh and Bailey Dodd combining well with some one touch passing
and Jamie Bennett firing snap shot just wide. However Lewisham again look to be more than useful side this
season and their movement and strength going forward meant Lucas Vasquez was called
to make some impressive second half saves to keep them from adding to the goal
tally helped by valiant performances from Teddy Deverson and Joseph Olowu at
the centre of the back line and a terrific sliding goal line clearance form
Ricardo Mancera.
Whilst Kay Trophy glory has now passed
the side by they still have the Inner London seven a side tournament and the
Lester Finch Trophy to compete for during the spring.
Squad: Jamie Bennett (Redriff) Tommy Curtis (St James') Bailey Dodd (St.
Joseph's Gomm Road) Abraham Odoh (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Joseph Olowu
(Grange) Jack Sycamore (Alfred Salter) Cisqo Silva (Alfred Salter) Teddy
Deverson (Alfred Salter) Ricardo Mancera (St. John's) Lucas Vasquez (St.
John's) Aaron Enahoro (St John’s) Kane Pearce (Redriff) Moses Etutu
(Rotherhithe)
Orpington Primary
Schools FA 1 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools 3
After a lengthy six week break due to poor
weather and the Christmas break, the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools District team finally returned to action with an impressive 3-1 victory
over Orpington Schools in a game which only went ahead due the determined
efforts of the Orpington officials and ground staff to clear the pitch of
standing water from the overnight rain. Their efforts were rewarded with both
sides putting in displays that made for an entertaining game and gave no
indication of rustiness after the lay off.
Orpington made the brighter start and
pinned their visitors back in their own half for the first five minutes but the
ever reliable central pairing of Teddy Deverson and Joseph Olowu were able to
break up the home attacks and having weathered the early storm Bermondsey soon
imposed themselves on themselves on the game. Abraham Odoh almost grabbed an
opener when jinking into space in the box but his shot was scrambled clear by
the foot of the post and Jamie Bennett saw a twenty yard effort just rise over
the crossbar after enterprising link up play and teed
him up with the shooting chance.
The visitors did not have to wait much
longer to take the lead as midway through the half Moses Etutu curled in a shot
from the edge of the box that had the keeper at full stretch to push the ball
away only for Abraham Odoh to react quickest to slide the ball back in from a
very acute angle. By now Bermondsey were in full flow and their attacking play
was a joy to watch as crisp passing and a willingness to spread play wide to
both flanks saw them have the majority of possession and the second goal was no
more than they deserves. Having forced a corner shortly before the half time
break Moses Etutu’s delivery was half cleared allowing him to pick the ball up
again having advances infield from the corner flag and his well executed chip
gave the keeper no chance as it carried over his grasping fingers into the far
corner of the net.
Any thoughts that the game was now in
the bag were quickly dispelled in the second period as Orpington pushed
forward. Lucas Vasquez was forced into a good smothering save after the
Orpington right winger had skipped into the box and the visitors successfully
defended a number of corners before Orpington finally pulled a goal back after
five minutes of sustained pressure when a quick throw in saw them releases
their centre forward down the middle of the pitch and he finished with a
powerful shot into the corner of the goal.
The game was very much in the balance
now and there was a feeling the next goal would be crucial with Bermondsey
needing to restore the two goal cushion to take the wind out of the hosts
determined fight back. So it proved to be as a quick counter attack saw
Bermondsey swarm forward and whilst a high delivery into the box looked to be
mopped up by a defender, Liam Waller gambled sensibly that a chance could be on
and when the awkward bounce saw the ball escape the defenders attention it fell kindly for him to plant a
crisp half volley into the back of the net.
The goal had the desired effect and
subsequent Orpington attacks lacked the threat and passion of the earlier
pressure and Bermondsey were able to see out the game and record their first
win of the new year in their opening game – although in truth regardless of the
result it was just good to be playing again.
Squad: Jamie Bennett (Redriff) Tommy Curtis (St James') Bailey Dodd (St.
Joseph's Gomm Road) Abraham Odoh (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Joseph Olowu
(Grange) Jack Sycamore (Alfred Salter) Cisqo Silva (Alfred Salter) Liam Waller
(St Josephs Borough) Teddy Deverson (Alfred Salter) Ricardo Mancera (St.
John's) Lucas Vasquez (St. John's) Aaron Enahoro (St John’s) Kane Pearce
(Redriff) Jordan Ellis (Alfred Salter) Moses Etutu (Rotherhithe)
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools FA 0 South London Primary Schools 1
A late goal denied Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools District team a hard earned point in their opening
Inner London County Schools FA Kay Trophy fixture and has given them a tough
task to gain qualification from their group.
With Dulwich Park waterlogged the
fixture was switched to nearby Pynners Close but conditions underfoot were
still tricky and a large soft but grassy pitch posed problems for both sides.
However it was South London who got to grips with the conditions first and
their powerhouse midfield pushed the ball around with real purpose to pen
Bermondsey into their own half for long periods of the opening spell. But with
the Bermondsey defence coming into the game on the back of two clean sheets
they were able to contain the threat with some dogged defending and strong
tackling not allowing South London to get a clear sight of goal. Shortly before
the break South London almost took the lead when a fierce shot from the edge of
the area could only be parried by Lucas Vasquez at full stretch but Tommy
Curtis had sensible covered on the line and kept calm to block and clear his
lines.
Whilst the game had been predominantly
played in Bermondsey’s own half the fact they had not surrendered a goal gave
hope for the second spell and with Jack Sycamore starting to influence the
midfield as the game opened up there was always a chance that Abraham Odoh and
Moses Etutu up front could produce a goal on the counter.
The second spell continued as the
first with South London pressing driven on by an impressive display from their
skipper in midfield but for all their possession and switching of play they
could not break the deadlock as chances came and went.
As the minutes ticked by the momentum
of the game suddenly switched and having weathered some very heavy pressure
Bermondsey suddenly switched into attacking mode creating several chances.
Ricardo Mancera tested the keeper from long range to see his shot gathered at
the second attempt as it threatened to squirm under the keeper, then Abraham
Odoh just failed to get enough contact on a lofted ball into the area as some
last ditch blocks stopped the Bermondsey forwards getting shots away as the
ball was recycled into the South London penalty area.
With five minutes remaining Abraham
Odoh burst clear but brought a first class save from the keeper with his
outside of the boot shot and from the resulting corner Cisqo Silva saw his
header flash over the bar. But from
looking like they were going to sneak a late winner Bermondsey had the tables
reversed on them as South London launched a late attack. Initially the danger
seemed averted but in trying to play the ball away Bermondsey got caught in
possession and out of position and the speedy South London centre forward raced
through to get on the end of a well judged pass and calmly poke the ball home.
There was not enough time left on the clock for Bermondsey to regroup and
launch another attack and so the three points went to South London when minutes
earlier Bermondsey had looked like they might have landed them themselves.
The result leaves Bermondsey with a
lot to do to gain qualification from the four team group as anything less than
two wins from their remaining matches with Lewisham and Camden will leave
qualification reliant on other results in what looks to be a very competitive
group.
Next week the side have break from
eleven a side football as they venture to the Marathon Sports ground along with
the other District Association’s from Inner London for the county round of the
English Schools FA seven a side competition.
Squad: Jamie Bennett (Redriff) Tommy Curtis (St James') Bailey Dodd (St.
Joseph's Gomm Road) Abraham Odoh (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Joseph Olowu
(Grange) Jack Sycamore (Alfred Salter) Cisqo Silva (Alfred Salter) Liam Waller
(St Josephs Borough) Teddy Deverson (Alfred Salter) Ricardo Mancera (St.
John's) Lucas Vasquez (St. John's) Aaron Enahoro (St John’s) Kane Pearce
(Redriff) Jordan Ellis (Alfred Salter) Moses Etutu (Rotherhithe)
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools FA 2 Woolwich Primary Schools 0
Despite a depleted squad Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools District team put on a fine display of
passing football to earn a thoroughly deserved 2-0 victory over neighbours
Woolwich on a heavy pitch at Dulwich Park.
With local secondary schools regretfully scheduling entrance tests on a
Saturday morning Bermondsey only had eleven available players, but from the
opening moments took the game to their visitors with some superb attacking
football. The industrious Aaron Enahoro was at his tigerish best in the middle
of the park winning the loose balls time and time again and showing magnificent
distribution as he spread play left and right to the ever available Jordan
Ellis and Jamie Bennett. Upfront, playing the lone strikers role, Abraham Odoh
was a constant threat with his electric turns of pace and close control allowing
him to get in behind the Woolwich defence. From one of these sorties his
squared ball found Jordan Ellis in space inside the area but his shot went just
wide.
Midway through the half Bermondsey took the lead when Ricardo Mancera took a
quick throw, spotting the quick thinking of Abraham Odoh, who had darted down
the right and with only one thought in his mind he cut in with his first touch
and lofted the ball over the keeper into the net for a sublime finish. He
almost repeated the trick minutes later but from a more central position having
got on the end of scuffed goal kick, but saw the lob pass wide of the post.
Woolwich tried to battle back into the game looking to make use of the slope
but found Kane Pearce in fine form between the sticks where he confidently
handled several shots from the edge of the box as the back four well marshalled
by the central pairing of Jack Sycamore and Joseph Olowu effectively kept the
Woolwich forwards at distance.
The second spell saw Bermondsey pick up where they left off and with Lucas
Vasquez growing in confidence in a central midfield role there was a constant
supply of dangerous through balls for the wide players to run onto. One such
through ball allowed Aaron Enahoro to escape the last defender but a good smothering
save blocked his first effort and then having chipped the keeper from the
rebound saw the ball agonisingly slow as it rolled towards the goal allowing a
covering defender to slide in and scramble the ball to safety off the line. Yet
Bermondsey did not have to wait long for a second goal. Liam Waller picked up a
loose ball in midfield and linked with Abraham Odoh who turned his marker
inside out before nudging the ball wide of a second defender and then firing
low back into the opposite corner of the net for a fine finish.
Without the luxury of substitutes legs tired on a the heavy surface but
determined defending with Tommy Curtis always on hand to clear from inside the
area saw Bermondsey resolutely hold out in the midst of some late pressure from
Woolwich and preserve a hugely deserved clean sheet and win.
Next week sees the side play their first competition game of the season as they
take on South London Schools in an Inner London County Schools FA Kay Trophy
group game.
Squad:
Jamie Bennett (Redriff) Tommy Curtis (St James') Abraham Odoh (St.
Joseph's Gomm Road) Joseph Olowu (Grange) Jack Sycamore (Alfred Salter)
Liam Waller (St Josephs Borough) Ricardo Mancera (St. John's) Aaron Enahoro (St
John’s) Kane Pearce (Redriff) Jordan Ellis (Alfred Salter) Lucas Vasquez
(St John’s)
Bexley Primary Schools
FA B 0 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools FA 1
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association's District Team travelled down the A2 to take on
Bexley Schools and returned with a single goal victory after a closely fought
game played over a slightly shorter playing time. As one of the larger
associations Bexley actually put out two sides through the season, with one competing
in the metropolitan London area and the other taking on districts across Kent
and when it emerged that the Kent based team’s opposition had withdrawn it was
decided Bermondsey would play their initial game before undertaking a second
single half game with the matchless side to give all players some post half
term football.
The main game saw Bermondsey start
well and dominate possession but an uncharacteristic individual approach saw
players trying to run through on their own rather than bring in their teammates
and meant they went into the break unable to take advantage of the lion’s share
of possession and territory, with a long range Teddy Deverson free kick and a
half volley from Jamie Bennett both gathered by the Bexley keeper . The half
ended with Bexley coming into the game to greater effect and forcing a couple
of corners which were well defended by an ever alert Bermondsey back four.
The second spell saw Bermondsey
quickly make the decisive strike when Joseph Olowu looked to receive a short
corner and despite that option not being taken the longer delivery into the
area was cleared into his path where from 25 yards out he was able to sweep
onto the ball and sweetly plant it into the top of the net giving the keeper no
chance. Having gained the lead Bermondsey looked unlikely to surrender it with
Aaron Enahoro looking in total charge in centre midfield ensuring Bexley could
not get through to trouble the back four.
The final whistle came bringing
Bermondsey their second victory of the season and lay down a marker for when
the two sides will meet later in the season in the Lester Finch Trophy, but did
not signal the end of the action for the visitors as they then played a short
practice game with the other Bexley eleven. With the Kent based side possessing
a more potent forward line the Bermondsey defence were given a stern test and
having held out well under considerable pressure for ten minutes leaked two
quick goals before Moses Etutu found the net with a crisp shot on the turn from
the edge of the area,
Squad: Jamie Bennett (Redriff) Tommy Curtis (St
James') Bailey Dodd (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Abraham Odoh (St. Joseph's Gomm
Road) Joseph Olowu (Grange) Jamie Soutter (Alfred Salter) Jack Sycamore
(Alfred Salter) Cisqo Silva (Alfred Salter) Liam Waller (St Josephs Borough)
Teddy Deverson (Alfred Salter) Ricardo Mancera (St. John's) Aaron Enahoro (St
John’s) Kane Pearce (Redriff) Jordan Ellis (Alfred Salter) Moses Etutu
(Rotherhithe)
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools FA 3 Westminster Primary Schools 2
An ever improving Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association's District Team notched their
first victory of the season with a disciplined and battling display against a
lively Westminster side at Dulwich Park.
Overnight rain had left a heavy pitch
and Bermondsey despite having first use of the slope seemed to take time to get
accustomed to the conditions allowing their visitors to play out from the back
too freely and affording them space in midfield from where they looked to bring
their pacy wide players into the game. It was not therefore against the run of
play when Westminster took the lead on ten minutes when they slipped in their
right winger to advance on goal and confidently finish. A near post save from
Jamie Soutter soon after stopped the visitors from doubling their lead before
Bermondsey rallied to start to make better use of the slope. Abraham Odoh was
central to much of their attacking play his pace and clever use of players
around him almost opening up several chances but Westminster’s back four looked
accomplished and were able to deal with the threat. However with five minutes
of the half remaining Bermondsey won a free kick twenty five yard out from
where Teddy Deverson drilled the ball in the back of the net having skimmed off
the head of a defender.
The second half saw Bermondsey produce
their better football of the game – a tactical switch saw Ricardo Mancera drop into
the back line where he expertly quelled the threat of Westminster’s left winger
with both some terrific tackling and also by keeping him busy tracking back to
cover his surges forward. It was from one such surge that Bermondsey took the
lead as Ricardo burst down the right shrugged of two tackles and his fierce
shot from a tight angle was pushed onto the post by the keeper to rebound into
the path of Aaron Enahoro who slammed the ball home. By now the game was getting stretched and
with Westminster pushing forward Bermondsey looked to play on the counter
attack.
With Joseph Olowu and Teddy Deverson
again looking a solid central pairing it seemed that the hosts would be able to
see the game out but ten minutes from time a sustained period of pressure from
Westminster resulted in a penalty kick as one of their midfielders was felled
just inside the box. Lucas Vasquez pulled off a terrific diving save and
blocked the follow up but the Westminster forward was able to slip the ball
home at the third attempt as the loose ball stopped kindly for him in the mud.
The equaliser could have affected
Bermondsey’s morale but within three minutes they had gained back the lead as
defending a corner they cleared the ball to Abraham Odoh who picking it up
inside his own half sped down the left flank shrugging off the attentions of
the last defender before tearing into the box and magnificently tucking the
ball firmly inside the far corner for a goal worthy of winning any game.
Westminster were not finished though
and attacked again and with only minutes remaining a high ball into the box was
allowed to bounce and in the resulting tussle for the ball a Westminster player
was brought down securing them a second penalty kick. A change of taker saw no
change of fortune for the visitors though as the kick went over the bar and
with it went their last opportunity for an equaliser. Bermondsey almost added
gloss to the scoreline when Abraham Odoh repeated his turn of pace - this time
down the right flank and a measured cross saw Cisqo Silva head just over.
The final whistle ended a hard fought
game in which the Bermondsey players had shown they had calm heads to match
their determined approach which in games such as this can be the decisive
factor.
Squad: Jamie Bennett (Redriff) Tommy Curtis (St James') Bailey Dodd (St.
Joseph's Gomm Road) Abraham Odoh (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Joseph Olowu
(Grange) Jamie Soutter (Alfred Salter) Jack Sycamore (Alfred Salter) Cisqo
Silva (Alfred Salter) Liam Waller (St Josephs Borough) Teddy Deverson (Alfred
Salter) Ricardo Mancera (St. John's) Lucas Vasquez (St. John's) Aaron
Enahoro (St John’s)
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools FA 2 Hackney Primary Schools 2
An exciting see saw game at Dulwich
Park saw Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association's
District Team gain a creditable draw against Hackney Schools who traditionally
are a strong Association who select their squad from far more schools.
Bermondsey made light of playing up
the slope in the first spell with Joseph Olowu and Teddy Deverson working well
as a centre back partnership to deny their visitors a clear sight of goal. Kane
Pearce in goal provided good back up on the rare occasions the defence was
breached with a tremendous block in a one on one situation and some confident
handling from long distance efforts by the Hackney midfield. With several
players missing on a school journey Jamie Bennett slotted in a right back and
played as though he had played their all his career in a faultless performance.
Bermondsey took the lead when his release from the back allowed a break down
the left and Jordan Ellis fed the ball into debutant Cisqo Silva who finding
space and time in the box steadied to loft his drive over the keeper.
The half time lead was probably
deserved given the slope but by five minutes into the second spell it had been
surrendered when Hackney broke quickly down the right and their eager forwards
swept onto the centred ball to tuck home. The visitors then spurned a great
chance to take the lead when Jamie Soutter saved a scuffed penalty kick sent
down the middle of the goal At this stage Hackney were looking the stronger as
Bermondsey failed to keep possession in midfield to make use of the slope and
it was no surprise when Hackney finally took the lead with fifteen minutes
remaining again capitalising on a loss of possession by the hosts.
Bermondsey rallied well though with
Abraham Odoh twice creating good chances when getting to the by line and
squaring and Teddy Deverson joined the attack from a corner to see two well
struck shots deflected to safety. With time slipping away Bermondsey forced a
corner and with Jamie Bennett switched on to take it short to Jack Sycamore he
was able to advance into the area before picking out Moses Etutu with a chipped
cross who powerfully nodded the ball into the roof of the net to supply the
equaliser.
An entertaining game came to an end
with both sides feeling they could have won but also able to take many
positives into their games next Saturday which for Bermondsey is at home to
Westminster Schools.
Squad: Jamie Bennett (Redriff) Kane Pearce (Redriff) Tommy Curtis (St
James') Moses Etutu (Rotherhithe) Alwajud Yusuf (Rotherhithe) Bailey
Dodd (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Abraham Odoh (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Joseph
Olowu (Grange) Mehdi Mehadaoui (Eveline Lowe) Daniel Simms (Eveline Lowe)
Jordan Ellis (Alfred Salter) Jamie
Soutter (Alfred Salter) Jack Sycamore (Alfred Salter) Cisqo Silva (Alfred
Salter) Liam Waller (St Josephs Borough) Teddy Deverson (Alfred Salter)
Woolwich Primary Schools
FA 2 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools FA 1
A much improved performance saw the
Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association's District Team
narrowly miss out on at least a draw in their second outing of the season when
taking on Woolwich Schools at Eltham Green.
Playing up the slope in the opening
spell Bermondsey showed they had learnt the lessons from the previous week and
were quicker to the ball and stronger in the tackle with Joseph Olowu
commanding at the back and Moses Etutu providing strength and good distribution
in midfield. However Bermondsey thought they had gone behind ten minutes in
when a Woolwich forward got his head onto a corner from close range but the
delivery from the corner had infact swung out of play and back in again to
cause the goal to be disallowed. Three minutes later Bermondsey had taken full
advantage of that good fortune when they themselves took the lead after Moses
Etutu had spread the ball to his left to find Jordan Ellis who allowed used his
first touch to push the ball wide of his marker before striking a crisp drive
around the outstretched home keeper and inside the post.
At this point Bermondsey were looking
to have combated the slope well and good work on the flanks from Abraham Odoh
almost created further openings and Jordan Ellis almost adding a second in
similar circumstances to his opener.
However with half time approaching
Bermondsey took their foot of the gas and were made to pay a high price for the
temporary lapse as a fast break down the right saw Woolwich’s forward upended
inside the penalty area and the resulting penalty kick confidently dispatched.
From the restart a second careless loss of possession was again severely
punished as Woolwich swarmed forward and after a quick interchange of passes
released a forward to fire home from just outside the box to have totally turned
the game around inside ninety seconds.
The second spell saw a tighter
Woolwich back line restrict space to the Bermondsey forwards and despite plenty
of possession chances were few and far between. Woolwich looked to play on the
counter but found Ricardo Mancera in fine form at right back and able to quell
their raids whilst quickly using the ball to turn defence into attack,
including a number of impressive runs forward himself one of which resulted in
a powerful shot being well handled by the Woolwich keeper. Bailey Dodd also
fired in a couple of long range shots as Bermondsey looked for an equaliser and
again Abraham Odoh looked threatening with his pace and quick footwork but the
clear cut chance would not come and the hosts were able to see out the game
without further scare.
Another tough test faces the side next
week when Hackney Schools, traditionally a strong Association, visit Dulwich
Park for the first home fixture of the season.
Squad: Jamie Bennett (Redriff) Kane Pearce (Redriff) Ricardo
Mancera (St. John's) Lucas Vasquez (St. John's) Aaron Enahoro (St John’s)
Tommy Curtis (St James') Moses Etutu (Rotherhithe) Alwajud
Yusuf (Rotherhithe) Bailey Dodd (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Abraham Odoh
(St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Joseph Olowu (Grange) Mehdi Mehadaoui (Eveline
Lowe) Daniel Simms (Eveline Lowe) Jordan Ellis (Alfred Salter)
Barking & Dagenham
Primary Schools FA 7 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools FA 1
Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association's District Team had a tough introduction to
district football in their opening friendly fixture of the season against a
strong Barking and Dagenham Schools side at Aventis Sports Ground in Dagenham.
With heavy overnight rain making for a slippery pitch both sides took a few
minutes to settle and in the opening exchanges there was little goal mouth
action as the two midfields jousted with each other. However on five minutes
Bermondsey fell behind as the hosts pacy forward line got in behind the
Bermondsey defence and converted at the near post. Before Bermondsey could
regroup Barking had added a second although Moses Etutu almost pulled a goal
back as be burst into the area but in delaying his shot allowed a defender to
nip the ball off his foot and Abraham Odoh caused the hosts back line some
problems with some mazy runs down the right. By now though Barking were fully
into their stride and two further goals were added before the break as
Bermondsey were finding it hard to adjust to the pace and power of football at
this level.
The second spell saw a renewed zest in Bermondsey's play with more tackles
being made and better shape to the positional play which saw greater attacking
threat. However the pace the Barking side possessed across the pitch was always
causing problems and it seemed every time a Bermondsey attack broke down,
Barking were able to quickly switch play and flood forward to create further
chances two of which they accepted including a well struck penalty before Moses
Etutu finally grabbed a consolation goal that his hard working performance
deserved as he again burst through into the box to round the keeper and calmly
stroke the ball into the net. The hosts quickly regained their momentum to add
their final goal and drew two excellent quick saves from Lucas Vasquez in the
closing moments.
The Bermondsey side will be eager to learn lessons from a tough introduction to
football at this level but the effort they put into the second spell against what
looked to be a strong Barking team showed that they were keen to listen and
respond and they can travel to Woolwich next week with hopes of an improved
result.
Squad: Jamie Bennett (Redriff) Kane Pearce (Redriff) Ricardo
Mancera (St. John's) Lucas Vasquez (St. John's) Aaron Enahoro (St John’s)
Tommy Curtis (St James') Moses Etutu (Rotherhithe) Alwajud
Yusuf (Rotherhithe) Bailey Dodd (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Abraham Odoh
(St. Joseph's Gomm Road) Joseph Olowu (Grange) Mehdi Mehadaoui (Eveline
Lowe) Daniel Simms (Eveline Lowe) Teddy Deverson (Alfred Salter) Jordan Ellis (Alfred Salter)
Playing
Squad
|
Name |
School |
|
Jacob
Phillips |
Grange |
|
Ademile
Bakray |
Redriff |
|
Jordan
Govind |
|
|
Ben
Johnstone |
|
|
Danny
McManus |
Boutcher |
|
Ethan
Braggington |
Townsend |
|
Joseph
Quigley |
Townsend |
|
Zak
Snelgrove |
St
James |
|
Kevin
Mockey |
|
|
Archie
Clowes |
|
|
Michael
Uanseru |
|
|
Billy
Amor |
Alfred
Salter |
|
Harrison
Neto |
St
James |
|
Ifeayin
David |
Rotherhithe |
|
Jefferson
Eghobamien |
Grange |
|
Dennis
Adeniran |
|
|
Jordan Akpangni |
Redriff |
|
Also
Played |
|
|
Callum Howe |
St Johns |
|
George Wright |
St Johns |
Fixtures &
Results
Click on
opponents for reports
|
COMPETITION |
|
OPPONENTS |
SCORE |
|
Friendly |
H |
|
|
|
Friendly |
H |
|
|
|
Friendly |
A |
|
|
|
Friendly |
H |
|
|
|
Kay
Trophy |
H |
|
|
|
Kay
Trophy |
A |
|
|
|
Kay
Trophy |
H |
0-4 |
|
|
Friendly |
A |
3-6 |
|
|
Finch Trophy |
A |
3-0 |
|
|
Friendly |
A |
3-0 |
|
|
Finch Trophy |
H |
1-0 |
|
|
Finch Trophy |
H |
2-6 |
|
|
Finch Trophy |
A |
0-4 |
|
|
Finch Trophy |
A |
3-4 |
2009/2010
Match Reports
Woolwich Primary Schools 4 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
PSFA 3
Lester Finch Trophy
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe travelled
to Long Lane FC on Saturday for their last match of the season with a severely
depleted squad. With SEVEN of their regular squad missing it was a
somewhat different looking team that took the field, containing both
goalkeepers, and a debutant! Things got off to a bad start as the visitors
conceded a goal within five minutes of the kick off and faced an uphill
struggle - literally. However, despite the early setback Bermondsey's hastily
reshuffled team - instead of dropping their heads at losing an early goal
- showed great character and determination, and inspired by a splendid save by
goalkeeper Ademile Bakray
(Redriff) that prevented Woolwich doubling their lead, they produced some
excellent football playing up the slope. The Bermondsey players began to get
used to their positions and formation - which in some cases were rather
unfamiliar - and grew in confidence. The defence looked assured, being very
well marshalled by sweeper Michael Uanseru (St. John's), and full
backs Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) and Danny McManus (Boutcher) were working
hard to cope with the home side's mobile forwards. With captain for the day
Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) leading by example in an
unfamiliar central midfield role, Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) showing
great responsibility in taking up a defensive midfield role in front of the
back four, and the industrious Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) probing
down the right hand side, the visitors were looking the better team. Their
efforts were rewarded with an equaliser when Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange)
slotted the ball home after a jinking solo run, and shortly afterwards the
visitors took the lead when Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) finished up off a
neat move. Bermondsey continued to play with great energy and industry and
shortly before half time increased their lead when Dennis Adeniran pushed
forward from midfield to finish neatly with his left foot. Before the kick
off, the visitors could not have envisaged such a wonderful first half display,
but were well worth their half time lead.
Bermondsey
made a couple of positional changes at half time, but Woolwich came
out strongly for the second half and they too showed that the slope was no
barrier to playing good football. However, the visitors continued to work hard
with debutant George Wright (St. John's) - who had originally only come
along to watch his classmate Michael Uanseru! - showing a commendable effort in
his first ever eleven a-side match, and regular goalkeeper Jacob Phillips
(Grange) producing an excellent display on the left hand side of
midfield. In a wonderfully open and entertaining match the hosts
scored midway through the second half, but despite the visitors having
chances to extend their lead, it was the home side who
scored to draw level and set up a tense and exciting climax. With the final
whistle looming and the match heading for the draw that both sides
performances merited, Bermondsey were dealt a cruel and undeserved blow when
Woolwich attacked down the right hand side and the resulting cross was turned
in to his own goal by a defender. It was a very harsh end to an
extremely entertaining and well fought match, in which the Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe players gave an outstanding display that belied the fact that
they were missing so many players. All the players can feel extremely
proud of themselves and the character, determination, and skill that they
showed against the odds in their final match of the season!
Squad: Ademile Bakray
(Redriff) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) George Wright (St. John's) Michael
Uanseru (St. John's) Danny McManus (Boutcher) Archie Clowes (Southwark Park)
Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) Jacob
Phillips (Grange) Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff)
South London Schools
4 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 0
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe's hopes of qualifying for the final of this competition were ended
in the sunshine at Pynners Close in Dulwich on Saturday. The visitors made a
steady start to the match, holding a good shape and making challenges in
midfield. To begin with the back four coped well with the threat from
South London's two strong strikers, but the home side took the lead following
pressure from successive corners. This seemed to give them confidence and with
Bermondsey struggling to get their passing game going on the uneven surface the
lead was increased midway through the first half. With half time
approaching and the visitors looking as if they would keep the scoreline intact
until the break, they suffered a very harsh penalty decision on the stroke of
half time dealing them a cruel killer blow to go into the break three goals
down.
A reorganisation in defence and midfield brought about an immediate
improvement in the second half. Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) dropped back into
an unaccustomed sweeper's role and gave a very good performance in helping to
restrict the home side's chances to increase their lead. Bermondsey became more
confident and began to move the ball around and create some chances of their
own. South London did increase their lead but the visitors responded well and
were unlucky when Dennis Adeniran's (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) goal bound shot was
deflected onto a post. The visitors were also denied when Jordon Govind (Peter
Hills) popped up in the box to finish off a nice move down
the left flank, only to find that the referee had adjudged him to be offside.
The result now means that next Saturday's visit to Woolwich is academic with
neither side able to qualify for this year's final, although having had
two close and entertaining matches earlier in the season, a third will be
anticipated.
Squad: Jacob Phillips (Grange) Jordon Govind (Peter Hills) Ethan
Braggington (Townsend) Danny McManus (Grange) Joseph Quigley
(Townsend) Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Archie Clowes (Southwark
Park) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange) Dennis
Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Ademile Bakray
(Redriff) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge)
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe PSFA 2 Orpington PSFA 6
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe's winning
run came to an abrupt end against Orpington at Dulwich Park on
Saturday. The hosts got off to a bright start when
Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) latched on to a long clearance from keeper Jacob
Phillips (Grange), but the watching supporters were stunned when he
uncharacteristically pushed the ball past the advancing keeper, but sadly also
wide of the post. Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for the home side
as they produced as poor a performance as at any time this season with a very
lacklustre first half display. Although Bermondsey were already missing
both their leading goalscorer and their sweeper before the start of the match,
and had another couple of players carrying little knocks, the strength in depth
of the squad should still have been enough to make them competitive. However,
the excellent spirit, determination, and attitude that brought three
consecutive victories without conceding a goal, was sadly
lacking. Orpington were able to take advantage
scoring four times without reply before the interval.
A couple of changes at half time brought about an instant improvement at the
start of the second half. Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange) returned to the pitch
after taking a knock and his determined running took him clear of the
visitors defence on several occasions, but the Orpington keeper came off
his line well each time to deny him a clear shot at goal. However, he
finally found the net in unusual fashion when he headed home
Jordan Akpangni's well delivered corner. Bermondsey got themselves back
into the game when Jordon Govind (Peter Hills), playing in an unaccustomed
midfield role, drove the ball home strongly following another
Jordan Akpangni corner. The home side were now playing with the confidence
and enthusiasm that had deserted them in the first half and almost scored again
when Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) saw the Orpington keeper brilliantly tip his
left foot drive over the bar. With ten minutes left, Bermondsey were taking the
game to the opposition and putting them under pressure, and looking as if they
could salvage the game. However, they were to suffer one of those cruel
moments in football when the game changes. Yet another Jordan Akpangni
corner caused problems for the Orpington defence but no-one could provide the
finishing touch to tap the ball over the line. From the clearance the visitors
broke away to make the score 5-2, when it could so easily have been 4-3 just
seconds before. With Bermondsey & Rotherhithe pressing forward the visitors
added another breakaway goal just before the
end to leave the home side rueing an inept first half performance and
missed scoring opportunities, and contemplating what might have been.
They now have to wait until after the Easter break for the opportunity to keep
alive their their hopes of qualifying in this competition with
matches against South London and Woolwich.
Squad: Jacob Phillips (Grange) Jordon Govind (Peter Hills) Ethan
Braggington (Townsend) Danny McManus (Boutcher) Joseph Quigley
(Townsend) Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Archie Clowes (Southwark
Park) Billy Amor (Alfred Salter) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe)
Harrison Neto (St. James) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Jefferson
Eghobamien (Grange) Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 1 Croydon Primary
Schools 0
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
made it two wins from two matches in this competition, but were made to fight
all the way to the final whistle by a strong and determined Croydon team at a
wet and windy Dulwich Park on Saturday. The home side - in a confident mood
after back to back 3-0 away wins - settled quickly and were the first to create
a chance when centre back Danny McManus (Boucher) released Dennis Adeniran (St.
Joseph's Gomm Rd) on Bermondsey's left flank with a well timed pass. His strong
run took him to the edge of the Croydon penalty area where he cut inside the
full back to strike a dipping shot that when just over the crossbar. With
midfielders Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) and Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange)
covering almost every part of the pitch, and Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) and
Joseph Quigley (Townsend) providing passes of quality, Bermondsey's free
running forwards Dennis Adeniran and Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) were
causing the Croydon defence problems with their skilful interplay. However, the
visitors defence proved to be strong and resolute and the home side were unable
to turn their pressure into clear cut scoring opportunities. Ironically,
possibly the best chance of the half came on the stroke of half time when a
Croydon forward broke free of the Bermondsey defence, but goalkeeper Jacob Phillips
(Grange) came off his line superbly to smother the ball at the oncoming
forward's feet. It would have been an injustice if Croydon had scored, as it
was Bermondsey who had the better of first half but did not have a goal to show
for their fine all-round team performance.
Bermondsey came out for the second half just as determined as they had
been in the first, and the half time substitutions and positional changes
brought an instant result. Within minutes of the restart Jordon Govind (Peter
Hills), coming on at right back, fed Jefferson Eghobamien - now released from
central midfield to a free role on the right flank - whose run took him
into the visitors' penalty area and he slipped the ball calmly past the advancing
keeper to give the home side a deserved lead. Bermondsey continued to press for
that all-important second goal, but the well-organised Croydon team absorbed
the pressure and began to get back into the game. Despite the wind
and the rain the two teams produced some fine end to end football,
and the last ten minutes were tense and exciting. The home side were
relieved when substitute keeper Ademile Bakray (Redriff) make a brilliant
double save at his near post just moments after coming onto the pitch, and shortly
afterwards saw a cross shot roll across the face of their goal. With sweeper
Michael Uanseru (St. John's) making several good interceptions, and late
substitute Harrison Neto (St. James) showing great determination supporting the
defence, the home side were able to deny the visitors any further scoring
opportunities and clinch victory. Croydon will feel disappointed at not taking
a point, but Bermondsey were not to be denied as they produced yet another
excellent team performance. They now leapfrog Croydon at the top of their
qualifying group and look to maintain that position with another Lester Finch
Trophy match against Orpington at Dulwich Park next Saturday.
Squad: Jacob Phillips
(Grange) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) Danny McManus (Boucher) Michael
Uanseru (St. John's) Joseph Quigley (Townsend) Zak Snelgrove (St. James) Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) Jefferson Eghobamien
(Grange) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) Dennis Adeniran (St.
Joseph's Gomm Rd) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Jordon Govind (Peter Hills) Billy Amor (Alfred Salter)
Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Harrison Neto (St. James)
Saturday 13th March
Brent Primary Schools 0
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 3
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe made the trip up the A5 for this friendly match against Brent, and
came away with what was, in the end, a comfortable victory. Both teams were
keen to give their squads a run out and with Bermondsey only one short of their
full strength squad of 17, the
opportunity was taken to play three sessions of twenty minutes each, in order
to give the squad some much needed time on the pitch.
On a firm pitch in very good condition both sides settled well and produced a
first session of quick and entertaining end to end football. It was the visitors
who took the lead after just four minutes when Dennis Adeniran (St.
Joseph's Gomm Rd) latched on to Michael Uanseru's (St. John's) free kick to
finish neatly from 10 yards out. Brent responded well with several quick breaks
and the visitors were perhaps a little fortunate when the pacy Brent centre
forward broke clear of their back four on two occasions, only to fire his shots
wide of the target both times. Prompted by centre half Ethan Braggington
(Townsend) playing the ball calmly out from the back, Bermondsey passed the
ball well and doubled their lead after 15 minutes when Dennis Adeniran
took advantage of the home side's indecison, following Michael Uanseru's
corner, to tap in at the far post. However, Brent finished the first session
strongly forcing several corners and hitting the post, to show Bermondsey
that the game was far from won.
At the first interval, Bermondsey rang the changes making four
substitutions but the home side started the second session as strongly as
they finished the first. The visitors survived two early scares,
firstly when a well struck shot hit the bar, and again shortly afterwards
when keeper Ademile Bakray (Redriff) came off his line to smother the ball to
deny the Brent forwards. From this moment Bermondsey took control of the game
with Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) supporting the attack down
the right flank, but they surprisingly had only two real chances to
extend their lead. A determined run from Harrison Neto (St. James) took
him to the edge of the Brent penalty area where he fired his shot towards the
goal, only to see the ball tipped round the post by the home keeper.
However, the lead was extended shortly afterwards when a first time through
ball from Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) was brilliantly volleyed goalwards by
Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) and the home keeper could only help the
ball on its way into the net.
For the final session Bermondsey again made several changes
and, apart from a quick break where Brent's pacy centre forward was denied
by keeper Jacob Phillips (Grange) saving well with his legs at his near post,
the defence was largely untroubled. With Joseph Quigley (Townsend)
and Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) linking very well down the left flank, and
Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange) making strong runs from deep positions, the
visitors dominated the final session, but despite forcing several corners and
creating a number of half chances, they were unable to extend their lead.
However, the journey across London was well worth it as another fine all
round team performance, with every squad member getting a good run out and
making a significant contribution, gave them another deserved victory.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe are now set up for two consecutive home matches in
the Lester Finch Trophy, beginning with a very tough match against Croydon at
Dulwich Park next Saturday.
Squad: Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) Ethan Braggington
(Townsend) Danny McManus (Grange) Joseph Quigley (Townsend) Zak Snelgrove (St.
James) Michael Uanseru (St. John's) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) Harrison
Neto (St. James) Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Jefferson Eghobamien
(Grange) Jacob Phillips (Grange) Jordon Govind (Peter Hills) Kevin Mockey (St.
Joseph's Gomm Rd) Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff)
Saturday 6th
March
Bexley Primary Schools
'B' 0 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 3
An excellent team performance gave Bermondsey & Rotherhithe a thoroughly
deserved victory in this opening match of their Lester Finch campaign at
Crayford. The value of having a good squad was demonstrated today as the
visitors were missing four players! Despite this, the players responded quickly
and positively to several positional changes and were the first side to settle.
Electing to play up the slope in the first half, Bermondsey showed great
determination and team spirit to prevent the home side taking
advantage of it. This was typified by Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) whose industrious
performance on the left side of midfield set the tone for the rest of
the team. He was well supported in central midfield by Billy
Amor (Alfred Salter) and by Joseph Quigley (Townsend) on the left flank. Steady
performances from Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) and Danny McManus
(Grange) with good organisation from goalkeeper Jacob Phillips (Grange)
gave the defence a confident and assured look, but it was Michael Uanseru (St. John's), marshalling the defence from his
new found role in the back four, that was largely responsible for Bexley's
scoring opportunities being restricted to just a couple of long range
shots. At the other end Bermondsey had chances to take the lead but could
feel very pleased with a job well done in turning round without conceding a goal.
Having done most of the hard work in the first half, Bermondsey
still had more to do in the second even with the slope in their
favour. However, they got the good start that they needed with
Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) finishing off a neat move down the right
side to beat the Bexley keeper at his near post. Bermondsey now began
to pass the ball around neatly on the large bumpy pitch and it was no surprise
when the lead was doubled as stand-in skipper Ethan Braggington (Townsend)
took a quick throw-in to release Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) whose confident
run took him into the penalty area where his carefully angled shot went in off
the far post. The home side responded well however and produced a spell of
pressure resulting in a series of corners and a scare for the visitors when a
well struck shot hit the underside of the bar. Once this storm had been
weathered though, the visitors finished strongly. Substitute Harrison Neto (St.
James) showed great determination and persistence to win the ball in
midfield and his run took him to the edge of the penalty area where he fed
the ball to leading goalscorer Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) whose own
persistence was rewarded when he slipped the ball past the keeper to give
Bermondsey the three points.
Squad: Jacob Phillips (Grange), Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge), Danny
McManus (Grange), Michael Uanseru (St. John's), Joseph Quigley (Townsend),
Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd), Ethan Braggington (Townsend), Billy Amor
(Alfred Salter), Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd), Jordan Akpangni
(Redriff), Harrison Neto (St. James), Ademile Bakray (Redriff)
Lewisham Primary Schools 6 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 3
Perhaps appreciating the opportunity to
play on a day when many matches were probably called off, the Bermondsey
players took to the field in this friendly match at Lewisham's Elm Lane
ground in a much more positive and determined fashion than in
their previous match. However, it was their hosts who took an early lead
when their lively centre forward finished off a nice move following
some neat play down their left flank. Despite this early setback, the
visitors - missing four of their squad - began to settle into the
game but were again undone by Lewisham's dangerous centre forward who struck
twice more within the first fifteen minutes to complete his hat trick!
The visitors could easily have folded but with Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange) again providing energy
and strength to the centre of midfield, and Archie Clowes (Southwark Park)
working well down the right hand side, they got themselves back into the game.
The strong running of their own strikers, Jordan Akpangni
(Redriff) and Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd), put the home defence
under pressure, forcing them to concede several corners and a penalty which
Dennis Adeniran converted confidently. Although Bermondsey were now looking
more comfortable and beginning to pass the ball around nicely on the
unexpectedly firm surface, they were susceptible to the long ball over the top
of their back four, and the Lewisham centre forward took advantage of this
twice more to give the home side a somewhat flattering 5-1 half time lead!
Bermondsey made some positional changes at half time - most notably
moving Michael Uanseru (St.
John's) into the centre of defence - and this, together with an increased
work rate throughout the team, managed to restrict the service to Lewisham's
front men. The visitors continued to play with increased commitment and
confidence, with Joseph Quigley (Townsend) and Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) linking well together down their left flank, and Zak
Snelgrove (St. James) and Jordon Govind (Peter Hills) defending well on the
right.
This was rewarded when Jordan Akpangni's nicely placed angled shot reduced the arrears. In an entertaining and competitive
second half both teams were looking to pass the ball and attack, but it
was Lewisham who scored next to restore their four goal advantage. The
visitors were not finished however and got another goal back before the end -
ironically reduced to ten men through a couple of late injuries - when Michael
Uanseru slotted home their second penalty of the match.
Although this was a second consecutive defeat for Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe, it was a much improved performance against a strong and
well-organised Lewisham team, which should set them up well for a run of
matches in the Lester Finch Trophy starting with a trip to Bexley next
Saturday.
Squad: Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Zak Snelgrove (St. James) Jordon Govind (Peter
Hills) Ethan Braggington (Townsend) Danny McManus (Boucher) Archie
Clowes (Southwark Park) Michael Uanseru (St. John's) Jefferson Eghobamien
(Grange) Joseph Quigley (Townsend) Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd)
Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Jacob Phillips (Grange) Ifeayin David
(Rotherhithe)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 0 Islington Primary Schools 4
On this chilly Saturday when morning
when they should have been keen to get back into action after a series of
postponements, Bermondsey & Rotherhithe were really caught cold and
saw their hopes of making a fifth successive appearance in the semi final of
this competition disappear. Right from the kick off Islington showed their
desire and determination and with almost their first attack forced a corner. A
combination of a well struck kick and very poor marking saw a well placed
header give the visitors a very early lead. Within minutes the lead was doubled
as Islington pushed forward, creating indecision in the Bermondsey defence as
poor marking again led to the home side conceding. Bermondsey were very
slow to get to the ball and make challenges so it was no surprise when they fell further behind as an Islington player was able to run
unopposed into the penalty area to fire home. With less than a quarter of the
match gone the home side found themselves three goals down and in need of
something fresh. The introduction of Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange) - playing in an unaccustomed central
position - brought some much needed pace and energy to a midfield
that had lacked its usual strength and sharpness. With a defensive
reorganisation seeing Billy Amor (Alfred Salter) impress at left back, and
Danny McManus (Boutcher) working hard in the centre of defence, Bermondsey
began to look more like the team that had lost only once this season. Dennis
Adeniran (St. Joseph's) and Jefferson Eghobamien were able to produce a couple
of trademark runs, one of which led to a free kick on the edge of the
Islington area. Unfortunately Michael Uanseru's (St. John's) nicely
placed free kick was dealt with by the keeper and Islington were able to go on
to add a fourth goal before the break.
The second
half saw a much improved performance from Bermondsey & Rotherhithe. The
players showed much more effort and determination, and began to make the sort
of challenges that should have been made in the first half, denying Islington
any further serious scoring attempts. Enjoying more possession, the home side were now able to take the game to their opponents,
with Jefferson Eghobamien continuing to work hard in midfield, supported
by Michael Uanseru, and Billy Amor trying to get things moving down
the left flank. However, despite their improved effort, the home side were
unable to create the chances to bring them back into the game, and they were
left to rue their rather uncharacteristically slow and sluggish first half
performance, particularly the first fifteen minutes that effectively cost them
the match.
With their Kay
Trophy campaign over, Bermondsey & Rotherhithe look forward to the
remainder of the season which will see them play five matches in the Lester
Finch Trophy, starting with an away match against Bexley on 6th March. The team
returns to action after the half term break with a friendly match on Saturday
27th February.
Team: Jacob
Phillips (Grange), Jordon Govind (Peter Hills), Ethan Braggington (Townsend)
Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) Danny McManus (Grange), Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's
Gomm Rd), Archie Clowes (Southwark Park), Michael Uanseru (St. John's), Billy
Amor (Alfred Salter), Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd),
Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange) Ifeayin David
(Rotherhithe), Ademile Bakray (Redriff), Harrison Neto (St. James)
Woolwich Primary Schools
2 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 4
An excellent all-round team performance brought Bermondsey & Rotherhithe a
deserved victory at Long Lane FC to keep alive their hopes of a semi final
place in this competition. Playing their first match since 21st November, the
visitors looked very sharp right from the kick off. Playing down the slope they
took the game to Woolwich and took the lead with their first attack. Kevin
Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) broke free down the right hand side and fed the
ball to Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) whose strong shot hit the
underside of the bar, fortunately bouncing over the goal line before coming
back into play. The home side responded quickly, forcing keeper Jacob
Phillips (Grange) into an excellent diving save, tipping a fiercely driven
shot onto the bar. This seemed to inspire Bermondsey & Rotherhithe who
began to play with more confidence, passing the ball well and putting the home
defence under pressure with several well directed through balls finding
their pacy forwards making well timed runs. It was no surprise when the
visitors doubled their lead when the hard working Michael Uanseru (St.
John's) was the provider for leading goalscorer Dennis Adineran to take his
tally to nine goals in just five matches.
Woolwich rallied with their own pacy forwards putting the visitors' defence
under pressure, but with Joseph Quigley (Townsend) - producing an
impressive performance at left back - and Danny McManus
(Boutcher) largely dealing with the threat of Woolwich's
'danger man' on their left flank, Bermondsey & Rotherhithe were able to
take control of the game, but not before the 'danger man' brought another
fine save from Jacob Phillips, this time the keeper saving well with
his feet. The defence looked secure with captain Jordan Govind (Peter Hills)
leading well from right back, and another fine display at centre back from
Ethan Braggington (Townsend). In midfield Billy Amor (Alfred Salter) and Archie
Clowes (Southwark Park) were working hard and it was the latter's fine
through ball, following a well defended corner kick, that found
Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) on the edge of the
Woolwich penalty area. He took the ball on and calmly
slipped it past the advancing goalkeeper to increase the lead.
The visitors knew that despite a 3-0 half time lead the
game wasn't won, as they would have to work even harder in the second
half playing up the slope. Half time substitutes Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge)
and Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) - the latter playing in a slightly
unaccustomed defensive midfield role - slotted in well and the visitors defence
held out until midway through the second half. Woolwich were using the
slope well and working hard to back into the game. This they did with a well
struck shot finding the back of the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe net. Woolwich
continued to press but substitute goalkeeper Ademile Bakray (Redriff) dealt
well with a couple of long range shots, but he was unable to keep out a very
well struck free kick from just outside the box to give Woolwich hope
of snatching a point. Bermondsey & Rotherhithe could have faced a nervous last
seven minutes but with Zak Snelgrove (St. James) supporting the defence from
midfield, and the back four keeping their shape and discipline, the home side
were denied any chance to equalise. With a few minutes left Jefferson
Eghobamien (Grange) - whose strong runs had caused the home defence problems
throughout the second half - was released along the left touchline by
Ifeayin David. His cross could only be parried by the goalkeeper,
giving Archie Clowes, following up from midfield, the chance to
slot the ball home to round off a fine team performance where every
player had made a significant contribution.
The team face a trip to Orpington next Saturday for a friendly match to
complete the first half of a season.
Team: Jacob
Phillips (Grange) Jordan Govind (Peter Hills) Ethan Braggington
(Townsend) Danny McManus (Boutcher) Joseph
Quigley (Townsend) Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Michael Uanseru (St.
John's) Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) Billy Amor (Alfred
Salter) Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Jordan Akpangni
(Redriff) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) Jefferson
Eghobamien (Grange) Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Zak Snelgrove (St. James)
RETURN
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 0 South London Primary Schools 4
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe's unbeaten start to the season was brought to an
abrupt end at Dulwich Park on Saturday. Playing their first competitive match
of the season the home side settled well with their defence looking steady and
the midfield holding their shape well. Despite a couple of breaks from the
visitors, Bermondsey & Rotherhithe played well up the slope and created the
first chances of the match. Through balls from Archie Clowes (Southwark Park)
and Ethan Braggington (Townsend) released the home forwards and it needed a
fine save by the South London keeper to deny Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange)
cutting in strongly from the left. With Billy Amor (Alfred Salter) and Joe
Quigley (Townsend) supporting each other to snuff out any attacks on their
defensive left flank, midway through the first half the home side looked to be
in control of the game. However, the visitors kept working hard and got
themselves back into the game approaching half time, forcing a couple of
corners. Bermondsey & Rotherhithe defended one of these corners
poorly and failed to clear the ball, allowing a South London player to stab the
ball home from six yards to give the visitors an undeserved half time
lead.
Having come
from behind to win and draw their previous two matches it was
a lively Bermondsey & Rotherhithe team that came out for
the second half. Looking brighter and sharper than at the end of the
first half, the home side pressured their local rivals, forcing a series of
corners. Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) caused problems with his corners keeping
the visitors penned in their own penalty area for several minutes, but
Ifeayin David's (Rotherhithe) header going just past the post was as close as
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe got to levelling the scores. After surviving this
period of sustained pressure, South London scored a second goal with a long
ball releasing their forwards to outpace the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
defence. With Bermondsey & Rotherhithe pushing forward in attempt to get
that elusive goal, they were vulnerable to the counter attack and were twice
more outpaced as the visitors sealed victory with two more breakaway goals.
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe can still qualify for the semi finals of this competition
with matches against Woolwich and Islington to come in December and
January, but before that the district team takes a break from 11 a-side
football next Saturday when they will take part in the County round of the
English Schools FA 7 a-side competition which will take place at the Marathon
ground. All nine Inner London district teams will be competing for the Tower
Hamlets Cup and the title of Inner London 7 a-side champions. Let's hope that
this year's squad can go one better than last year when we finished runners up
to Lewisham.
Team: Jacob Phillips (Grange) Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Jordan Govind (Peter Hills) Ethan Braggington (Townsend) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) Danny McManus (Boutcher) Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) Michael Uanseru (St. John's) Harrison Neto (St. James) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) Zak Snelgrove (St. James) Joseph Quigley (Townsend) Billy Amor (Alfred Salter) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 3 Woolwich Primary Schools FA 2
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe maintained their unbeaten start to the season, but were made
to work hard by Woolwich Primary Schools at Dulwich Park on Saturday. The
visitors made a very bright start to the match with their lively midfield being
much quicker to the ball and putting the home side under pressure. Just as
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe seemed to have weathered the storm and begin to
find their shape, they conceded two goals in the space of three minutes, two
quick breaks from the Woolwich midfield. The hosts were finding it hard to
win possession of the ball, and when they did win it, they gave it away far too
cheaply. However, as the first half continued, Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe began to settle and had chances to reduce the arrears before the
break through Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's) and Harrison Neto (St. James),
and the hard working Denis Adeniran (St. Joseph's) whose cross shot was cleared
off the line. A disappointing first half for Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe saw them trail at half time with Woolwich being good value for
their 2-0 lead.
Both sides made several changes at half time in this friendly match and it was
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe who settled more quickly at the start of the
second half. The introduction of full backs Zak Snelgrove (St. James') and Joe
Quigley (Townsend) gave the home defence a more composed look about it.
With Ethan Braggington (Townsend) making several well-timed tackles
and interceptions, the visitors found chances more difficult to come by.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe learned from their first half mistakes and raised
their game to match their opponents in midfield, winning more of the ball and
keeping possession better. This was rewarded half way through the second half
when a flowing move down the left flank involving Joe Quigley,
Harrison Neto and Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) was calmly finished off by Denis
Adeniran. This proved to be the turning point as Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe gained momentum and pinned the visitors in their own half for long
periods. However, they had to wait until five minutes before the end of
the match before drawing level. Ethan Braggington capped an outstanding
performance at centre back by bringing the ball calmly out of defence, and
his through ball released Kevin Mockey who ran on into the box to slip the ball
past the advancing keeper. With the home side taking control of the
match, the visitors found themselves under continuous pressure and, with three
minutes left, Michael Uanseru (St. John's) picked up the ball from a poor
clearance and drive home strongly from the edge of the box to give Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe their third win in four matches in another entertaining
district match.
Still tougher tests await this developing team, with a visit to Hackney Primary
Schools for another friendly match next week, followed a week later by
their first competition match - a home Kay Trophy fixture against local
rivals South London.
Team: Jacob
Phillips (Grange) Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Jordan Govind (Peter
Hills) Ethan Braggington (Townsend) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) Danny
McManus (Boutcher) Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Archie Clowes
(Southwark Park) Michael Uanseru (St. John's) Harrison Neto (St. James) Dennis
Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) Zak
Snelgrove (St. James) Joseph Quigley (Townsend)
Billy Amor (Alfred Salter) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff)
Camden Primary Schools 5 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 5
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe maintained their unbeaten start to the season with an exciting
and high scoring draw against Camden Primary Schools at Regents Park. On a
narrow pitch Bermondsey struggled to get width into their game during the early
stages which were played at a frantic pace as both sides looked to push forward
at every opportunity, but it was the visitors who were to take the lead when
Jordan Govind (Peter Hills) put the ball in behind the Camden back line and
Dennis Adeniran (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) outpaced his marker before cooling
finishing with the outside of his right foot from just inside the penalty area.
The lead was not to last long however and in fact was reversed when Camden
scored two goals in as many minutes as their pacy front pairing took advantage
of some hesitation in the Bermondsey back line to run through on goal and
convert.
Finding
themselves behind in a District match for the first time this season Bermondsey
rallied well and Billy Amor (Alfred Salter) provided a good outlet on the left
as they started to play with more width. From a well flighted cross of his,
Kevin Mockey (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) was able to find a yard of space in the
area and craftily slipped in Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) to his right who made no
mistake to fire home past the impressive Camden keeper and level the scores.
The see-saw nature of the game continued however as Camden once again got their
noses in front, drilling home a free kick into the corner of the net via a
deflection and then stretching the lead to a two goal advantage when a quick
break saw them release their centre forward for a run on goal, albeit looking
suspiciously in an offside position, before sliding the ball home.
Shortly before
the break Bermondsey reduced the deficit back to a single goal when Michael
Uanseru (St John’s) swept a half cleared corner low into the goal through a
crowded area from twenty yards out to complete an amazing seven goal first
half.
The second
period saw both defences tighten up and the game adopt more shape. However the pace
of the Bermondsey forwards continued to proved a threat and after a sustained
period of pressure Dennis Adeniran rose unopposed to head home a cross from the
right and once again level the scores. It looked as if Bermondsey may be able
to kick on and win the game from this point but Camden got themselves in front
yet again – having received a let off when an offside decision saved them and
saw a Camden goal chalked off Bermondsey failed to reorganise and from the restart immediately lost
possession and following confusion in trying to clear allowed the ball to
arrive at the feet of a Camden forward to shoot home from twelve yards.
Having worked
so hard to get back into the game Bermondsey could have dropped their heads but Jordan Akpangni’s
direct running continued to pose problems for the hosts and escaping down the
right flank he was able to cut into the box and stab the ball into the
goal at the second attempt after his
initial effort had been well saved by the keeper.
Both sides
sought to find a winner and the last five minutes saw some breathless end to
end football with both sides having good chances to find a winner – Camden
rasping the ball against the upright being the closest but the final whistle
saw the match end at five all.
Team: Jacob
Phillips (Grange) Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Jordan Govind (Peter
Hills) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) Danny McManus (Boutcher) Ethan
Braggington (Townsend) Billy Amor (Alfred Salter) Zak Snelgrove (St. James)
Callum Howe (St John’s) Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Archie Clowes
(Southwark Park) Michael Uanseru (St. John's) Joseph Quigley
(Townsend) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's
Gomm Rd)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 4 Bexley Primary Schools FA B 1
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe were made to fight hard for their victory in this friendly
match at Dulwich Park on Saturday. From the kick off Bexley were quick to get
to the ball and managed several attacks which were dealt with by the home
side's back four, and keeper Ademile Bakray (Redriff). With Ben Johnstone
(Tower Bridge) playing calmly in the centre of defence and full backs
Jordan Govind (Peter Hills) and Billy Amor (Alfred Salter) dealing with the
attacks down the flanks, the home side began to settle. Archie Clowes
(Southwark Park) and Zak Snelgrove (St. James) began to win more of the ball in
the centre of midfield, and with Harrison Neto (St. James) linking well on
the left flank with Billy Amor and Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) the hosts began
creating chances of their own, with Ifeay David (Rotherhithe), Jefferson
Eghobamien (Grange) and Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) all going close.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe finished the first half strongly but despite creating
several good chances, the half finished goalless.
The home side started the second half as strongly as they finished the first
and began to control the game resulting in going two goals up inside seven
minutes of the restart. Michael Uanseru's (St. John's) presence in the
centre of midfield and Kevin Mockey's (St. Joseph's Gomm Road) clever play down
the right enabled Dennis Adeniran to run through and calmly slot the ball past
the keeper. The visitors were penned in their own half and conceded a second
goal when Jordan Akpangni punished a poor clearance. Although under
pressure, the visitors worked hard and got themselves back into the game,
scoring with a header from a well taken corner with ten minutes left.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe responded well and put the visitors defence under
more pressure. Michael Uanseru went close with a header and Kevin Mockey's
rasping drive struck the underside of the bar before the lead was increased.
Joe Quigley (Townsend) pushed forward and his well struck shot from the edge of
the area was too good for the Bexley keeper, and with just minutes remaining
Danny McManus's (Boutcher) tireless tackling was rewarded when his clearance
was taken on by Jefferson Eghobamien whose calm finish completed the home
side's deserved victory.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe will face stronger opposition as the season
progresses, but have made an excellent start. Their next test is a visit to
Regent's Park next Saturday to play Camden Primary Schools, and with the
players vying for a place in the final squad, another good performance is
anticipated.
Team: Jacob
Phillips (Grange) Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Jordan Govind (Peter
Hills) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) Danny McManus (Boutcher) Billy Amor
(Alfred Salter) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) Zak Snelgrove (St. James)
Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) Michael
Uanseru (St. John's) Joseph Quigley (Townsend) Harrison Neto (St.
James) Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Dennis
Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd)
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe PSFA 7 Tower Hamlets Primary Schools 2
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe made an excellent start to the season with a lively display
against Tower Hamlets at Dulwich Park on Saturday. With places in the squad
still to be decided there were seventeen players on duty who were all keen to
impress in this first friendly match.
The players showed an excellent attitude and approach to their first ever
district match, getting off to a bright and lively start, with some fine
attacking play. With left back Joe Quigley (Townsend) linking up well with
Billy Amor (Alfred Salter) on the left, Tower Hamlets found themselves under
early pressure. Billy Amor played a fine through ball for Dennis Adeniran (St.
Joseph's Gomm Road) to run onto and place neatly into the net for the opening
goal. This was followed quickly by a goal from Michael Uanseru (St. John's) who
finished off a nice move between Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) and the hard working
Archie Clowes (Southwark Park). Tower Hamlets responded with attacks of their
own down their left side but with right back Jordan Govind (Peter Hills)
working hard and being well supported by midfielder Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's
Gomm Road), they were thwarted, and Jacob Phillips (Grange) was largely
untroubled in the home side's goal. With their defence looking
very steady with Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) covering well in the centre, the
home side were playing very confidently with Ethan Braggington (Townsend)
playing the ball very neatly out of defence at every opportunity. It was one of
his carefully measured passes that found Michael Uanseru who released Jefferson
Eghobamien (Grange). His pace took him clear of the Tower Hamlets defence and he
was able to calmly slot the ball past the advancing keeper. Following more good
interplay between Joe Quigley and Billy Amor down the left, Jefferson
Eghobamien then became the provider, crossing the ball for Jordan Akpangni to
score the fourth goal and give the home side a comfortable half time lead.
Half time brought several changes to ensure that all the players played at
least half of this first match, but this didn't seem to affect the home side's
continuity. Callum Howe (St. John's) slotted in at right back and he was
quick to clear following a dangerous cross early in the second half. Shortly
afterwards Danny MacManus (Boutcher), coming on at left back, was just as
effective down the left, and it was his long throw that released another half
time substitute Harrison Neto (St. James) whose cross was finished off by
Jefferson Eghobamien to put the home side 5-0 up. Tower Hamlets made
substitutions of their own and, coming back into the game, they scored a well
worked goal shortly after the restart. However, Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
didn't slacken off and carried on working hard in midfield with a lively
contribution from Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe). The pace of the Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe forwards continued to cause problems for the visitors defence,
with Dennis Adeniran scoring twice more to complete a fine hat trick, before
Tower Hamlets scored a late goal with a fine strongly struck shot beating
second half goalkeeper Ademile Bakray (Redriff).
Team: Billy Amor (Alfred Salter) Danny McManus (Boutcher) Jacob
Phillips (Grange) Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange) Jordan Govind (Peter
Hills) Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Ifeayin David
(Rotherhithe) Harrison Neto (St. James) Callum Howe (St John’s) Michael Uanseru
(St. John's) Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's
Gomm Rd) Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) Ethan
Braggington (Townsend) Joseph Quigley (Townsend)
Playing
Squad
|
Name |
School |
|
Abraham Konteh |
St
Josephs ( |
|
Callum Thomas |
Alfred
Salter |
|
Chris O’Shea |
St
Josephs ( |
|
Connor Lucas |
Townsend |
|
Donte Rowe |
|
|
Hadley Barton |
St
James |
|
Kai Rowe |
Redriff |
|
Luke Elkin |
Redriff |
|
Matthew Ruiz |
St
Georges |
|
Melvin Adesida |
St
Georges |
|
Melvyne Bertie |
St
Josephs ( |
|
Ronald Kemokai |
St
Josephs ( |
|
Ronnie Quick |
St
James |
|
Tinashe Fugede |
Redriff |
|
Tommy Bartholomew |
St
Josephs ( |
|
|
|
|
Benn
Murphy |
Alfred Salter |
|
Daniel
Odoh |
St Josephs ( |
|
Eren Ezel |
St Josephs ( |
Fixtures &
Results
Click on
opponents for reports
|
COMPETITION |
|
OPPONENTS |
SCORE |
|
Friendly |
A |
2-2 |
|
|
Friendly |
A |
1-0 |
|
|
Friendly |
H |
3-1 |
|
|
Friendly |
H |
10-0 |
|
|
Friendly |
A |
4-1 |
|
|
Kay
Trophy |
H |
2-1 |
|
|
Friendly |
A |
1-0 |
|
|
Friendly |
A |
1-1 |
|
|
Friendly |
H |
0-4 |
|
|
Kay
Trophy |
A |
4-0 |
|
|
Kay
Trophy |
A |
0-2 |
|
|
Finch
Trophy |
H |
1-0 |
|
|
Friendly |
H |
3-1 |
|
|
Friendly |
H |
1-1 |
|
|
Finch
Trophy |
H |
0-0 |
|
|
Finch
Trophy |
H |
1-2 |
|
|
Finch
Trophy |
A |
2-3 |
|
|
Kay
Trophy S/F |
A |
0-1 |
2008/2009
Match Reports
Lewisham Primary Schools 1 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 0
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association’s District team suffered a Kay Trophy semi final defeat
for the fourth consecutive year, but went out of this season's competition defiantly
against a strong and in-form Lewisham team. It was a confident and
fresh looking Bermondsey team that took the field at Lewisham's
Just when it looked as if Bermondsey’s five man midfield were controlling the
game, the semi final curse struck twice in the space of a few minutes! A
speculative shot swerved and then dipped over keeper Callum Thomas' (Alfred
Salter) head to give Lewisham the lead against the run of play and Abraham
Konteh had to leave the field following a leg injury. Bermondsey
responded very well to these two setbacks, finishing the half with some strong
running and attacking play which produced a series of corners. Unfortunately
Bermondsey couldn't convert the pressure into a clear scoring opportunity,
despite the home 'keeper spilling a shot with no visiting player able to follow
up.
With the breeze slightly in their favour in the second half Bermondsey started
brightly again, but the 'curse' was about to strike once more as the
industrious Matthew Ruiz - now playing at centre back - suffered an injury to
his foot and he too had to leave the field. Another reorganisation saw
Tommy Bartholomew slot into the back four, with earlier substitute Tinashe
Fugede (Redriff) and the newly introduced Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road)
forming a completely new partnership in the centre of midfield. With Kai Rowe
(Redriff) and Luke Elkin (Redriff) trying to push on in support of Melvin
Adesida, it was a resolute Lewisham back four that protected their goalkeeper.
At the other end, Callum Thomas showed his quality in dealing with everything
that came his way, particularly when diving bravely at the feet of the oncoming
big centre forward. Late substitutes Donte Rowe (
WELL DONE BOYS - you've done Bermondsey & Rotherhithe proud!!!
Team: Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter)
Hadley Barton (St James) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs
Gomm Road) Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin
(Redriff) Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend)
Melvin Adesida (St Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Donte
Rowe (St Johns)
Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) Chris O’Shea (St
Josephs Gomm Road)
South London Primary Schools 3 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 2
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District team’s feint
hopes of qualification in the Lester Finch Trophy ended when they slipped to a
defeat by the odd goal in five to an energetic South London side at the South
Bank University Ground, having looked for two thirds of the game to be in total
control and cruising for victory.
An inspired
first half performance saw Bermondsey play some of their most impressive
football of the season with the passing and moving of the ball a joy to watch.
Kai Rowe (Redriff) set the tone with some terrific well weighted passing to
keep a constant threat going on the right flank. Time and again he was able to
slip the ball in behind the
Bermondsey
finally got the reward their enterprising opening deserved when Kai Rowe picked
up a loose clearance and skipped past his marker to race to the byline before
sweeping the ball across the face of the goal where Luke Elkin (Redriff) was on
hand to turn the ball into the net from two yards out. With the back four
looking capable of absorbing the
Bermondsey
began the second half in the same vein, Kai Rowe on the right was again at the
heart of most attacking play and battling hard to gain possession he pulled the
ball inside to switch play and carefully picked out Tinashe Fugede (Redriff)
running into the left hand side of the penalty area from where he calmly
chipped the ball past the South London keeper to create a two goal lead.
At this stage
there was little to suggest the remarkable change in momentum the game was to
see, Tinashe Fugede almost added a third when Kai Rowe again set him free but
the keeper blocked bravely. However, like a tailed off runner in the Grand
National later that day, Bermondsey seemed to suddenly run out of steam
immediately after making that chance and South London suddenly found an extra
yard in their stride. Going more direct and pushing three up front South London
simply surged forward – pulling a goal back with twelve minutes to play when
Bermondsey were slow to attack a loose ball in the penalty area and the ball
was rifled into the roof of the net by a grateful South London forward. Minutes
later South London had equalised when pushing too far forward Bermondsey were
caught down their right side and having swept into the box the
There was
little time for Bermondsey to reply and despite Tommy Bartholomew (
Team: Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St James) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald
Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe
(Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor
Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Donte
Rowe (St Johns) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe Fugede (Redriff)
Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 1
Hopes of an
appearance in the final of the Lester Finch Trophy all but disappeared for the
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District
team at Dulwich Park today after they were stung by a second half comeback from
Woolwich in yet another close match.
A fierce wind
blowing down the slope saw Bermondsey face a tough first half playing up the
hill but some disciplined defending supported by hard work from the midfield
saw them stop Woolwich from gaining the upper hand. Indeed the home side could
even have snatched a lead after good play on the right from Melvin Adesida (St
Georges) saw him break free on the right with Connor Lucas just failing to
convert the parry from the initial shot by the keeper. With Luke Elkin
(Redriff) pulling all the strings in midfield with some clever distribution
Bermondsey were making light work of the slope. Ronald Kemokai (
Having reached
the half time break without conceding despite the conditions, Bermondsey looked
to have completed the harder part of the game and with the wind and slope now
in their favour looked set to push on for victory when in the opening minutes
of the second half Tommy Bartholomew (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) drilled over a
corner which the Woolwich defence allowed to bounce across the face of goal
where Melvin Adesida stooped at the far post to nod home before treating the
crowd to an exhibition of acrobatics in celebration.
However rather
than capitulate after conceding the goal appeared to galvanise Woolwich who
immediately took the game by the scruff of the neck and pushed Bermondsey deep
into their own half. The warning bells sounded when a switch of play found a
free Woolwich forward who drilled the ball home only to be brought back by a
narrow offside decision but minutes later they had a legitimate equaliser when
a long clearance from their keeper was missed by the Bermondsey midfield
allowing the ball to be nudged on to their centre forward who sprinted clear
taking the ball deep into the Bermondsey penalty are before rifling the ball
into the roof of the net. Another disallowed effort quickly followed as
Woolwich’s left winger strayed more obviously offside and the same player was
denied again when Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) saved bravely at his feet when
he once again found the space and pace to burst through onto the impressive
supply of balls from his midfield.
The
reintroduction of Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) into the midfield helped Bermondsey
quieten down the Woolwich attacks and from this base Bermondsey were able to
launch some attacks of their own Ronald Kemokai saw a well struck effort pass
narrowly wide after Hadley Barton (St James) had teed him up on the edge of the
box and Kai Rowe saw his snapshot squirm just outside the post, but just as
Bermondsey were looking to regroup and push on again they were rocked by a
Woolwich goal as an innocuous looking ball came into the box but was allowed to
bounce and from the resulting melee the eager Woolwich forwards bundled the
ball home. In truth the goal was no more than Woolwich deserved for their
spirited fight back and having gained the lead they defended resolutely to
ensure there would be no way back for Bermondsey,
The defeat
leaves Bermondsey with only a feint chance of qualification with a convincing
win next week against
Team: Callum Thomas
(Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St James) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald Kemokai
(St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe
(Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor
Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Donte
Rowe (St Johns) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe Fugede (Redriff)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 0
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District
team met Croydon Primary Schools in a top of the table clash in their Lester
Finch Trophy qualifying group in the Spring sunshine at Dulwich Park. With both
sides having won their opening game and Croydon a large and traditionally
strong district this was always going to be tight affair and whilst the match
ended without goals that was not to detract from the quality of the game which
was played at an amazing pace and full of excitement.
Defending the
slope in the first half Bermondsey looked organised and secure in the early
exchanges, with a crunching tackle from centre back Matthew Ruiz (St Georges)
stopping Croydon’s rangy forward in his stride and setting the tone for a hard
working half from the home team. Connor Lucas (Townsend) looked lively in
midfield, not allowing Croydon time to settle and with Luke Elkin (Redriff)
distributing and recycling the ball to good effect, Bermondsey were able to
stop the visitors making effective use of the slope. On one of the few
occasions Croydon managed to exert pressure behind the Bermondsey defence, with
their tall front man taking advantage of an awkward bouncing ball on a hard
surface, Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) was bravely out to block - picking up a
knock in the process. At the other end Melvin Adesida (St Georges) was
able to power through the Croydon defence but his cross was cleared. With
Bermondsey spending long periods in the Croydon half the danger was being
caught on the counter, but Ronnie Quick (St James) was able to avert the danger
using strength and pace to guide the ball to safety and Matthew Ruiz put in his
best performance in a red and white shirt to successfully compete with the
powerful centre forward.
With the first
half passing in a blur, such was the pace of the football, it would have been
no surprise if the second half saw a slower pace, yet incredibly the game moved
up a gear as the sides both moved the ball with speed and accuracy. Croydon
were able to make use of their tricky left winger, but with Kai Rowe (Redriff)
working tirelessly in a disciplined performance to support Ronald Kemokai (St
Joseph’s Gomm Road) at full back, they were able to blunt the threat.
Up front
Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) and Melvin Adesida were starting to cause Croydon some
problems of their own and a neat switch of play between the two saw Melvin
Adesida power into the box but his shot was blocked for the first of a series
of corners as Bermondsey camped in the Croydon half. The pressure almost paid
off when following a long Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) throw
the ball fell to Connor Lucas who sublimely dinked the ball over the crowded
penalty area in front of him only to see the ball pass inches wide of the
corner of bar and post. Kai Rowe supported the attack at every
opportunity and having seen one long range effort go wide saw a second cause
the keeper to parry and a defender scrambled to ball away with Melvin Adesida
inches from nudging the ball over the line. The resulting corner saw yet
another six yard box scramble with a Croydon defender almost turning the ball
into his own net as the drama heightened.
Whilst
Bermondsey looked the likelier at this stage to score Croydon showed they were
more than capable of pinching a winner on the break and having outpaced the
defence for the only time of the game their centre forward was forced wide by
Callum Thomas diving at his feet on the edge of the box and saw his effort hit
the side netting. Cutting in from the right the Croydon winger also sent in a
powerful shot inches over the bar and in the dying moments Callum Thomas again
had to throw his body on the line to avert danger as Croydon swept the ball
into an unmarked striker in the six yard box, but a combination of this brave save
and good defensive covering from Hadley Barton (St James) denied Croydon a
winner in what would have been a cruel end to the game for
Bermondsey.
As the final
whistle blew the expression on the faces of both sides showed the boys knew
they had been in some game with each side clearly acknowledging the performance
of the other in an outstanding game of football.
Team: Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St James) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald
Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe
(Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor
Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Chris
O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Donte Rowe (St Johns) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs
Gomm Road)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 1
Once again the
quality of schools district football was evident in this highly competitive
match which saw the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association’s District team come from behind to earn a draw against Tower
Hamlets in a friendly fixture at Dulwich Park.
With a stiff
breeze blowing down the pitch Bermondsey had their work cut out in the first
half to contain their visitors who were straight into their stride,
impressively switching play to change the point the attack from the outset. It
was no surprise therefore when the first chance of the game came it fell to
Tower Hamlets with a slick interchange of passes releasing their tricky
forward only for him to be foiled by a first class save from Callum Thomas
(Alfred Salter) in the Bermondsey goal. Almost immediately Bermondsey
created their best chance of the half when Melvin Adesida (St Georges) jinked
into the box from the right and found space to shoot but his effort passed wide
of the far post, With Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) and Melvyne Bertie
(St Josephs Gomm Road) both pushing on from their fullback positions and Donte
Rowe (St Johns) carrying the ball strongly through the midfield, Bermondsey
were able to combat the wind and take the game back to Tower Hamlets and
finished the half with a spell of pressure around the visitors penalty area
although were not bale to unduly trouble the Tower Hamlets keeper.
Once again, as
with so many of the district teams matches this season it was clear as the
teams went into the break goalless that the match would be decided by a very
small margin and with five minutes of the second period played it looked as if
Tower Hamlets may have turned the momentum of the game when they made the most
of a free kick at the edge of the area by firing high into the roof of the net
to open the scoring.
The goal
opened the game up and Bermondsey almost got a quick equaliser when Kai Rowe
(Redriff) burst down the right saw the ball just cross the dead ball line
before he pulled it back for Chris O’Shea (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) to turn the
ball into the net, Back up the other end Tower Hamlets also had a goal chalked
off as their forward stroked home only to realise he had been in an offside
position when receiving the through pass. His frustration was furthered when
his intelligent running once more saw him evade the Bermondsey back line only
be thwarted by a brave smothering save from Callum Thomas.
With ten
minutes remaining Bermondsey pushed forward in search of the equaliser and
anticipating Tower Hamlets playing across their back line both Hadley Barton
(St James) and Connor Lucas (Townsend) were able to stop Hamlets building from
the back. The continual harrying of the full backs paid off as from a loose
clearance Ronald Kemokai was able to feed Hadley Barton on the right and he
lifted his shot over the keeper for his first goal of the seasons to haul the
side level,
The equaliser
saw the tempo of the game go up a notch as both sides went all out for a
winner. Bermondsey were forced to defend a number of free kicks around their
area after some clumsy tackles brought down the quick running Tower Hamlets
front pair and at the other end Bermondsey forced a couple of corners that were
scrambled clear. Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) and Melvin Adesida
both saw curled efforts pass outside the post but at the final whistle the
sides had to settle for sharing the spoils in what had been a hard fought
encounter.
Team: Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St James) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald
Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe
(Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor
Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Chris
O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Donte Rowe (St Johns)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 3
Some clinical
finishing following breathtaking counter attacking was the difference between
the sides when Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association’s District team met Islington Schools in a very high quality inter
district friendly fixture at Dulwich Park, with Bermondsey once again managing
to edge a tight encounter and notch their ninth victory of the season.
Both sides
made light of the difficult bumpy surface in the opening exchanges with
Islington, the slope in their favour, straight on the attack and putting their
hosts under severe pressure. Moving the ball out wide with breathtaking speed
and control Islington would have blown many teams away but Bermondsey’s back
line has looked a tight unit all season and even with Abraham Konteh (St
Josephs Gomm Rd) having to deputise between the sticks, the versatility of the
squad came to the fore as Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) slipped in at centre back
as if he had played there all season with a near faultless display to contain
the Islington pressure.
After an early
scare when Abraham Konteh had to furiously back pedal to tip over a snap shot
after a goal kick was intercepted, Bermondsey finally got to grips with the Islington
midfield and denied them the space they had been taking advantage of. With
Islington playing with a high back line Bermondsey looked for the ball over the
top and Kai Rowe (Redriff) must only have been inches the wrong side when
adjudged offside from a Tommy Bartholomew (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) free kick as
he bore down on the Islington goal with just the keeper in his way. Melvin
Adesida (St Georges) also showed the pace needed to spring the defence and
cutting in from the right saw two trademark lobbed shots only miss by inches,
However the
quality of the visitors passing and moving always spelt danger for Bermondsey
and having freed their right winger his powerful shot brought about a first
class diving save from Abraham Konteh only for an Islington forward to arrive
in the penalty area and sweep home the rebound. On the balance of play
the lead was no more than Islington deserved for their bright start, but was
also the cue for Bermondsey to start moving through the gears with their own
game. With the game still being played at a blistering pace Bermondsey were on
level terms before the break when Ronnie Quick (St James) calmly passed his way
out of danger at the back and Melvin Adesida combined to release Connor Lucas
(Townsend) from just inside his own half, where his pace saw him out sprint the
back four and just get the vital touch before he was closed down by the keeper
to slip the ball home.
With the slope
to their advantage for the second period Bermondsey were confident they could
get the ball behind the Islington defence again but found themselves once more
on the back foot as Islington started the half showing no signs of letting up
on their speed of movement and Abraham Konteh was forced to field a number of
long range efforts as the match was played on the edge of the Bermondsey area.
However with Islington pushing up Bermondsey were able to use their pace to
break at speed on the counter. Ronald Kemokai (
The goal
signaled Bermondsey’s best period of the game as they won a number of corners
from which Melvynne Bertie (St Josephs Gomm Road) almost scored as he sent in a
powerful drive from a loose clearance and with Hadley Barton (St James) pushing
on from right midfield were able to get over series of dangerous balls into the
area which Islington were relieved to clear.
At the back
Bermondsey were looking like a side that had kept five clean sheets already
this season and with Matthew Ruiz working tirelessly to intercept and close
down any threat they were able to keep Islington at bay. With seconds remaining
Bermondsey were able to cement the win when Tommy Bartholomew had his corner
headed back to him and his second delivery was inch perfect for Kai Rowe to
slot home from six yards.
The 3-1
scoreline did not reflect the magnificent football displayed by the visitors
but with the speed of their counter attacking and the ever reliable defensive
set up Bermondsey were once again able to show they can emerge victorious from
a close match.
Team: Abraham
Konteh (
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 1
Lester Finch Trophy Group Match
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District team opened
their Lester Finch Trophy campaign with a narrow single goal victory against
Bexley at
A bumpy
surface caused problems for both sides and with passing along the ground
difficult the ball spent longer periods of the game than usual airborne as both
sides looked to catch each other out with the extra erratic bounce. The Bexley
side showed their eagerness to avenge the earlier defeat by winning the
fifty-fifty headers in the early exchanges of the match. Playing up the slope,
Bermondsey sat deep and were able to absorb the Bexley pressure with Ronald
Kemokai (
The second
period saw Bermondsey kicking down the slope and almost immediately they upped
the tempo of the game. Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) jinked his way into the area
but was unable to get his shot off and Melvin Adesida (St Georges) was likewise
thwarted after a strong run almost saw him break through the Bexley back line.
Kai Rowe (Redriff) on the right wing showed good pace down the left flank and
on more than one occasion was able to beat his marker and force corner kicks
when his crosses were intercepted, However the Bexley defence were able to
clear the resulting corner kicks and with their keeper looking assured in goal
it started to look like it would take an individual moment of brilliance to
break the deadlock.
As if on cue,
that moment arrived for Bermondsey, when Melvin Adesida picked the ball up on
half way and neatly turned his marker before running towards goal. The covering
defenders were able to force him wide but his determined run took him out to
the right flank from where he out sprinted the full back and after almost
reaching the byline fired a shot, from an angle so tight it would have made
Pythagoras proud, which flew over the keeper into the roof of the net.
Bermondsey
almost added a second shortly after following a good passing move but Tinashe
Fugede was denied by a brave save from the keeper. The second goal would have
possibly killed off the game but without it Bermondsey were forced to repel a
strong Bexley fight back as the visitors searched for an equaliser. Callum
Thomas showed terrific positional sense to be quick out his box as Bexley
looked to play the ball over the top on several occasions and when Bexley got
the pace of delivery correct for their forward to sprint through onto the loose
ball he dived bravely to pick the ball of the centre forwards feet. With
Abraham Konteh (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) looking calm and collected at the back
and Ronnie Quick (St James) reading the game well to intercept the high balls,
Bermondsey looked to be capable of holding out, but caused their supporters
some heart flutters when conceding a series of free kicks in dangerous areas
and were grateful to see the efforts fired wide.
The final
whistle secured the three points and sees Bermondsey join Croydon at the top of
the group. Bexley’s performance showed how competitive this competition is
going to be and with South London and Woolwich also in the mix, every point
will be crucial. Bermondsey were due to play Croydon next week in their second
group game, but with Croydon in action in the regional round of the ESFA seven
a side competition this match has been postponed although it is hoped a
friendly fixture will be arranged in its place.
Team: Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St James) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm
Road) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne
Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy
Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St
Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe
Fugede (Redriff) Donte Rowe (St Johns)
Hackney Primary Schools 2 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 0
Inner London Kay Trophy Group Match
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District team face an
anxious wait to see if they have dine enough to qualify for the semi final of
the Inner London Kay trophy after they missed out on the chance to secure their
place with a two nil defeat at Hackney in Walthamstow.
On a perfect
morning for football Bermondsey went into the game knowing a single point would
be sufficient to ensure qualification with a win guaranteeing top spot and a
home semi final, but came up against a home side on top of their game. A high
tempo start to the match form both sides saw some magnificent football with
many on the touchlines noting it as some of the finest Under 11 football they
had seen for a while. Both teams used the width of the pitch sensibly and broke
at speed but found each others back four well organised and clear cut chances
were few and far between. The closest attempt cam courtesy of a sweeping move
by Bermondsey with Connor Lucas (Townsend) feeding Luke Elkin (Redriff) from
the left and his clever switch opened the way for Kai Rowe (Redriff) to lob
narrowly over the bar. At the other end Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) looked
confident in handling the long range shots Hackney’s industrious midfield
created. As the half closed Kai Rowe again went close when his determined
running down the right flank created space for himself and his cross come shot
flew narrowly past the upright.
At half time
with the game deadlocked it was clear that only small margins would separate
the teams and that concentration and attitude would be the only difference
between the two sides evenly matched for skill. So it proved as Hackney edged
their noses in front when Bermondsey switched off rather than covering each
other appeared to rely on individuals making challenges resulting in Hackney
getting a cross in from the left by line and an unopposed forward touching home
the rebound after the cross was only partly blocked.
Bermondsey
quickly shuffled their pack and the introduction of Matthew Ruiz (St Georges)
saw renewed industry in the centre of the pitch. It almost paid immediate
dividends as he played delightful one two with Kai Rowe outside the box
only to see his swept shot pass inches wide. Kai Rowe continued to cause
a constant threat to Hackney as Bermondsey pushed for an equaliser and a clever
short corner routine with Ronald Kemokai (
The game was
up for Bermondsey when once again Hackney took advantage of some sluggish reactions
from the Bermondsey players , who failed to get goal side of the ball quickly
enough after conceding a throw in on half way and Hackney’ s quick intelligent
recycling of the ball freed their forward to round Callum Thomas and convert as
Bermondsey’s players tried in vain to recover.
Bermondsey
continued to push, but lacked their normal zip and could not get the ball
behind the Hackney back four who were well marshaled by their very impressive
centre back.
The defeat
leaves Bermondsey facing elimination should South London record victories in
their remaining two matches – although Hackney have proved they will certainly
provide South London with astern test in one of those
games.
Team: Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St James) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm
Road) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne
Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy
Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St
Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe
Fugede (Redriff) Donte Rowe (St Johns)
Woolwich Primary Schools 0 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 4
Inner London Kay Trophy Group Match
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District team turned on
the style to notch their second victory in their qualifying group for the Inner
From the
outset Bermondsey looked eager to pass the ball around and the first period saw
the side produce some breathtaking free flowing football with Hadley Barton (St
James) putting in an outstanding display of attacking full back play as time
and time again he surged forward down the right as Bermondsey took the game
their hosts. However the opening goal, when it duly arrived after a sustained
spell of pressure from Bermondsey, came from the opposite flank with Luke Elkin
(Redriff) feeding Connor Lucas (Townsend whose pace saw him surge into the
penalty area and although his progress was halted by a block tackle Melvin
Adesida (St Georges) was on hand to tuck the loose ball home. The next five
minutes saw Bermondsey look to extend the lead and both Tinashe Fugede
(Redriff) and Melvin Adesida caused Woolwich problems with their pace and only
some impressive and brave goalkeeping from the Woolwich custodian kept the lead
to one as Bermondsey created a number of good chances. Despite playing uphill,
a second always looked likely before the break and when it came it was of
highest quality as Kai Rowe (Redriff) brought the ball out of his half and fed
Melvin Adesida down the right from where he showed his marker a clean pair of
heels before rifling an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net from
twenty yards out.
The second
half saw Bermondsey continue where they left off. Almost from the restart
Tinashe Fugede showed pace and power to bustle into the penalty area from the
right and when his shot was only parried Luke Elkin was rewarded for his
decision to follow up the shot with a chance to stab the rebound into the net
which he gleefully accepted. A fourth arrived shortly after and was again due
to the pace and power of Tinashe Fugede who this time popped up on the left and
having shrugged off his marker and reached the by line pulled the ball back for
Melvin Adesida to fire home his hat trick from eight yards out.
With the game
in the bag Bermondsey shuffled their pack to ensure all the players got a run
out, but their was no let up in the quality of the football with the ball being
moved at breathtaking speed courtesy of the simple one touch football the
players adopted.
Woolwich came
back strongly for the final quarter of the game and were able to create some
pressure of their own, but unfortunately for them found the Bermondsey back
line in no mood to concede. Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) saved smartly to his
right from a well struck free kick and Woolwich struck a post late on but for
all their endeavour could not find the net and the match ended with Bermondsey
once again on the attack where a slick passing move involving seven players saw
Luke Elkin just adjudged to have taken the ball out of the keepers hands as he
rolled the ball home – the correct decision denying Bermondsey a
fifth.
With no other
games played in the group today Bermondsey could find themselves assured of a
semi final place before a ball is kicked in their final group game against
Hackney, if South London fail to win both their upcoming matches with Woolwich
(next week) and Hackney (in a fortnight).
Team: Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St James) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm
Road) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne
Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy
Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St
Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe
Fugede (Redriff) Donte Rowe (St Johns)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 0 Gravesham PSFA 4
A depleted
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District team
took on Gravesham Primary Schools in their first fixture of the New Year and
were unable to extend their unbeaten run stretching back to the start of the
season against a fluent and well drilled opposition. With three squad members
on duty for their a school in the Inner London Schools 7 a side this was always
going to be a stern test but with illness to a further player then injury to
Melvin Bertie (St Josephs Gomm Road) the side were forced to compete with ten
players.
However for
much of the first half there appeared little difference between the sides.
Bermondsey passed the ball well and mixing up short and long passes they were
able to make advances into the Gravesham half with some regularity despite
playing up the slope. Melvin Adesida (St Georges) playing in an unaccustomed
midfield role was at the heart of much of the play and almost broke free down
the left but saw his shot blocked for a corner. Matthew Ruiz (St Georges)
working hard on the right epitomised Bermondsey’s first half, chasing and harrying
the Gravesham left back and allowing Bermondsey to keep Gravesham pegged back
in their half.
When Gravesham
did break, Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) provided flawless technique to gather
and other than a brief scramble in the Bermondsey area and a flash shot past
the upright from a Gravesham midfield the half looked to be heading for a
stalemate when with ten seconds left Bermondsey failed to clear and Gravesham
were able to feed their centre forward who after making space in the area shot
low into the goal.
Heading out
for the second half a goal down was tough on the side who had deserved more for
their effort and they looked to have forced a deserved equaliser when Donte
Rowe (St Johns) and Melvin Adesida combined well to slip a ball inside to Tommy
Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) who spotting the keeper advancing lofted his
shot from twenty five yards goal wards and with the whole park already
applauding a masterful finish could only look on in horror as it carried in the
wind and struck the bar before bouncing clear,
Games can
swing on small pieces of fortune and within minutes of being on level terms
Bermondsey found themselves two down as Gravesham switched their attacking
intent to the right flank and having brought on a silky skilled right winger at
half time were able to slip him through to round Callum Thomas and convert.
From this point on there was only going to be one winner. Gravesham used the
ball intelligently and whilst Bermondsey never stopped trying they were unable
to make the progress into the Gravesham half as they had managed in the first
period. Two further goals from Gravesham, again created from their impressive
right winger cemented their win and saw Bermondsey’s colours lowered in 11 a
side football for the first time this season.
However, the
side can still gain positives from the experience. With many players out it
would have been easy to not have a fixture but by going ahead the squad have
had a useful workout after the Christmas break in readiness for the competition
games which recommence next week with a tough trip to Hackney for Kay Trophy
group match.
Team: Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St James) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges)
Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald Kemokai (St
Josephs Gomm Road) Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvin Adesida (St
Georges) Donte Rowe (St Johns) Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road)
Orpington Primary Schools FA 1 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 1
The Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District team managed to
successfully complete the first half of their season with their unbeaten record
intact despite being pegged back by a last minute equaliser against Orpington
in their final game before the Christmas break.
On a tight
pitch a pair of well organised defences ensured chances were few and far
between in the first period and apart from having to defend a short sequence of
corners and deal with a cross-come-shot, keeper Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter)
was relatively untroubled in the Bermondsey goal. At the other end Luke Elkin
(Redriff) saw his shot skim wide of the post having cut in from the right and
Melvin Bertie (St Josephs Gomm Road) had his effort, with the outside of his
left foot, from the edge of the penalty area well saved as nether side managed
to break the deadlock. Shortly after a speculative effort from Ronnie Quick (St
James) almost gave Bermondsey the lead but the back peddling keeper managed to
keep the ball from crossing the line.
After the low
key first half, Bermondsey came out for the second ready to take a grip on the
game and immediately upped the tempo. Donte Rowe (St John’s) powerful running
gave the visitors the initiative and with Connor Lucas (Townsend) also getting
into full flight down the flanks Bermondsey were able to send over a series of
threatening crosses with Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) almost converting on
two occasions after making well timed runs into the penalty area.
Bermondsey
were rewarded for their extra effort when their pressure resulted in a corner
which after being swung over by Tommy Bartholomew (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) was
only cleared back to him and his run onto the box continued unchecked where
upon he swept the ball into the net to put Bermondsey ahead. With many of the
sides previous six consecutive wins coming by single goal margins Bermondsey
have become adept at seeing the game and withstanding late pressure and with
Callum Thomas superbly diving low to his right hand post to keep out
Orpington’s best attempt during their late rally in the closing five minutes,
it looked as if they would once again secure the victory. However a last minute
free kick awarded fifteen yards outside the Bermondsey area gave Orpington a
glimmer of hope and with the visitors still organizing their marking Orpington
capitalised on an uncharacteristic loss of concentration to fire home an
equaliser which on balance of play was probably deserved.
Despite the
late drama the Bermondsey side can reflect on a tremendous first half of the
season during which they have remained unbeaten in eleven a side football and
can look forward to the later stages of their competition fixtures in the New
Year.
Team: Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St James) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges)
Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald Kemokai
(St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe
(Redriff) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy Bartholomew (St
Josephs Gomm Road) Melvin Adesida (St Georges) Donte Rowe (St Johns) Chris
O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road)
Bexley Schools FA 0 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 1
The Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District team continued
their incredible unbeaten start to the season with a hard earned single goal
victory against a determined Bexley side on a heavy pitch at Crayford. Despite
having already beaten their hosts earlier in the season Bermondsey found
themselves in a very close game and had to be both patient to make the
breakthrough and resilient in defence to secure the victory.
The opening
stages of the game saw Bermondsey adapt well to playing up the slope, and force
Bexley back into their own half, yet were unable to create many clear cut
chances for all their pressure. On the break Bexley looked dangerous and Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter) needed to be alert to sprint outside his box on several occasions
to clear the danger. As the half wore on Bexley stepped up their effort but
found Matthew Ruiz (St Georges), deputising at right back, in determined mood,
continually blocking their progress with a series of well judged tackles.
Midway through
the half Bermondsey almost took the lead, when after a series of throw ins down
the right flank, Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Rd) and Luke Elkin (Redriff)
swapped passes to create space for Melvin Adesida (St Georges), whose lofted
shot left the keeper stranded, only to hit the inside of the post and bounce
along the line back into his grateful hands. Bermondsey may have started
to feel luck would be deserting them in this game when minutes later, in
virtually the same position, Melvin Adesida saw a similar shot canon of the
crossbar and away to safety.
The double
escape spurred Bexley into their best spell of the game and the half ended with
Bermondsey forced to defend, with Callum Thomas punching clear a well flighted
free kick and a combination of luck from the bounce of the ball, a good save,
and some determined defending saw them clear their lines after a scramble in
the six yard box.
With the slope
in their favour for the second period, Bermondsey looked to play further up the
pitch and make better use of the wide areas – where they had great success in
the teams’ previous encounter. With some sensible distribution from Callum
Thomas and Matthew Ruiz developing his confidence in the full back role, they
were able to make good progress down the right hand flank and from one such
move almost released Melvin Adesida for a shot at goal.
When the
deadlock was finally broken, it was again engineered through similar
circumstances. Having played their way out from the back by using the right
flank the ball eventually worked its way to Luke Elkin who picked out Tinashe
Fugede (Redriff) and he powerfully burst into the area shrugging off two
defenders before planting his shot low into the corner of the net.
Bexley fought
back well in search of an equaliser and again Callum Thomas had to be quick off
his line on a number of occasions to smoother at the feet of Bexley’s forwards,
yet he was ably protected from any serious danger by another faultless
performance from centre back pairing Ronnie Quick (St James) and Abraham Konteh
(St Josephs Gomm Road).
In the later
stages of the match Bermondsey continued to use the slope well and Tinashe
Fugede and Melvin Adesida both went close to adding to the lead before Matthew
Ruiz almost found a way to goal from thirty yards as his flighted cross into
the box evaded all the players jumping to get a head to the ball and almost
deceived the Bexley keeper who snatched it his arms at the last
moment.
With only a
single goal advantage Bermondsey had to soak up some late pressure as Bexley
searched in vain for a breakthrough – but seeing out close games appears to
have become a well practiced art for the Bermondsey side, with Tommy
Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) holding the midfield together effectively.
Having cleared a succession of Bexley corners in the dying seconds, the final
whistle blew to extend Bermondsey’s winning run. The victory was all the more
pleasing as the team were missing three of the squad through illness and school
tests and the performance was worthy of the effort that the Association went to
in order to find a fixture for this weekend with Bexley kindly offering the
match at short notice after the search had looked to be in vain earlier in the
week, The squad return to competition football next week looking to build on
their opening group victory in the Kay Trophy when they take on neighbours
Woolwich.
Team: Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs
Gomm Road) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road)
Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff)
Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvin Adesida (St Georges) Tinashe
Fugede (Redriff) Donte Rowe (St Johns)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 2 South
Inner London Kay Trophy Group Match
The Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District team opened their
Kay Trophy programme with a tremendous comeback to secure all three points in a
tight local derby against South London Schools at
Bermondsey had
started brightly, with clever interplay between Connor Lucas (Townsend) and
Luke Elkin (Redriff) freeing Melvin Adesida (
Almost
immediately Bermondsey were nearly back on level terms as Kai Rowe (Redriff)
saw his snapshot fly past the post after being fed by more clever midfield play
from Luke Elkin. As Bermondsey pushed forward in search of a quick reply,
despite forcing a number of corners, they left themselves exposed to quick counter
attacks and South London’s impressive front pairing almost stole in on more
than occasion, but were thwarted by some smart goalkeeping by Callum Thomas
(Alfred Salter). As the half wore on it started to look as though Bermondsey
would have little to show for the advantage of the slope, but the introduction
of Donte Rowe (St John’s) saw a change if fortune as he carried the ball
forward and having drawn the defender neatly slipped in Connor Lucas on the
left, who was sent tumbling after having his ankle clipped to earn Bermondsey a
penalty. Skipper Tommy Bartholomew (
The second
half saw Bermondsey quickly out the blocks. Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) showed
good pace to round his defender and fire narrowly wide and linking up well with
Donte Rowe sent over a high cross that just evaded Connor Lucas as Bermondsey
adjusted well to playing up the slope. At the back Melvyne Bertie was always
quick to mop up any danger and Callum Thomas showed good bravery to smoother a
couple of scrambles in the six yard box after South London forced a couple of
corners,
The
introduction of Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) gave Bermondsey some fresh legs just as
it looked like
As Bermondsey
had shown in previous games, maintaining a narrow lead has become a speciality
of the side and by keeping possession well and defending across all areas of
the pitch with great determination they made it hard for South London to get
any momentum into their final attacks. No one encapsulated this spirit more
than Ronald Kemokai (
Once again the
side have shown a new dimension to their play – the ability to bounce back in a
match after an early setback and the win, that extends the sides unbeaten start
in eleven a side football this season, can be seen an excellent team effort –
with every member of the fifteen player squad playing an important part and
sticking to their role magnificently.
Team: Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St James) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm
Road) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne
Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy
Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St
Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe
Fugede (Redriff) Donte Rowe (St Johns)
Saturday 15th November 2008
Inner London County Schools FA 7-A-Side Tournament
Only a layer
of paint on a crossbar stopped the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools
Football Association District team becoming Inner London Champions and picking
up the Tower Hamlets Cup in the Inner London County Schools FA 7-A-Side
tournament at the Marathon Sports Ground in Charlton as they were beaten in
extra time in the final against last season national champions Lewisham.
Bermondsey
began the tournament needing to finish in the top two in their qualifying
group, consisting of Lewisham, Tower Hamlets and Woolwich. With Bermondsey in
fine form leading up to the tournament having notched up four wins and a draw
in their opening five 11-a-side matches hopes were high, but they found it difficult
to adjust back to the 7-A-Side game and in their group games found it hard to
master the pacy passing and movement required for success in the mini game.
However their opening game saw them battle well and earn a 0-0 draw with
Lewisham, thanks to a coupe of brave stops from keeper Callum Thomas (Alfred
Salter). With small goals and a very high standard of goalkeeping in the
event from all teams, goals were hard to come by and when in their second match
they went a goal down to Tower Hamlets there looked to be little hope of
qualifying for the knockout stages. With Woolwich their final group opponents,
Bermondsey knew only a commanding victory would give the any hope of
qualification and led by the industrious Luke Elkin (Redriff) they set about their
task with a relish and enthusiasm that had been lacking the earlier games,
quickly getting a goal in front after good work from Connor Lucas (Townsend)
and Kai Rowe(Redriff) forced the ball past Woolwich’s keeper for Hadley Barton
(St James) to apply the finishing touch. Bermondsey continued to take the
game to Woolwich but a second would not come and time appeared to be running
out before Melvin Adesida (St Georges) popped up to shrug off the challenge of
the keeper and covering defender and squeeze in a shot at the second attempt
which to the delight of his team mates nestled in the far corner. Despite
the win qualification was not assured as a draw in the final group match
between Tower Hamlets and Lewisham would have sent both teams through at Bermondsey’s
expense, but after a nervous finale to the group Lewisham’s 1-0 victory ensured
a semi final place for the Bermondsey lads.
Whilst there
was a feeling Bermondsey may come through the tougher of the groups, Hackney,
their semi final opponents, came into the match with a 100% record – winning
all three of their previous matches. Bermondsey had the first opening when
Melvin Adesida was put through but found Hackney’s keeper’s high reputation was
deserved as he pulled off a terrific blocking save. At the other end Callum
Thomas was looking equally impressive between the sticks, commanding his area
and making several important saves to keep Bermondsey in the tie – helped by a
terrific defensive display from the composed Ronnie Quick (St James) and dynamic
Melvyne Bertie (St Josephs Gomm Road). With such solid defences on both sides,
it was no surprise when the game went into extra time still deadlocked. Few
chances fell to either side in the extra two periods and a place in the final
came down to penalty kicks. With Hadley Barton, Melvyne Bertie and Luke Elkin
all powerfully dispatching their kicks, two fine saves from Callum Thomas
ensured a place in the final.
Backing up the
feeling that theirs had been the stronger group – it was fellow qualifiers
Lewisham who Bermondsey faced in the final. After a cagey opening, Bermondsey
were once again thankful to keeper Callum Thomas who made two fine saves as
Lewisham stepped up a gear but the game was still goalless as the sides swapped
ends. The second half was a different affair as it became Bermondsey’s turn to
raise the tempo, driven on by skipper Tommy Bartholomew (
As the
smallest District in the Inner London county – both in numbers and
geographically, becoming county runners up is no mean feat and the boys can all
be proud of the improvement through the tournament they showed. Next week n the
team revert to their usual 11 a side football with their opening match in the
Kay Trophy competition against South London at Dulwich Park
Team: Callum Thomas
(Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St James) Ronnie Quick (St James) Melvyne Bertie
(St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy
Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St
Georges)
Bexley Schools FA 1 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 4
Having gone
unbeaten through the first half term of the season the Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District Team had to battle
against more than just their opponents to claim a well earned victory in North
Kent where they faced Bexley schools, as after a run of matches on good playing
surfaces in sunny weather they encountered a wild, wet and windy morning and a
heavy rain soaked pitch. Knowing they could play their brand of free flowing
passing football on a good surface the side had as yet been untested on a less
forgiving surface or conditions, but rose to the task magnificently with some
terrific quick passing football.
With the slope
to their advantage in the first half it was vital Bermondsey made good use of
it and the early pressure they put their hosts under indicated they would be
able to create chances, as Luke Elkin (Redriff) saw his effort cleared off the
line from one of an early series of corners they forced. However Bexley showed
they would be more than able to compete playing up the hill with their powerful
centre forward always looking to stretch the Bermondsey defence out wide from
where they delivered some useful balls into the area that required Ronnie Quick
(St James) and Abraham Konteh (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) to clear under pressure.
Just has it
looked as if Bexley may start to settle into the game, Bermondsey took the lead
from the penalty spot as Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) was upended in the area and
Tommy Bartholomew (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) powerfully smashed home the resulting
spot kick. The goal appeared to deflate the hosts and the lead was quickly
doubled when Luke Elkin drove home having found space in the box to turn. By
this point Bermondsey had taken control. Hadley Barton (St James) and Melvyne
Bertie (St Josephs Gomm Road) both took every opportunity to join in attacks
from right and left back positions respectively, often as a result of magnificent
quick distribution from keeper Callum Thomas (Alfred Slater) allowing them to
launch a wave of attacks and from one such move Bexley were pressured into
playing a loose pass across their own area where Kai Rowe (Redriff) eagerly
awaited and calmly drive the ball into the corner of the net.
A three goal
advantage at the break was no more than Bermondsey deserved but having been
told of Bexley’s amazing comeback from 4-0 down in last season’s fixture were
minded that the second half would be a different prospect with both the slope
and wind against them. Any worries were soon displaced however as every player
demonstrated they could play intelligent football using quick passing and
interplay to keep possession and stop Bexley from building any serious spell of
pressure. Connor Lucas (Townsend) whose pace and close control were a constant
thorn for the Bexley defence almost added to the score when from a lightening
passing move he acrobatically volleyed Luke Elkin’s centre just over the bar
and Matthew Ruiz (St George’s), who continually broke up play to stop Bexley
breaking from midfield, saw his shot pass inches by the post after he had
arrived late in the box to meet Kai Rowe’s cross.
Whilst Donte
Rowe (St John’s) and Chris O’Shea (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) both kept Bexley
pegged back in their half with a hard working display up front chasing down the
Bexley back four as they tried to launch the ball forward, it took a couple of
well timed interceptions from Ronnie Quick to take the ball away from Bexley’s
forwards as the hosts tried once more to rally in search of an opening.
However a
fourth goal finally arrived for the red and whites, to ensure there could be no
comeback this time, after a powerful run from Melvin Adesida (St George’s) saw
him slip the ball at the perfect moment to Tinashe Fugede who rounded the last
defender and smashed home a powerful shot.
Bexley did
finally get on the score sheet as their centre forward finally broke free from
the shackles of the Bermondsey defence and whilst Callum Thomas was able to
save to his right a Bexley forward was on hand to slam home the loose ball.
That forward was in fact none other than Bermondsey’s own Ronald Kemokai (St
Joseph’s Gomm Road) who had graciously volunteered to turn out for Bexley after
a couple of late player withdrawals had left them with only ten players at the
ground for kick off. His goal was no more than he deserved for a hard working
display in their colours.
The thoroughly
professional and well deserved victory has given Bermondsey their best start to
the season for several seasons with four wins and a draw under their belts from
the opening five games and they will go to next week’s Inner London County
Schools FA seven a side competition hoping they can replicate their tremendous
form in eleven a side football in the mini version of the
game.
Team: Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St James) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm
Road) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne
Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy
Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St
Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe Fugede
(Redriff) Donte Rowe (St Johns)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 10
The Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District Team cruised to
victory at Dulwich Park against an inexperienced Camden side, with no fewer
than eight players getting on the score sheet as the visitors had few answers
to Bermondsey’s attacking prowess.
However for
the first twenty minutes there was little sign of the goal glut to follow with
Bermondsey failing to pass the ball effectively enough to open up their
visitors making individual runs at goal rather than linking with better placed
teammates and only having Donte Rowe’s (St Johns) firm strike into the corner
of the net to show for their superior possession. Indeed
The let off
fired Bermondsey into life and with the introduction of Luke Elkin (Redriff) on
the right flank his interplay with right back Hadley Barton (St James) launched
countless attacks down the right hand side and saw Bermondsey take the game to
their visitors. The resulting pressure saw Connor Lucas (Townsend) latch on to
a loose ball in the area to fire home and double the lead and Chris O’Shea (St
Josephs Gomm Road) kept up his impressive scoring record when he swept
home from the left hand side of the area. By the midway point Bermondsey
had added a fourth when Connor Lucas acrobatically hooked home Tommy
Bartholomew’s (
It was in the
last twenty minutes however that Bermondsey really put
By this point
Bermondsey were in total control and despite playing up the slope were penning
With five
minutes remaining
Scores of such
magnitude are a rarity in District football and it should be remembered this
was Camden’s first match of the season where they unluckily caught Bermondsey
in irresistible goal scoring mood and a sterner test will await in the team’s
next fixture in a fortnights time against
Bexley.
Team: Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St James) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm
Road) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne
Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy
Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St
Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe
Fugede (Redriff) Donte Rowe (St Johns)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 3
After a draw
and win away from home in their last two matches, the Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District Team kept up their
unbeaten start to the season on Saturday with a battling victory against a
determined Hackney side in their opening home fixture of the season at Dulwich
Park.
A combative
opening period saw neither side prepared to give away ground in midfield and
chances were few and far between, with a long range shot forcing some smart
handling from Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) in the Bermondsey goal as near as
either side got to breaking the deadlock in the opening ten minutes.
However the
introduction of Kai Rowe (Redriff) to the left side allowed Bermondsey to get
some width into their play with Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) from
central midfield and Melvyne Bertie (St Josephs Gomm Road) at left back
combining well to free him down the left flank, from where Bermondsey were able
to get behind the Hackney defence and apply some pressure. Eventually this
pressure told, as in trying to clear a Hackney defender handled, but Bermondsey
were unable to take advantage as the resulting penalty hit the post. Bermondsey
did not have to wait long to make amends – more clever passing down the left
flank released Melvin Adesida (St Georges) and when he squared Chris O’Shea (St
Josephs Gomm Road) was on hand to force home from three yards out.
Hackney always
looked lively on the break and their quick forward pairing forced centre back
Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) to be at his best to keep them at bay,
using his strength and power on a number of occasions to stop their forward
getting a clear run on goal. Shortly before the break Hackney won a free kick
on the edge of the penalty area that was struck with power but passed inches above
the crossbar, ensuring Bermondsey & Rotherhithe went into the break ahead.
Hackney may
have felt at half time that their hosts single goal did not represent a
sufficient reward for having had the slope in their favour and looked
immediately to take better advantage of it themselves, forcing Bermondsey into
their own half with Callum Thomas having to be alert to slide at an on rushing
forward’s feet in the opening minute. Bermondsey were able to relieve the
pressure by counter attacking at speed and when Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) burst
through from halfway he calmly rounded the keeper and then unselfishly left the
ball to the better placed Melvin Adesida who confidently lifted the ball over
the covering defenders into the net to double Bermondsey’s lead.
The second
goal should have allowed the red and whites to kill the game off, yet Hackney
swept forward and were awarded a penalty of their own following a clumsy
challenge. Callum Thomas guessed correctly to pull off a fine save low to his
left but no sooner had the celebrations died down than Hackney had recycled the
ball to tee up a shot from outside the box which flew high into the roof of the
net to give the visitors a glimmer of hope. As expected the goal saw Hackney
push forward for an equaliser and once again Bermondsey were able to counter
attack at speed and with Luke Elkin (Redriff) sweeping forward to join a quick
break Bermondsey were able to turn the Hackney defence where under heavy
pressure one of their defenders diverted the ball into his own goal to set up
an unassailable lead.
However
Hackney did almost manage to pull a further goal back when a free kick sailed
over a mass of players in the penalty area and into the net, but having touched
none of them was disallowed as the kick had been awarded as indirect.
Bermondsey stood strong to Hackney’s final onslaught with Ronald Kemokai (St
Josephs Gomm Road) growing in stature deputising at centre half and whilst the
final ten minutes became a scrappier affair with Bermondsey not displaying
their now customary passing football they did prove they can hold a lead.
Next week the
side have another home game as they look to extend their unbeaten start to the
season to a fourth match with Camden Schools due to visit Dulwich
Park.
Team: Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St James) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm
Road) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm
Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs
Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St
Georges) Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Daniel Odoh (St Josephs Gomm Road)
Tinashe Fugede (Redriff)
Woolwich PSFA 0 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 1
The Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District Team continued
their impressive start to the season with a determined 1-0 victory against
neighbours Woolwich at Long Lane FC on a sunny morning more suited to cricket
than football. With another well prepared pitch, both sides were able to stroke
the ball around and play some good quality passing football.
Bermondsey
forced the first real chance of the game when a quick breakaway saw Kai Rowe
(Redriff) shoot just wide having burst into the box after being picked out
superbly by a through ball from Matthew Ruiz (St Georges). However,
despite this early chance it was Woolwich who were too make more of the early running,
using the slope to their advantage and their hard working midfield supporting
their forward pairing well. Showing good pace down the flanks Woolwich were
also able to put over some dangerous crosses from left side but centre back
pairing Abraham Konteh (
As the half
wore on Bermondsey got to grips with the slope, a speculative long range effort
from Kai Rowe dropped inches over the bar and minutes later a flowing move
between him, Luke Elkin (Redriff) and Donte Rowe (St Johns) swept the ball
across the Woolwich six yard box where Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) was
on hand to apply the finishing touch to put Bermondsey ahead. Bermondsey
were never allowed to build on their lead and Woolwich came back strongly
forcing a number of corners that a well organised defence were able to clear
and ensure the lead was kept until half time.
With the slope
in their favour Bermondsey were able to apply more pressure in the second
period and kept Woolwich penned in their half for much of the opening ten
minutes. Connor Lucas (Townsend), operating from the left, almost doubled the
lead when he jinked into the area but his shot passed the wrong side of the upright,
as did a long range effort from Kai Rowe on spotting the keeper out of
position. Woolwich looked to counter on the break and Bermondsey were
grateful to the strength and pace of Melvyne Bertie (
With minutes
remaining Bermondsey almost snatched a second when Ronald Kemokai (
Team: Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St James) Ronnie Quick (St James) Abraham
Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe
(Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor
Lucas (Townsend) Donte Rowe (St Johns) Melvin Adesida (St Georges) Matthew Ruiz
(St Georges) Benn Murphy (Alfred Salter) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road)
Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Daniel Odoh (St Josephs Gomm Road)
Barking & Dagenham PSFA 2 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 2
The Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District Team got their
season off to an impressive start with a hard fought draw against a Barking
& Dagenham side who had already chalked up an 8-1 victory in their own
opening game. Traditionally a strong team, with players drawn from a large
number of schools, Barking & Dagenham can boast two England captains,
namely Bobby Moore and John Terry, as past players but were pushed all the way
by Bermondsey & Rotherhithe who twice held the lead in an exciting match
that was great advert for primary schools’ District football.
On a terrific
surface both teams looked to pass the ball at every opportunity although it who
Barking & Dagenham who made the early running by getting the ball into wide
areas more effectively and Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) in the Bermondsey goal
was quickly called into action to pull off a number of fine saves, showing
impeccable handling in the process. However, with Tommy Bartholomew (St
Joseph’s Gomm Road) battling well in midfield to continually win possession
Bermondsey were soon able to get a foothold into the game and build their own
attacks, with Donte Rowe (St John’s) almost outpacing the hosts defence before
a last ditch tackle halted his run.
Halfway
through the first period Bermondsey thought they had taken the lead when Hadley
Barton (St James) pushed a ball through from the right channel which was picked
up by Kai Rowe (Redriff) who in turn cut inside and chipped the keeper, only to
see a linesman’s flag indicate another player in an offside position. However
Bermondsey only had to wait a couple more minutes before they did go in front.
Connor Lucas (Townsend) nipped in to intercept a loose pass off the toes of a
defender on halfway and kept clear of the pursuing defenders before calmly
lifting the ball over the keeper for a terrific solo goal.
Barking &
Dagenham sought to equalise before half time and laid siege to the Bermondsey
goal, forcing a number of corners that Callum Thomas confidently punched clear
and were further denied when he dived bravely at the feet of their centre
forward who had raced clear into the penalty area.
The second
period brought a number of new faces onto the pitch as Bermondsey looked to use
all sixteen players in their squad and Barking & Dagenham took advantage of
Bermondsey reorganising to take the game to their visitors who spent much of
the first five minutes in their own half, but looked to have weathered the
storm when a good move down the left involving left back Melvyne Bertie (St
Joseph’s Gomm Road) and Kai Rowe found Benn Murphy (Alfred Slater) in the box,
but his volley flew just wide of the post.
Having almost
doubled their lead Bermondsey suddenly found themselves pulled back on level
terms as a free kick, awarded twenty yards out, was powerfully struck just under
the crossbar giving Callum Thomas no chance of saving. For a time it looked as
if the goal would spur Barking & Dagenham on to victory and Bermondsey were
forced to absorb a lot of pressure with centre back pairing Abraham Konteh (St
Joseph’s Gomm Road) and Ronnie Quick (St James) both putting in strong
performances to repel the attacks and they were rewarded for their effort when
out of nowhere Melvin Adesida (St Georges) found a yard of space on the right
and cut inside to fire high into the net from the edge of the box and put
Bermondsey back into the lead.
With time
running out Bermondsey looked to have done enough to seal the win, but three
minutes from time Barking made ground down the left flank and having thrown
players forward in search of an equaliser, a well driven cross found them
queuing up at the back post to pick their spot and sweep home an equaliser.
With many of
the squad playing their first ever game of eleven a side football the team can
be very pleased with the way they adapted to District football and having held
such a traditionally strong side as Barking & Dagenham to a draw and having
also played some excellent football, can look forward with confidence to the
season ahead and in particular next week’s encounter with Woolwich.
Team: Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St James) Ronnie Quick (St James) Abraham
Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe
(Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor
Lucas (Townsend) Donte Rowe (St Johns) Melvin Adesida (St Georges) Matthew Ruiz
(St Georges) Benn Murphy (Alfred Salter) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road)
Eren Ezel (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe Fugede (Redriff)
Playing Squad
|
Name |
School |
|
Ross
Viles |
|
|
Conner
Rowson |
Redriff |
|
Kane
Lincoln |
Alfred
Salter |
|
Lewis
Wheeler |
Alfred
Salter |
|
Montel
Agyemang |
|
|
Noel
Onuoha |
|
|
Jamel
Jakiemi-Tavernier |
Snowsfields |
|
Junior
Eghobamien |
Grange |
|
Freddie
Amor |
Alfred
Salter |
|
Frazer
Norman |
|
|
Momoh
Deen-Conteh |
St James |
|
Terry
Jerome |
Redriff |
|
Chima
Egege |
Grange |
|
Kayode
Adenusi |
|
|
Kwaku
Owusu-Ansah |
Redriff |
|
Also Played |
|
|
Kieran
McDonagh |
St
Josephs Dockhead |
|
Charles
Kamara |
|
|
Travis
Ogunnami |
Charles
Dickens |
|
Callum
O’Connell |
St
Josephs Dockhead |
|
Bradley
Rice |
|
|
Kemal
Iremzade |
Alfred
Salter |
|
Abi
Adeyemi |
St James |
|
Reece Green |
Alfred
Salter |
|
Freddie
Jennings |
Redriff |
|
|
|
Fixtures &
Results
Click on
opponents for reports
|
COMPETITION |
|
OPPONENTS |
SCORE |
|
Friendly |
A |
1-4 |
|
|
Friendly |
H |
3-2 |
|
|
Friendly |
A |
4-4 |
|
|
Friendly |
A |
2-6 |
|
|
Friendly |
H |
1-0 |
|
|
Kay Trophy |
H |
1-2 |
|
|
Friendly |
A |
0-3 |
|
|
Kay Trophy |
A |
4-2 |
|
|
Friendly |
A |
3-1 |
|
|
Kay Trophy |
H |
0-5 |
|
|
Friendly |
A |
0-1 |
|
|
Friendly |
A |
2-0 |
|
|
Finch Trophy |
A |
2-6 |
|
|
Finch Trophy |
H |
1-3 |
|
|
Finch Trophy |
H |
1-2 |
|
|
Friendly |
H |
1-1 |
|
|
Finch Trophy |
H |
5-4 |
2007/8 Match Reports
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe PSFA 5
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association District Team ended the season on a high note with
a deserved victory in a high scoring Lester Finch Trophy game with Bexley.
Despite being the final fixture of the season the weather was more appropriate
to mid winter, with a biting wind swirling across
Within two minutes Bermondsey were in
front, when Kwaku Owusu- Ansah (Redriff) lost his marker with a well timed run
to meet a perfectly flighted corner and head home from three yards out. Within
five minutes Bermondsey had doubled the lead as Kwaku Owusu-Ansah turned
provider with a well-judged lay off, after being picked out by Montel Agyemang
(St John’s), into the path of strike partner Kayode Adenusi (St John’s) who
reproduced his early season sharpness to out run the Bexley defence and fire
home with a powerful drive from the edge of the box. The two goal lead was no
more than Bermondsey deserved from a blistering start, with Chima Egege
(Grange) leading the way with a battling performance in the centre of the park.
However from their first attack of note, Bexley capitalised on some confusion
in the hosts defence, to pull back a goal and when a well flighted free kick
skimmed off a posse of jumping heads to divert the ball into the net for an
equaliser all Bermondsey’s early promise appeared to have gone to waste.
The introduction of Jamel
Jikiemi-Tavernier (Snowsfields) dramatically swung the game back in
Bermondsey’s favour, as his powerful running and terrific delivery from the wide
right position set up a series of chances as Bermondsey produced a ten minute
spell of football as good as any they have played all season. Junior Eghobamien
(Grange) was first to benefit when Kwaku Owusu Ansah hooked over a cross for
him to head home unmarked at the back post. The hard working Frazer Norman
(Southwark Park) continually forced Bexley onto the back foot by winning all
the loose balls in midfield and his chipped pass released Freddie Amor (Alfred
Salter) who calmly stroked the ball over the on rushing keeper after cutting in
from the right hand side of the penalty area for a fourth. Bermondsey’s
dominance down the right flank continued and from a quick throw Jamel
Jikiemi-Tavernier was rewarded for his performance as he jinked into the box to
add a fifth goal right on the stroke of half time.
With the slope now in their favour
Bermondsey might have expected to add more goals to their tally in the second
half – yet were mindful that Bexley had already stunned them with a terrific
comeback earlier in the season when battling back from four goals down and
Bermondsey certainly found sterner resistance from their visitors in the early
exchanges of the half. Once again though Bermondsey were keen to get on the
offensive and chances were soon created with Kayode Odenusi ruled narrowly
offside as he thought he had stabbed home a sixth from close range and Momoh
Deen-Conteh (St James) unfortunate to see his goal bound effort blocked by a
defenders outstretched leg. As the half
wore on Bermondsey were able to shuffle the pack in order to ensure the whole
squad got as much playing time as possible in their last game. The changes
perhaps allowed Bexley to get a foothold and on the mid point of the half they
pulled a goal back. Still Bermondsey pushed forward, with Kayode Adenusi
shooting just wide and Freddie Amor only stopped by a terrific last ditch
sliding tackle when poised to shoot after sprinting clear from inside is own
half. Whilst their cavalier approach was
enjoyed by the crowd it left Bermondsey open at the back and Bexley caused some
alarm by pulling a fourth goal back despite a terrific initial goal line block
by Lewis Wheeler (Alfred Salter). Bermondsey ensured that their would no repeat
of the early season comeback from Bexley though, by playing out the remainder
of the match in the visitors half and again had chances to add a sixth but come
the final whistle had to settle for a 5-4 winning scoreline.
As has been the case all season,
Bermondsey’s attacking play had been outstanding and the victory was no more
than the side deserved for the entertaining football they had produced ensuring
they finished the season in style.
Team: Chima Egege (Grange) Conner Rowson (Redriff), Fraser Norman (Southwark
Park), Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter), Freddie Jennings (Redriff), Jamel
Jakiemi-Tavernier (Snowsfields), Junior Eghobamien (Grange), Kane Lincoln (Alfred Salter),
Kayode Adenusi (St Johns), Kwaku Owusu-Ansah (Redriff), Lewis Wheeler (Alfred
Salter), Momoh Deen-Conteh (St James), Montel Agyemang (St Johns), Noel Onuoha
(St Josephs), Terry Jerome (Redriff)
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe PSFA 1
“Go out and play entertaining football!”
were the last words the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association District Team players heard before emerging from their changing
room prior to their friendly fixture with Camden Primary Schools and when they
returned they had certainly achieved that. As the game progressed such was the
excitement and entertainment on show that passers-by and parents from other
activities in
Bermondsey had started off showing the
effects of three weeks passing since their last fixture and for the first five
minutes were second to the ball. They
paid the ultimate price for their sluggishness when having not taken advantage
of several attempts to clear the ball they allowed
Despite playing up the slope
Bermondsey swept forward and penned
With a large squad available for the
game, Bermondsey were able to shuffle their pack and skipper Montel Agyemang
stepped up into midfield, where his deft footwork and eye for a pass were the
starting point for many of their attacks as the home team swamped forward in
search of an equaliser. Kayode Adenusi was the first to test the
By now the Camden goal was leading a
charmed life as shots cannoned around the penalty area and ricochets flew
agonisingly wide of outstretched boots looking to turn them goal wards. The
Camden keeper growing in confidence was starting to look unbeatable as he
produced a couple of fine saves to further deny the rampant Bermondsey team and
on the odd occasion he was beaten a defender always popped up at the crucial
moment to block the ball off the goal line.
With the ball just not falling for
them, Bermondsey could be excused for thinking this was not to be their day and
when a precision pass rounded off a swift counter attack to find Camden’s
centre forward twelve yards out from goal, all Bermondsey’s good work looked to
have been undone as he poked the ball past Conner Rowson (Redriff) but Kane
Lincoln (Alfred Salter) epitomised the effort Bermondsey had shown by
miraculously hooking the ball away despite bravely colliding with the post just
before it crossed the line.
The importance of his brave clearance
became apparent as Bermondsey cleared the ensuing corner and Montel Agyemang
masterfully carried the ball past three Camden midfielders with his trademark
step over and then had the vision to pick out Junior Eghobamien who taking the
ball in his stride drove into the Camden half and calmly lifted the ball over
the Camden keeper with the outside of his boot to give Bermondsey a deserved
equaliser.
Having hauled themselves level,
Bermondsey were in no mood the surrender the advantage, Freddie Jennings (Redriff)
and Kemal Iremzade (Alfred Salter) pairing up for the first time in the heart
of the defence were quick to snuff out ay Camden threat and the hardworking
Chima Egege (Grange) kept probing from centre midfield to keep Bermondsey on
the front foot. A series of corners were well defended by
There was still time for Montel
Agyemang to blast a free a free kick inches over the bar, but a winner would
just not come for the home team and when referee David Bird drew proceedings to
halt Bermondsey were forced to settle for a draw. However the touchline crowd
were quick to recognise both sets of players for the entertaining spectacle
they had played out, which showcased the quality of schools district level
football.
Team: Chima Egege (Grange) Conner Rowson (Redriff), Freddie Amor (Alfred
Salter), Freddie Jennings (Redriff), Jamel Jakiemi-Tavernier (Snowsfields), Junior
Eghobamien
(Grange), Kane Lincoln (Alfred Salter) Kayode Adenusi (St Johns), Kemal Iremzade
(Alfred Salter), Kwaku Owusu-Ansah
(Redriff), Lewis Wheeler (Alfred Salter), Momoh Deen-Conteh (St James), Montel
Agyemang (St Johns), Noel Onuoha (St Josephs)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
PSFA 1
A much improved performance and a goal
of the season candidate were still not enough for Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
Primary Schools Football Association District Team to record their first Lester
Finch Trophy points of the group stages against a strong South London team, who
after this victory look well set to win the group and meet either Barking &
Dagenham or Islington in the final.
Bermondsey started the game full of
energy and were quick to close down their visitors and deny them space or time
on the ball. Chima Egege (Grange) led
the way for a hard working midfield making sure he was first to the loose ball
and winning a series of headers as both sides battled to make a breakthrough.
At the back another impressive performance from Lewis Wheeler (Alfred Salter)
blunted the threat of the pacy
Bermondsey fought back valiantly and
some crisp one touch football saw them create a number of half chances for the
lively Kwaku Owusu-Ansah (Redriff) up front forcing a number of corners though
no clear goal scoring opportunities. However two minutes before the break
Bermondsey did manage to draw level courtesy a wonder goal from Kwaku
Owusu-Ansah. Picking up a loose ball fully thirty yards from goal and with
passing options either side of him he looked up to spot the keeper slightly off
his line and let fire with expertly judged shot which dipped just underneath
the bar and would have beaten any junior goalkeeper in country.
Reaching half time level was no more
then the hosts deserved but within seconds of the restart they were grateful to
keeper Conner Rowson for keeping them so, as he dived at full stretch to push a
powerful low shot round the post. Indeed despite now playing up the slope
Just as Bermondsey looked to build on
this pressure they were dealt a cruel blow as South London broke quickly down
the right and their impressive left midfielder was able to shrug off an
attempted tackle and centre sensibly for the on rushing forwards to sweep the
ball home and finish off a well worked goal.
Bermondsey valiantly strived to find
an equaliser with Terry Jerome bravely returning to the field of play putting
pressure on
Whilst there was disappointment upon
the final whistle that such a terrific effort had ended without points,
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe can reflect upon a vastly improved performance
which pushed the group favourites right to the wire.
Team: Chima Egege (Grange) Conner Rowson (Redriff), Frazer Norman (Southwark
Park), Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter), Freddie Jennings (Redriff), Kane Lincoln
(Alfred Salter) Kayode Adenusi (St Johns), Jamel Jakiemi-Tavernier
(Snowsfields), Junior Eghobamien (Grange), Kwaku Owusu-Ansah (Redriff), Lewis Wheeler (Alfred
Salter), Momoh Deen-Conteh (St James), Montel Agyemang (St Johns), Noel Onuoha
(St Josephs) Terry Jerome (Redriff)
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe PSFA 1
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association District Team slipped to defeat against neighbours
Woolwich in the second of the four group fixtures in the Lester Finch Trophy at
a windswept
Bermondsey had made a lot of the early
running in the match, but with a hard pitch again making ball control difficult
they struggled to make a clear cut chance from their early pressure. A number
of well struck corners from Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter) caused some alarm in
the Woolwich defence but with ten minutes on the clock Bermondsey found
themselves behind, when continuing to push forward down the hill, a long
clearance over the top of the Bermondsey defence saw the Woolwich centre
forward nip in to take advantage of some hesitation amongst the back line and
neatly slot the ball home to put the visitors in front.
Bermondsey continued to push forward
and the Woolwich keeper had to save bravely at the feet of Kwaku Owusu-Ansah
(Redriff) to prevent an immediate equaliser. At the other end Freddie Jennings
(Redriff) pulled off an equally impressive save to block a powerful shot from
the left hand side of the penalty box as the game opened up. Shortly before the
break Bermondsey found themselves further behind when Woolwich’s right winger
was able to run onto a long cross field pass and despite running over half the
length of the field had the composure to slip the ball inside the post once he
entered the eighteen yard box.
With the wind in their backs for the
second period Bermondsey were able to trap Woolwich in their own half for long
periods as they searched for a way back into the game. They were rewarded with
fifteen minutes remaining when Junior Eghobamien (Grange) danced through the
Woolwich defence and neatly rounded the keeper before tucking the ball away to
give the home side a glimmer of hope. He almost repeated the trick minutes
later but a well timed tackle by the final defender thwarted his route to goal
and immediately Woolwich swept up the other end and in a decisive break scored
with a powerful drive from the edge of the area in what had been there only
clear cut chance of the half.
Bermondsey continued to press for late
goals to gain at least a draw from the match, but a couple of long range
efforts from Montel Agyemang (St Johns) which were confidently handled by the
Woolwich keeper and a Kwaku Owusu-Ansah header wide of the post were as close
as they came.
Team: Abi Adeyemi (St James) Chima Egege (Grange) Frazer Norman (Southwark
Park), Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter), Freddie Jennings (Redriff), Kane Lincoln
(Alfred Salter) Kayode Adenusi (St Johns), Jamel Jakiemi-Tavernier
(Snowsfields), Junior Eghobamien (Grange), Kwaku Owusu-Ansah (Redriff), Lewis Wheeler (Alfred
Salter), Momoh Deen-Conteh (St James), Montel Agyemang (St Johns), Noel Onuoha
(St Josephs) Terry Jerome (Redriff)
Wandsworth Primary
Schools 6 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 2
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association District Team made a disappointing start to their
Lester Finch Trophy campaign with a heavy defeat in their Southern group
encounter with Wandsworth. Having beaten their hosts already this season
Bermondsey went into the game in high spirits but never quite managed to get to
grips with a large and bumpy pitch and were unable to adopt their usual passing
pattern of play.
Finding themselves playing into a
strong wind Bermondsey were soon under pressure and without their usual skipper
Montel Agyemang’s (
Having reached half time with no more
scares on their own goal Bermondsey should have been able to kick on in the
second half but mystifyingly came out from the break looking lacklustre and
allowed the home side to totally dominate the match. Wandsworth retook the lead
when their impressive centre forwards quick feet saw him round Conner Rowson
though he received some good fortune as he clipped the ball across the goal
only to see a bobble from the uneven pitch divert in by the far post. In a crazy
five minutes Bermondsey then conceded three further goals has Wandsworth centre
forward gleefully took the opportunities presented to him finishing his four
goal haul with an audacious lobbed finish as Wandsworth powered into a 5-1
lead. With the game already lost Bermondsey at least found some rhythm for the
final five minutes and when Junior Eghobamien’s (Grange) stabbed the ball goal
wards the Wandsworth keeper was left powerless as the ball spun wickedly over
his head to give Bermondsey a consolation goal. Wandsworth’s emphatic victory
was conformed when their skipper duly dispatched a later penalty, leaving
Bermondsey the tough task of winning all three of their remaining group
fixtures, starting with next weeks fixture with Woolwich, if they are to make an appearance in the
Lester Finch Trophy Final.
Team: Abi Adeyemi (St James) Chima Egege (Grange) Conner Rowson (Redriff)
Frazer Norman (Southwark Park), Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter), Freddie Jennings
(Redriff), Kane Lincoln (Alfred Salter) Kayode Adenusi (St Johns), Kemal
Iremzade (Alfred Salter) Jamel Jakiemi-Tavernier (Snowsfields), Junior
Eghobamien
(Grange), Kwaku Owusu-Ansah (Redriff), Lewis Wheeler (Alfred Salter), Momoh
Deen-Conteh (St James), Noel Onuoha (St Josephs)
Gravesham Primary
Schools 0 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 2
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association District Team made their longest away trip of the
a season and returned to winning ways with an entertaining 2-0 victory over
Gravesham Primary Schools in their final match before the Spring half term
break.
Playing down hill in the first half
Bermondsey started brightly and quickly made an opening for Kwaku Owusu-Ansah
(Redriff) whose powerful shot flew inches over the crossbar. With Frazer Norman
(Southwark Park) and Chima Egege (Grange) quick to close down in midfield
Bermondsey were able to peg their hosts into their own half, but for all their
possession Bermondsey found it hard to create any further clear cut chances
with a thawing pitch causing the ball to bobble and making accurate passing
difficult. However halfway through the first period Bermondsey did finally
break the deadlock. Abi Adeyemi (St James) having nipped in to dispossess a
Gravesham forward brought the ball out of defence and his long ball allowed
Chima Egege to outpace the Gravesham back line and coolly lob the advancing the
keeper to score. Minutes later Bermondsey almost added to that lead when Momoh
Deen-Conteh (St James) found himself on the end of Terry Jerome’s (Redriff)
flicked on throw but saw his left foot shot fly narrowly over the bar. At the other end Frazer Norman had to be
alert to block a fierce shot after Gravesham had worked the ball across the
Bermondsey area to find their right winger in space to fire for goal.
At half time Bermondsey may have felt
that a single goal lead had not given them a big enough advantage from playing
down the slope and as expected Gravesham came at them with more purpose in the
second half, but debutant goal keeper Freddie Jennings (Redriff) stood firm,
diving bravely at the feet of an onrushing Gravesham forward and punching
bravely to clear a dangerous corner off the head of Gravesham’s tall centre
forward. He was assisted by some determined defending from Lewis Wheeler
(Alfred Salter) and Noel Onuoha (St Josephs) who hardly missed a tackle all
match. With skipper Montel Agyemang (
Gravesham still threatened on the
break and fired a couple of shots wide of the post but Bermondsey were in no
mood to surrender their hard won advantage and continued to track back and
close down to ensure their hosts were denied any time to create any further
clear cut chances and in dong so sealed the victory.
Team: Abi Adeyemi (St James) Chima Egege (Grange) Frazer Norman (Southwark
Park), Freddie Jennings (Redriff), Jamel Jakiemi-Tavernier (Snowsfields), Kwaku
Owusu-Ansah (Redriff), Lewis Wheeler (Alfred Salter), Momoh Deen-Conteh (St
James), Montel Agyemang (St Johns), Noel Onuoha (St Josephs), Terry Jerome
(Redriff)
Hackney Primary Schools
1 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 0
A single strike midway through the
first half was enough to send the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools
Football Association District Team to defeat at Hackney’s Douglas Eyre Sports
Ground in a well fought inter district friendly fixture. Once again
Bermondsey’s preparations were hampered by player unavailability and with seven
squad members missing a number of players had to be drafted in on the morning
of the match. Hosts Hackney generously agreed to a delayed kick off time, which
allowed a hastily assembled Bermondsey squad time to reorganise and introduce
debutants Abi Adeyemi (St James) in central midfield and Kemal Iremzade (Alfred
Salter) in the heart of the defence.
Although Hackney were quick to place
Bermondsey under pressure, the visitors defended well with Kane Lincoln (Alfred
Salter) making a number of strong tackles from full back to break up the quick
interchange passing of the Hackney forwards. At the other end Bermondsey almost
snatched a goal from their first serious attack. Montel Agyemang (
Shortly before the fifteen minute
mark, Hackney got the goal their pressure deserved, when they committed players
into the Bermondsey area after a quick break and Bermondsey were unable to find
a clear cut tackle or clearance as the ball was shifted from player to player
before a shooting opportunity was eagerly snapped up with a firm drive into the
corner of the goal. Late in the half Bermondsey almost found an equaliser when
Frazer Norman’s (Southwark Park) determination allowed him to catch a Hackney
defender trying to shield the ball out of play and his low cross was bravely
saved by Hackney’s goalkeeper at the feet of Kayode Adenusi (St John’s).
The second half saw Bermondsey play
higher up the pitch and for the opening ten minutes forced Hackney to play
almost entirely in their own half with the gusting wind making it hard for
their defence to gain distance on clearances. The Bermondsey pressure almost told
as from a well flighted corner by Freddie Amor a hackney defender just managed
to block Momoh Deen-Conteh’s (St James) effort from six yards and the rebound
just evaded Kayode Adenusi as he tried to turn the ball home. With Lewis
Wheeler (Alfred Salter) sensibly joining the attack from left back Bermondsey
continued to press and from a left sided raid Freddie Amor stole into the box
but despite his chip beating the keeper the angle was just too tight and the
ball bounced into the side netting.
When Frazer Norman, whose constant
probing had been the platform on which much of Bermondsey’s attacking play had
been based was forced off after taking a knock, Hackney appeared to have
weathered the storm and started to launch attacks of their own, firing just
past each post with their best two efforts. With time running out Bermondsey
continued to push forward and whilst they once again spent long spells in the
Hackney half they could not create any further chances.
Team: Abi Adeyemi (St James) Chima Egege (Grange) Frazer
Norman (Southwark Park), Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter), Kane Lincoln (Alfred
Salter) Kayode Adenusi (St Johns), Kemal Iremzade (Alfred Salter) Lewis Wheeler (Alfred Salter), Momoh
Deen-Conteh (St James), Montel Agyemang (St Johns),
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe PSFA 0
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association District Team slipped out of the Inner London
County Schools FA Kay Trophy following defeat to Islington by a wider margin
than their performance deserved. With the squad numbers already reduced by
holidays and school interviews, Bermondsey suffered the further blow of losing
two players to illness overnight and were therefore forced to start the match
with just ten players.
However fortune seemed to at last
swing towards Bermondsey when they found themselves kicking down the slope
despite losing the toss and the pace of Kwaku Owusu-Ansah (Redriff) playing as
a lone striker caused Islington some early problems as both Momoh Deen-Conteh
(St James) and Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter) played searching balls just behind
the Islington back line during a lively opening to the game. With Jamel Jakiemi-Tavernier (Snowsfields) settling
in well in an unaccustomed position at right back and Junior Eghobamien (Grange) working hard from
midfield to support his defence, Bermondsey appeared to be containing the
threat presented by the direct running of the Islington forwards, when with
little apparent danger, a quick ball over the top from midfield saw an
Islington forward scamper away from the defence and produce an outstanding calm
finish to chip the ball over Conner Rowson (Redriff) in the Bermondsey goal as
he closed the striker down. The goal spurred Islington on and a second soon
followed in similar fashion when Islington’s impressive centre forward outpaced
the Bermondsey defence to allow himself a free shot at goal which he duly
accepted.
Bermondsey rallied towards the end of
the half and could consider themselves unfortunate not to have got back on
level terms before the break as first Junior Eghobamien stabbed a first time shot narrowly wide of the post and then
Momoh Deen-Conteh saw his fierce left footed volley clawed away by the
outstretched left hand of the keeper with many spectators already applauding a
goal.
Knowing at
least a draw would be needed for Bermondsey to stand any chance of qualifying
for the semi finals, half time saw a tactical switch with the hosts adopting a
three player back line to allow a second striker to go in search of the goals
to haul Bermondsey back into the game. Bermondsey were further buoyed by the
knowledge that the victories in their last two games were earned by the
strength of their second half performances, but any real threat of a comeback
was quickly extinguished when Islington added a third goal minutes after the
restart. Bermondsey still continued to play with great endeavour and Kayode
Adenusi (
Eventually
however, the effort required from playing one player short told and despite
some committed defending which saw several last ditch tackles and goal line
clearances Islington were able to add two further goals to give the scoreline a
slightly lopsided look which did not fairly reflect the effort the Bermondsey
players had shown.
The defeat
means Islington and
Team: Conner Rowson (Redriff), Frazer Norman (Southwark Park),
Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter), Jamel Jakiemi-Tavernier (Snowsfields), Kayode
Adenusi (St Johns), Kwaku Owusu-Ansah (Redriff), Lewis Wheeler (Alfred Salter),
Momoh Deen-Conteh (St James), Montel Agyemang (St Johns), Junior
Eghobamien
(Grange)
Tower Hamlets Primary
Schools 1 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 3
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association District Team made the short trip across the River
Thames to take on Tower Hamlets at a rain sodden Victoria Park and emerged,
despite a squad depleted through illness and school interviews, with an
inspiring 3-1 victory having displayed some magnificent passing football which
made light of the difficult conditions.
With the volume of rain that had
fallen during the week meaning many schools and district fixtures this weekend
were cancelled, the Tower Hamlets’ officials made a terrific effort to ensure
the game could go ahead and it looked as though their efforts would be rewarded
with a victory for their side during the opening fifteen minutes of the match.
Bermondsey found themselves under heavy pressure as their hosts passed the ball
with precision and used their pace to find open spaces on the large pitch. It
was not against the run of play therefore when Bermondsey fell a goal behind.
Conner Rowson (Redriff) had already pulled off a magnificent save at his near
post and seen another swift break result in a shot flashing just wide of the
post before his defenders allowed a corner to travel too far across the penalty
area and find a Tower Hamlets’ forward alone by the penalty spot to fire
home. A second could have quickly
followed for Tower Hamlets when a powerful shot from just inside the penalty
area crashed against the upright.
From this point however, the balance
of the match swung dramatically as Bermondsey rolled up their sleeves and found
an extra ten percent of effort. A sublime one touch passing move between
Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter) and Kayode Adenusi (St John’s) sent Kwaku
Owusu-Ansah (Redriff) racing clear, but the home goalkeeper was alert to the
danger to smother the ball from the forward’s feet. Shortly after, Momoh
Deen-Conteh (St James) sent Kwaku Owusu-Ansah away down the left channel and
his dangerous cross only just evaded the swarming Bermondsey midfielders
rushing into the area. With two minutes to the break Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe finally got the equaliser their efforts deserved when Kwaku
Owusu-Ansah caught out the Tower Hamlets’ defenders trying to over play the
ball in their own penalty area and having robbed them of possession made space
for himself to wrong foot the keeper and slot home.
The second period began with game very
much in the balance. It was Bermondsey & Rotherhithe however, who were to
show the greater desire to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Almost from
the kick off they pushed their hosts onto the back foot with Chima Egege
(Grange) dynamic in a central midfield role ensuring a regular supply of passes
to the lively front two. Within minutes Bermondsey had the lead. Chima Egege
battled hard to win possession just inside Tower Hamlets half and threaded a
terrific ball inside the Tower Hamlets central defenders for Kwaku Owusu-Ansah
to show great strength and speed to get to the ball before the back line could
turn and then had the composure to place the ball beyond the keeper’s reach.
Having battled hard to get in front,
Bermondsey continued to take the game to Tower Hamlets. Terry Jerome (Redriff)
was a constant threat down the right flank, and Momoh Deen-Conteh’s mazy runs
down the left side were well supported by Lewis Wheeler (Alfred Salter) at left
back and Kayode Adenusi and Kwaku Owusu-Ansah’s excellent hold up play and
intelligent movement off the ball always gave the midfield an outlet.
However, with only a single goal
advantage, Bermondsey were always in danger of being caught on the counter
attack, and it took some superbly timed tackles from Kane Lincoln (Redriff)
when he was the last defender to avert the danger. On the one occasion the
Tower Hamlets’ forward managed to skip through, goal keeper Conner Rowson was
quickly off his line to force the forward too wide of the goal to convert. With
Frazer Norman (Southwark Park) adjusting magnificently to his centre back role,
winning the loose ball with increasing regularity and passing sensibly to
ensure possession was retained rather than just hacking the ball clear and
Conner Rowson showing very safe handling of the long range attempts Tower
Hamlets were restricted too, Bermondsey looked more than capable of holding out
even without the cushion of a two goal lead that was provided when they gained
a free kick on the edge of area. Montel Agyemang (
Once again Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe had showed themselves to be a force to be reckoned with going
forward with the ball and as with the victory before the Christmas break
against Camden showed they have the right mental attitude to tackle wintry
conditions, all of which will be needed for next week’s decisive Kay Trophy
fixture at home to Islington.
Team: Chima Egege (Grange), Conner Rowson (Redriff), Frazer
Norman (Southwark Park), Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter), Kane Lincoln (Redriff),
Kayode Adenusi (St Johns), Kwaku Owusu-Ansah (Redriff), Lewis Wheeler (Alfred
Salter), Momoh Deen-Conteh (St James), Montel Agyemang (St Johns), Terry Jerome
(Redriff)
Camden Primary Schools 2
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 4
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association District Team produced a stirring performance at a
muddy Regents Park, to power to victory against Camden in the second round of
Kay Trophy group matches and therefore keep alive their hopes of a fourth
consecutive semi final appearance in the Inner London County Football
Association’s competition.
Playing for the first time in three
weeks due to postponements could have found the side rusty and disjointed but
instead the inactivity meant the team were eager to play and this was quickly
evident as Bermondsey were soon into their stride, showing the desire needed
compete for the ball on a heavy surface yet also producing some neat passing
football which made light of the conditions. Within ten minutes Bermondsey had
created three good opportunities to open the scoring with Kwaku Owusu- Ansah
(Redriff) firing into the side netting after outpacing the Camden defence,
Frazer Norman (Southwark Park) being denied by the keeper after latching onto a
loose ball following a penalty box scramble and Kayode Adenusi (St John’s) also
shooting into the keeper’s grateful hands when bustling through the Camden back
four. Following such a dominant start It was a surprise therefore that it was
Camden who were to score the first goal, when clever movement from a throw in
created a shooting opportunity which despite two excellent block saves from
Conner Rowson (Redriff), the Camden forwards were able to convert at the third
attempt. It took another excellent piece of goalkeeping to deny
With the wind picking up and now
behind Bermondsey, Camden started the second period pegged back into their own
half of the pitch, but despite the constant pressure, with Bermondsey forcing
three successive corners and a number of free kicks just outside the box, the
Camden rear guard held strong. Bermondsey were not however, to make the same
mistake as in the first half and let their hosts off the hook and from a long
throw from Montel Agyemang (St John’s) Frazer Norman and Freddie Amor (Alfred
Salter) were able to feed the ball to Terry Jerome (Redriff) on the right hand
side of the area who slammed the ball into the roof of the net leaving the
goalkeeper with little chance. The lead was no more than Bermondsey deserved
and they tightened their grip on the game when Terry Jerome added his second
when a well flighted free kick from Montel Agyemang found him in similar
shooting position as his first goal and he again made no mistake powerfully
driving the ball beyond the keeper’s reach.
However with a two goal cushion
Bermondsey relaxed and allowed
The win means that Bermondsey will go
into their final group fixture against Islington in the New Year knowing a
victory will seal their place in the semi final.
Team: Chima Egege (Grange), Conner Rowson (Redriff), Frazer
Norman (Southwark Park), Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter), Jamel Jakiemi-Tavernier
(Snowsfields), Junior Eghobamien (Grange), Kane Lincoln (Redriff), Kayode
Adenusi (St Johns), Kwaku Owusu-Ansah (Redriff), Lewis Wheeler (Alfred Salter),
Momoh Deen-Conteh (St James), Montel Agyemang (St Johns), Noel Onuoha (St
Joseph’s Gomm Road), Terry Jerome (Redriff)
Waltham Forest Primary
Schools 3 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 0
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association District Team travelled to Walthamstow to meet
Waltham Forest Primary Schools at a cold and grey Peter May Sports Ground and
despite an encouraging and spirited second half performance came away on the
wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline.
The damage was done in the first
period, when hosts Waltham Forest were quicker to the loose ball and stronger
in the tackle, which allowed them time and space to play their attractive
passing football with some style. Bermondsey found themselves a goal down after
ten minutes when a half clearance was picked up by the Forest midfield and a
neat side pass created a shooting opportunity from twenty yards which flew into
the corner of the net. The goal woke Bermondsey up and they almost snatched a
quick equaliser when Junior Eghobamien (Grange) broke free from right midfield
and shrugging off the final tackle fired his shot narrowly wide of the post
into the side netting.
However the second half was to see a
much improved effort from the red and whites. Reverting to a four, four, two
formation, Bermondsey played with greater determination and eagerness to be
first to the ball. Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter) and Terry Jerome (Redriff) led
they way with a battling display and the two pronged attack of Kayode Adenusi
(St John’s) and Kwaku Owusu-Ansah (Redriff) held the ball up well and used the
supporting midfielders intelligently as Bermondsey swept forward and penned
their hosts back into their own half for most of the second period. However,
despite their dominance and one touch passing, Bermondsey couldn’t quite find
the back of the net. Freddie Amor went closest when his well executed free kick
cleared the wall but agonisingly went inches past the post with the keeper
beaten. Kayode Adenusi saw his powerful shot well held by the goalkeeper and
Montel Agyemang’s long range effort, having superbly stepped out of the back
four, was gathered by the keeper at the second attempt with Kayode Adenusi set
to pounce as Bermondsey kept up the attacking momentum. Full backs Kane Lincoln
(Alfred Salter) and Frazer Norman (
At the final whistle Bermondsey were
left to reflect on what might have been, had their first half performance
matched the terrific display they gave in the second period.
Next week sees no fixture for District
team as a result of secondary school tests unfortunately being arranged on
Saturday mornings although three of the side will see action as Redriff Primary
School take part as Bermondsey & Rotherhithe’s representatives in the Inner
London Davies Cup, having secured their place by winning the Association’s Sid
Harker Cup last Tuesday.
Team: Chima Egege (Grange), Connor Rowson (Redriff), Frazer
Norman (Southwark Park), Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter), Junior Eghobamien
(Grange), Kane Lincoln (Redriff), Kayode Adenusi (St Johns), Kwaku Owusu-Ansah
(Redriff), Lewis Wheeler (Alfred Salter), Momoh Deen-Conteh (St James), Montel
Agyemang (St Johns), Noel Onuoha (St Joseph’s Gomm Road), Terry Jerome
(Redriff)
Saturday 17th
November
ESFA 7 A-Side Tournament
(
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association District Team met up with the District Teams from
all the other Associations across Inner London to compete in the county round
of the English Schools FA 7-A-Side competition at the Marathon Sports Ground in
Charlton. Drawn in a tough five team group Bermondsey knew they would face a
stern test to advance to the knockout stage of the tournament from which the
winners progress to represent Inner London in the South East of England
regional event.
In their first group match Bermondsey
took on Islington and as is often the case in opening matches it was a cagey
affair with neither side making a clear cut scoring opportunity though the
powerful front running of the Islington forwards meant that Bermondsey were
always the busier of the two defences. The game ended goalless which meant
Bermondsey knew they would need to carve out a victory in their next game to keep
up the pace with sides at the top of the group. The first half with Woolwich in
that next game was a lacklustre affair but a half time reshuffle saw Bermondsey
up the tempo with Junior Eghobamien (Grange) inspiring his team mates into life
with his all action display. He was rewarded with the opening goal of the
competition when he powered past three defenders and deftly poked the ball into
the net with the outside of his right boot as the keeper closed him down.
Within a minute Bermondsey had doubled their lead when Freddie Amor (Alfred
Salter) nipped in behind the defence to chip the keeper and Terry Jerome
(Redriff) followed up to ensure the ball crossed the line before any defender
was able to clear. The game was made safe when another strong run into the box
by Junior Eghobamien saw him upended and Freddie Amor smashed home the
resulting penalty kick.
Tower Hamlets were the next opponents
and Bermondsey set off as they had finished the previous game. Freddie Amor
broke from his own half and with defender dropping off to cover the sensible
runs of Terry Jerome and Junior Eghobamien in front of him, space opened for
him to shoot at goal from fully twenty yards and his rasping drive into the
corner of the net gave the keeper little chance. However before the break
Bermondsey were pegged back when Tower Hamlets were awarded a penalty which
they duly dispatched. Results on the other pitches meant that victory would see
qualification from the group and for much of the second half it looked only a
matter of time before Bermondsey would force the winning goal, but disaster
struck as Tower Hamlets broke quickly from yet another Bermondsey attack and a
calm finish gave them lead instead. There was time for Bermondsey to rally
again and pushing players forward they penned Tower Hamlets into their own
penalty area when a clash of players saw the referee point again to the penalty
spot. It was Freddie Amor who showed the mental strength to step up for the
task and again rifled home the spot kick without a worry, with what was
virtually the last kick of the match.
The draw meant that Bermondsey would
need to avoid defeat against run away group leaders Lewisham in their final
group game to make the semi finals, but this task was made harder when
Lewisham’s pacy strikers broke clear to score an early opener. Conner Rowson
(Redriff) produced a great blocking save to deny Lewisham a similar second goal
that would surely have knocked Bermondsey out of the tournament, but the longer
the game went on with Lewisham only one goal in front, the more belief spread
in the Bermondsey team that they could still force the draw they needed.
Chances were few and far between and time appeared to be about to beat
Bermondsey when with just seconds left on the clock Kayode Adenusi (
The semi final pitted Bermondsey
against Hackney, in an entertaining open match. Both sides passed the ball with
great pace and accuracy despite tired limbs. However well worked breaks from
Hackney and some expert finishing saw them notch a goal either side of half
time and meant that Bermondsey bowed out at the semi final stage.
The side can however be extremely
proud of their performance throughout the tournament – as the smallest
Association in the Inner London county, to reach the semi finals, having held
the eventual worthy winners Lewisham to a draw represents a tremendous
achievement and bodes well for remainder of the season, when the team will meet
all of today’s opponents again in either in the Inner London Kay Trophy or the
Lester Finch Trophy. Next Saturday sees the side revert to their more usual 11
a side game with a friendly fixture away to
Team:
Conner Rowson
(Redriff), Frazer Norman (Southwark Park), Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter), Junior
Eghobamien (Grange), Kane Lincoln (Redriff), Kayode Adenusi (St Johns), Lewis
Wheeler (Alfred Salter), Montel Agyemang (St Johns), Terry Jerome (Redriff),
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe PSFA 1
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association District Team faced neighbours South London in
their opening Kay Trophy competition fixture of the season and ended up
narrowly being beaten in an enthralling and entertaining match at Dulwich Park.
From the outset both sides looked to develop their passing games and it was
quickly evident that there would be plenty of attractive football played.
However, kicking up the hill and against the breeze Bermondsey soon found
themselves under pressure and keeper Conner Rowson (Redriff) was tested with a
number of long range shots for which his confident handling was up to the task.
Midway through the half Bermondsey were given an opportunity to open the
scoring when Chima Egege’s (Grange) overlapping run into the penalty area saw
him upended, but the South London goalkeeper choose to correctly dive to his
left to block the resulting penalty kick.
Within minutes Bermondsey found themselves a goal down, when the
A half time reshuffle saw Bermondsey
emerge a renewed team after the break. Frazer Norman (
At this point
the match was very much in the balance – debutant Bradley Rice (Riverside) kept
Bermondsey from sitting back, showing great strength and good distribution from
centre back and Momoh Deen-Conteh (St James’) caused problems with his pace
down the left flank. It was clear that the next goal would be vital and alas
from Bermondsey’s point of view, it came from the visitors when their centre
forward was able to outpace the back four and despite a terrific smothering
block from Connor Rowson, he stayed calm to collect the rebound and tuck the
ball away, past the covering defenders.
Bermondsey
pushed forward in search of a late equaliser but found an organised South
London defence able to repel their late flurry, although it took a goal line
header to clear an excellent in-swinging corner from Freddie Amor in the
closing moments. Despite the disappointment etched on the teams faces as the
final whistle went, they can take comfort from the spirited performance they
gave in the second half, which was reflected by the applause they received from
both sets of supporters as they left the pitch.
The defeat
means Bermondsey will need at least a win and a draw from their remaining two
group fixtures with
Team: Bradley
Rice (Riverside), Chima
Egege (Grange), Connor Rowson (Redriff), Frazer Norman (Southwark Park),
Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter), Jamel Jakiemi-Tavernier (Snowsfields), Junior
Eghobamien (Grange), Kane Lincoln (Redriff), Kayode Adenusi (St Johns), Kwaku
Owusu-Ansah (Redriff), Lewis Wheeler (Alfred Salter), Momoh Deen-Conteh (St
James), Montel Agyemang (St Johns), Noel Onuoha (St Joseph’s Gomm Road), Ross
Viles (Alma), Terry Jerome (Redriff),
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe PSFA 1
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association District Team battled to a narrow victory in a
tight match with neighbours Woolwich on Saturday. In near perfect playing conditions
at Dulwich Park, Bermondsey were quickly on the attack with Kayode
Adenusi’s (St John’s) powerful front
running and Chima Egege’s (Grange) battling midfield play causing problems for
the Woolwich defence. However, despite gaining a lot of possession in the
opposition half, Bermondsey were unable to create many clear cut chances with
the final ball not quite being released early enough. At the back strong
performances from Kane Lincoln (Redriff) and Montel Agyemang (
Shortly before the break Bermondsey
thought they had finally broken the deadlock when Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter)
swept home Kayode Adenusi’s pinpoint cross but found the Woolwich back four had
pushed forward to leave him in an offside position and the same player then saw
his effort cleared off the line after he had rounded the keeper and shot for
goal from a tight angle. The half ended with Kayode Adenusi hitting the outside
of the post and Bermondsey went into the break goalless despite feeling they
could already have been three goals up.
The second period followed a similar
pattern with Bermondsey sharing the greater of possession but unable to find
the back of net. Frazer Norman (
Next week the team are at home again
in another local derby when South London will be the visitors to Dulwich Park in
the seasons opening Kay Trophy fixture, with Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
looking to go one better than in the previous three seasons when they have
reached the semi finals.
Team: Chima Egege (Grange), Frazer Norman (Southwark Park),
Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter), Jamel Jakiemi-Tavernier (Snowsfields), Junior
Eghobamien (Grange), Kane Lincoln (Redriff), Kayode Adenusi (St Johns), Lewis
Wheeler (Alfred Salter), Momoh Deen-Conteh (St James), Montel Agyemang (St
Johns), Noel Onuoha (St Joseph’s Gomm Road), Ross Viles (Alma), Terry Jerome
(Redriff),
Barking & Dagenham
Primary Schools 6 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 2
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association District Team travelled down the A13 on Saturday
to meet Barking & Dagenham Primary Schools in the last fixture for this
half term. Barking & Dagenham are traditionally a strong association with a
large number of football playing primary schools from which to select their
players, which in past seasons have included two schoolboys destined to captain
their country, namely John Terry and Bobby Moore. It was no surprise therefore
for the hosts to emerge comfortable victors from this encounter in which they
dominated possession for large periods of the game.
Despite Barking & Dagenham making
all the early running it was Bermondsey & Rotherhithe who opened the
scoring, has they have in each game this season, when Momoh Deen-Conteh (St
James) showed a quick turn pace down the left flank and the ball eventually
broke for Kayode Adenusi (St Johns) to turn neatly and fire home from ten yards
out. Clearly up against a well organised midfield the early goal at least gave
Bermondsey something to hold onto and some dogged defending and confident
handling from keeper Connor Rowson kept Barking at bay until midway through the
half when a ball over the top caught Bermondsey square and allowed an
equaliser. The home team then took control of the game with Bermondsey unable
to keep possession for any length of time to produce the flowing football that
had seen them rattle in the goals in their previous two matches. Shortly before
the break Bermondsey fell behind when the Barking centre forward was allowed
space and time in the area following a well flighted centre to pick a spot in
the left hand corner of the goal.
Despite being under pressure for most
of the first half, Bermondsey & Rotherhithe hoped that a renewed effort in
the second period could force an equaliser to keep them in the game. However
hopes were quickly dashed when Barking scored three quick goals from long range
efforts as Bermondsey paid the price for a ten minute spell of taking their
foot off the gas and not closing down the players on the ball. With twenty minutes still to go, Bermondsey
could have caved in, but an inspirational performance from Lewis Wheeler
(Alfred Salter) spurred Bermondsey on and although a sixth goal was conceded,
Kwaku Owusu-Ansah (Redriff) was able to latch onto Montel Agyemang’s (St Johns)
long throw to shake off his marker and round the keeper to add a second as
Bermondsey ended the last ten minutes with their best spell of football in the
match.
The team have a week off next Saturday
and return to action on November 3rd with a fixture against near neighbours
Woolwich.
Team: Chima Egege (Grange), Connor Rowson (Redriff), Frazer
Norman (Southwark Park), Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter), Jamel Jakiemi-Tavernier
(Snowsfields), Junior Eghobamien (Grange), Kane Lincoln (Redriff), Kayode
Adenusi (St Johns), Kwaku Owusu-Ansah (Redriff), Lewis Wheeler (Alfred Salter),
Momoh Deen-Conteh (St James), Montel Agyemang (St Johns), Noel Onuoha (St
Joseph’s Gomm Road), Ross Viles (Alma), Terry Jerome (Redriff), Travis Ogunnami
(Charles Dickens)
Bexley Primary Schools 4
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 4
The old saying of football being a
game of two halves was certainly the case for Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
Primary Schools Football Association District Team on Saturday, when they
travelled to Bexley for their third friendly fixture of the season.
Kicking down the considerable slope in
the first half, Bermondsey were soon into their stride and made all the early
running. The pressure paid off after ten minutes when a well struck corner from
Terry Jerome (Redriff) caused panic in the Bexley defence and Kwaku
Owusu-Ansah’s (Redriff) powerful drive was neatly tucked home by Chima Egege
(Grange). Bermondsey quickly doubled their lead when Momoh Deen-Conteh’s (St
James) perseverance to win the ball in and around the Bexley penalty area
eventually paid dividends and robbing the centre back of possession he was able
to thread a ball through for Kwaku Owusu-Ansah to slot home. The two goal
cushion allowed Bermondsey the freedom to push the ball around and produce some
delightful sweeping passes as the midfield made full advantage of the space and
time they were getting on the ball. Debutant Frazer Norman looked assured in a
central midfield role and was part of the six player passing move that started
with Montel Agyemang (St John’s) intercepting a Bexley attack and went from
left wing to right wing before Terry Jerome slammed home Kayode Adenusi’s (St
Johns) lay off. Chima Egege added his
second and Bermondsey’s fourth, cutting in from the right to firmly drive the
ball into the net. Shortly before the break, Kwaku Owusu-Ansah could have also
grabbed his second, when his clever chip beat the keeper but the ball dropped
just inches wide of the post.
The four goal half time lead was a
result of a fine attacking performance, but experience of playing district
games at this ground before had meant team managers Bob James and Jim Maycock
were able to point out in their half time talk that Bexley had chosen to play
up the hill and would certainly be capable of taking the game to Bermondsey in
the second half. Those words were to prove all too true as Bexley quickly
released their pacy forwards by playing balls behind the Bermondsey back four
and within ten minutes had pulled two goals back.
However, to their credit the
Bermondsey players, rather than panicking, adapted their game, with Freddie
Amor (Alfred Salter) playing as a lone striker, holding the ball up
intelligently and bringing the hardworking Terry Jerome and other attacking
midfielders into play. Time and again this ploy almost released a Bermondsey
player for a one on one with the keeper but the clear cut chance never quite
emerged due to vital blocks and fractional off sides. Despite the fifth goal
not coming, it looked as though Bermondsey were doing enough in attack to see
the game out, but Bexley were given a lifeline when they picked up on a loose
ball in midfield and broke quickly and decisively with eight minutes left on the
clock to pull back to 4-3. This allowed them to lay siege to the Bermondsey
goal for the remainder of the game and though the defence coped admirably with
a succession of corners, legs started to look tired and it was no real surprise
when Bexley completed their comeback with the last attack the game when a high
ball over the top allowed their forward to bustle through and slip the ball
into the net.
So a game of two halves it certainly
was. Bermondsey & Rotherhithe will know that there are lessons to learn
regarding defending as team and seeing a game out from their second half
display, but can also take a lot of satisfaction for the flowing passing and
excellent movement that they produced in the first period. As an attacking
force they will certainly cause some problems for other district teams this
year as the season moves towards the
competition matches.
Team: Charles Kamara (St Joseph’s Gomm Road), Chima Egege
(Grange), Frazer Norman (Southwark Park), Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter), Junior
Eghobamien (Grange), Kayode Adenusi (St Johns), Kwaku Owusu-Ansah (Redriff),
Lewis Wheeler (Alfred Salter), Momoh Deen-Conteh (St James), Montel Agyemang
(St Johns), Noel Onuoha (St Joseph’s Gomm Road), Ross Viles (Alma), Terry
Jerome (Redriff),
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe PSFA 3
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association District Team notched their first win of the
season with an exciting 3-2 victory against Wandsworth at
Playing up the slope in the first half
Bermondsey were soon into their flow and Junior Eghobamien (Grange) caused
Wandsworth a few early scares with his powerful running up front, but the
Wandsworth defence were able to find a tackle when necessary to stop the
Bermondsey forwards getting a clear sight of goal. Having withstood the early
pressure Wandsworth started to take the game to their hosts and forced a number
of corners which were largely met and cleared by skipper Montel Agyemang (
With debutant keeper Conner Rowson
(Redriff) looking calm and showing safe hands when dealing with the high balls
into the area, it seemed as if Bermondsey would take this lead into the half
time break, but with just seconds of the half remaining Wandsworth fired a goal
kick back into the area where one of their forwards bravely got between the
keeper and chasing defenders to poke the ball home.
With an eighteen player squad for the
game Bermondsey were able to make numerous changes at the break and the new
look side quickly set off on the attack with a fluent passing move straight
from the kick off almost setting up Kayode Adenusi (St John’s) to score with
his first touch. However Kayode only had to wait a few minutes longer to record
his name on the score sheet as he smashed home a cross following a lightening
run down the right flank from Kwaku Owusu-Ansah (Redriff) who provided an inch
perfect cross for the goal hungry forward.
Rather than provide Bermondsey with
breathing space the goal served to fire up the visitors and it took a
magnificent save by Ross Viles (
At this stage a draw would have looked
a good result for Bermondsey as Wandsworth created numerous chances but were
unable to apply the finish and they were heavily punished for this when Kayode
Adenusi again popped up in the box to slam home Bermondsey & Rotherhithe’s winner with ten minutes remaining.
Wandsworth pushed hard to find an
equaliser but Bermondsey hung on to record a spirited victory and with the
squad starting to take shape they will go into next week’s fixture with Bexley
full of confidence.
Team: Callum O’Connell (St Josephs Dockhead), Charles Kamara
(St Joseph’s Gomm Road), Chima Egege (Grange), Conner Rowson (Redriff), Freddie
Amor (Alfred Salter), Jamel Jakiemi-Tavernier (Snowsfields), Junior Eghobamien
(Grange), Kane Lincoln (Alfred Salter), Kayode Adenusi (St Johns), Kwaku
Owusu-Ansah (Redriff), Lewis Wheeler (Alfred Salter), Momoh Deen-Conteh (St
James), Montel Agyemang (St Johns), Noel Onuoha (St Joseph’s Gomm Road), Reece
Green (Alfred Salter), Ross Viles (Alma), Terry Jerome (Redriff), Travis
Ogunnami (Charles Dickens)
West Essex Primary
Schools 4 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 1
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association District Team kicked off their season with a trip
up the M11 to play West Essex Primary Schools on Saturday. With many of the
team having their first taste of eleven a side football, Bermondsey knew that
they would face a difficult task against their more experienced opponents but
for well over half the game were more than a match for West Essex.
The early exchanges saw West Essex
dominate and it took some solid defending from Bermondsey to hold their
opposing forwards at bay, Centre back Montel Agyemang (St Johns), in
particular, showed an ability to adapt to this level of football with some well
timed tackles and effective distribution of the ball. As the half progressed Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe became more confident and several powerful runs from Momoh Deen-Conteh
(St James) caused problems for the
However this passage of play was to be
a good as got for Bermondsey, with
Whilst temporarily rattled, Bermondsey
again sought to get a foothold in the game and Junior Eghobamien (Grange)
almost pulled them back on level terms with a mazy run from inside his own
half, beating three
Bermondsey continued to press for an
equaliser, Freddie Amor (Alfred Salter) and Lewis Wheeler both went close with
long range shots, but as they pressed forward gaps were left at the back
allowing West Essex to kill the game off with two late goals.
Despite the defeat team managers Bob
James and Jim Maycock were both optimistic about the performance. Considering
it was the first time the side has played together as a team there was some
pleasing football played against what looked a strong West Essex outfit and the
District team can go into next week’s home game against Wandsworth at Dulwich
Park in good heart.
Team: Callum O’Connell (St Josephs Dockhead), Freddie Amor
(Alfred Salter), Jamel Jakiemi-Tavernier (Snowsfields), Junior Eghobamien
(Grange), Kane Lincoln (Alfred Salter), Kayode Adenusi (St Johns), Kieran
McDonagh (St Josephs Dockhead), Lewis Wheeler (Alfred Salter), Momoh
Deen-Conteh (St James), Montel Agyemang (St Johns), Noel Onuoha (St Joseph’s
Gomm Road), Reece Green (Alfred Salter), Ross Viles (Alma)
Playing Squad
|
Name |
School |
|
Jay
Luttman |
Grange |
|
Archie
Tolley |
|
|
Charlie
Davies |
|
|
Connor |
|
|
John
Ogunrinde |
Redriff |
|
Charlie
Simpson |
Redriff |
|
Paul
Lusuku |
Redriff |
|
Luke Jeffrey |
Redriff |
|
Femi
Akinwande |
|
|
Isaac
Walters |
|
|
Jack
Barry |
|
|
Augustine
Onaseko |
|
|
Daniel
Cachon |
|
|
Also Played |
|
|
|
Charles
Dickens |
|
Jacob
Thomas |
|
|
Bill
Borthwick |
|
|
Luis
Silva |
Charles
Dickens |
|
Rohan
Trotman |
Alfred
Salter |
|
Tyrell
Glen |
Alfred
Salter |
|
Billy
Platt |
Redriff |
Fixtures &
Results
Click on
opponents for reports
|
COMPETITION |
|
OPPONENTS |
SCORE |
|
Friendly |
A |
1-2 |
|
|
Friendly |
H |
0-7 |
|
|
Friendly |
A |
1-5 |
|
|
Friendly |
A |
3-3 |
|
|
Friendly |
H |
3-2 |
|
|
Kay Trophy |
A |
0-1 |
|
|
Friendly |
H |
0-4 |
|
|
Kay Trophy |
H |
4-1 |
|
|
Friendly |
A |
3-2 |
|
|
Finch Trophy |
H |
2-6 |
|
|
Friendly |
A |
1-2 |
|
|
Kay Trophy |
H |
4-2 |
|
|
Finch Trophy |
A |
3-4 |
|
|
Kay Trophy |
A |
2-4 |
|
|
Finch Trophy |
A |
2-2 |
|
|
Finch Trophy |
H |
1-1 |
Lester Finch Trophy
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 1
The Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe PSFA District concluded their season with a worthy draw in
their Lester Finch Trophy group match with Wandsworth thanks to a last gasp
penalty. Whilst Bermondsey could not
progress in this competition our visitors, fresh from winning the Southern
Counties Cup against
The second
half saw yet more improvement from Bermondsey & Rotherhithe as the midfield
started to pass the ball effectively and Isaac Walters in particular battled
hard to regain possession when it was lost.
With the
visitors needing goals the Bermondsey defence still had its fair share of work
to be done, but John Ogunrinde again put in a flawless captain’s performance
and calmly dealt with raid after raid from the Wandsworth forwards, linking
well with Jack Barry to ensure the ball was recycled rather than just booted away.
With time
running out Bermondsey’s tireless midfield work paid off when Isaac Walters and
Charlie Simpson combined to free Femi Akinwande down the left channel and his
powerful run took him into to the box where he looked certain to tuck the ball
home before he was impeded. With the heartbreak of a last minute penalty miss
fresh in the Bermondsey players’ minds, not helped by the penalty spot
resembling a sandpit, it was Femi himself who showed the bravery and composure
to step up and ensure the points were shared as his shot squirmed past the
valiant dive of the Wandsworth keeper.
Once again the
team deserve a lot of praise for not letting their heads drop and staging a
terrific comeback thus ending the District team’s season on a positive note.
TEAM: Connor,
John, Charlie S, Augustine, Daniel, Luke, Jay, Isaac, Jack, Billy, Femi, Paul
Lester Finch Trophy
South London Primary Schools 2 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 2
Another spirited
performance, against the odds, saw the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA
District team pick up their first Lester Finch points of the season in an
entertaining draw against neighbours
Bermondsey
started the second period where they had left off and were quickly on the front
foot but the ball wouldn’t quite fall kindly enough when shooting chances were
created. With the back four coping
admirably with South London’s counter attacks Bermondsey threw players forwards
looking for an equaliser but were dealt a huge setback when Isaac Walters
received an accidental kick in the face and had to leave the field. Now down to
nine players Bermondsey knew that they would be up against it but as in their
last match they showed exceptional commitment and determination to not be
overcome by the setback. Daniel Cachon and Charlie Simpson worked magnificently
in the centre of midfield to contest and win almost every ball and Luke
Jeffrey’s non stop running was rewarded when he broke free down the left and
chipped into the far corner to equalise. Still Bermondsey were not satisfied
and went in search of a winner spurred on by the brave return of Isaac Walters
following treatment to his injury. With
just seconds remaining on the clock Luke Jeffrey was sent clear and felled as
he rounded the keeper. Although Bermondsey failed to put away the resulting
penalty, for nine players to come back and force a draw from two goals down had
felt like a victory for the side anyhow. For the second match running the team
can be incredibly proud of their performance.
TEAM: Connor,
John, Charlie S, Augustine, Daniel, Luke, Jay, Isaac, Jack, Billy
Kay Trophy Semi Final
Wandsworth Primary Schools 4 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe 2
The semi final
jinx struck yet again for the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe District team, as
for the third year running they were eliminated from the Inner London County
Schools Football Association Kay Trophy one match short of the final in the
most unfortunate of circumstances. Overnight illness decimated the Bermondsey
squad and coupled with traffic problems on route to the game Bermondsey found
themselves having to start the match with just nine players. However, those
nine fought valiantly and for ten minutes held their hosts at bay through
dogged enthusiasm and effort. Amazingly, Femi Akinwande, playing as a lone
striker, was still able to cause some alarm in the Wandsworth defence with his
pace, although once Bermondsey fell behind to a well converted penalty, when a
Wandsworth shot was adjudged to have been charged down with an arm, Wandsworth
took a firm grip on the game. Two more goals were quickly added and even the
arrival of the tenth player could not stop Bermondsey falling further behind
shortly before the break.
With a 4-0
score line against them, and sapped of energy after competing for so long with
just nine players, no one could have expected the incredible transformation the
team showed in the second half. However, with just five minutes of the second
period underway, Femi Akinwande twisted and turned on the edge of the box to
create a shooting opportunity and drilled the ball neatly inside the
goalkeeper’s near post to serve notice of what was to come. Suddenly, tired
limbs moved more freely and heads were up. With John Ogunrinde and Augustine Onaseko
driving the team forward from the back with intelligent distribution of the
ball and the midfield working tirelessly Bermondsey started to carve out
chances and force Wandsworth onto the back foot. A quickly worked free kick
allowed Femi Akinwande to add a second with a trademark long distance effort
and an unbelievable comeback looked on the cards. At this stage of the match it
was difficult to notice that Bermondsey were a player short and the ten men
continued to press forward. Paul Lusuku’s forceful running saw him squeeze a
shot just the wrong side of the post and Femi Akinwande went close again with a
shot into the side netting from a tight angle following a corner. Bermondsey rode their luck at the other end
as well, with Connor
The final
whistle followed soon afterwards and although the match had been lost 4-2 the
Bermondsey players were warmly applauded by both sets of supporters for their
superb comeback in the face of adversity. The cup dream may be over, but the
ten players who represented Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA with distinction
today can be justifiably proud of their efforts in what was certainly the
performance of the season.
TEAM: Connor, John, Charlie S, Augustine,
Daniel, Luke, Paul, Femi, Isaac, Jack
Lester Finch Trophy
Woolwich Primary Schools 4 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 3
Two minutes of
poor concentration just after half time cost Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
dearly on Saturday in a Lester Finch Trophy match against Woolwich. Having lost
the toss and been given the advantage of both the slope and strong wind
Bermondsey failed to build themselves enough of a lead to protect in the second
half. The match had started brightly and it was no surprise when Bermondsey
went ahead after a corner was only cleared as far as Jay Luttman who struck the
ball from fully 25 yards out over the keeper and into the net. However for the
rest of the half the Bermondsey midfield failed to find the killer touch and
despite the bulk of the play being in the home side’s half clear, cut scoring
chances were few and far between with Bermondsey failing to commit enough
players into the box to get on the end of a succession of teasing crosses supplied by Femi Akinwande. As the half ended Woolwich had managed not
only to weather the storm but take the game back to the visitors and give
warning of their intentions for a second half onslaught.
Despite the
warning Bermondsey failed to find their feet at the start of the second half
and lost concentration to such an extent that not only did Woolwich quickly
work an equaliser after Bermondsey failed to clear a corner but seconds later
took the lead in similar circumstances. This setback finally woke Bermondsey
from their half time slumber and a magnificent solo effort from Femi Akinwande
who danced past at least six Woolwich defenders before poking the ball under
the goalkeeper to level the scores. Chances came and went at both ends during a
period of scrappy play with neither side really mastering the windy conditions
although Woolwich always looked the more likely to retake the lead after
forcing a number of corners though when the goal came it was from a fine long
range shot. Again this spurred Bermondsey on and into their best period of play
in the second half with substitute Paul Lusuku again showing his worth from the
bench, timing his run perfectly into the penalty area to latch on to a through
pass and tuck away the equaliser.
With the wind
gusting more strongly Woolwich were able to push forward in search of winner
and with four minutes remaining Bermondsey were unable to deal with a high ball
swirling in their penalty area and in the resulting melee the ball was steered
into their own net, Bermondsey & Rotherhithe know they will need to
concentrate for the full fifty minutes next week when they take on a strong
Wandsworth team in the Kay Trophy semi final.
TEAM: Connor, John, Jay, Charlie S, Charlie D. Archie, Daniel, Luke, Paul,
Femi, Isaac, Jack,
Kay Trophy
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 4
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe secured a semi final spot in the Kay Trophy for the third
consecutive season with a disciplined performance against near neighbours
The second
half saw Bermondsey & Rotherhithe quickly out the blocks and when Isaac
Walters was tripped in the penalty area following a powerful run, Luke Jeffrey
coolly dispatched the resulting penalty kick to put the team 3-1 up. Substitute
Paul Lusuku then made an immediate impact when arriving late in the box to head
home a precision cross from Femi Akinwande to put Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
firmly in control.
However South
London fought back strongly and it took strong defending from Augustine Onaseko
to ensure only one further goal was added by the visitors in a late flurry.
Bermondsey and
Rotherhithe will now travel to face a strong Wandsworth side in the semi final,
hoping to go a stage further than their last two semi finals appearances in
this competition when they lost out to
TEAM: Connor, John, Jay, Charlie S, Archie, Daniel, Luke, Paul, Femi, Isaac,
Jack, Augustine
West Essex Primary Schools 2 Bermondsey and Rotherhithe PSFA 1
Despite a
stirring comeback the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe District team just failed to
share the spoils in a friendly fixture against
A hard fought
first half saw Bermondsey & Rotherhithe adopt an attacking formation with
the three strikers Femi Akinwande, Isaac Walters and Archie Tolley
interchanging positions to good effect. However the ploy meant West Essex often
had a player spare in midfield and the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe back line
came under considerable pressure from West Essex’s forwards supported by their
strong running midfielders. Jack Barry in particular worked hard at right back
to blunt the
The second
half saw Bermondsey start to match their hosts in midfield with Augustine
Onaseko linking well from full back with Daniel Cachon down the left flank.
However, West Essex managed to apply a killer blow when Bermondsey appeared to
have cleared their lines well following a
This was the
signal for Bermondsey & Rotherhithe to launch their comeback. Almost
immediately Archie Tolley had an effort cleared off the line via the post and
when Luke Jeffrey was upended following a strong run into the box, Bermondsey
failed to capitalise on the resulting spot kick. They managed to make amends
minutes later when Femi Akinwande’s powerful run down the left wing saw him
centre to Archie Tolley who swept the ball into the roof of the net. Bermondsey
and Rotherhithe desperately went in search of a late equaliser with their hosts
tiring but had just failed to give themselves enough time.
TEAM: Connor, John, Charlie D, Charlie S, Archie, Daniel, Luke, Paul, Femi,
Isaac, Jack, Augustine
Lester Finch Trophy
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe PSFA 2 Bexley PSFA 6
The good results gained before and
after Christmas meant that Bermondsey & Rotherhithe went into their opening
Lester Finch Trophy group fixture with Bexley confident that they could reverse
the defeat suffered when the two teams met earlier in the season. Spirits were
further lifted by the unveiling of the new GRS sponsored red and white
quartered playing strip prior to the match.
However, the opening fifteen minutes
saw Bermondsey create a mountain for themselves to climb when two quick goals
were given away from positions that appeared to present little danger.
Bermondsey were struggling at this point to get a foothold in the game, but
determined play from Luke Jeffrey led to a free kick twenty yards out, that
Femi Akinwande despatched into the top corner of the net to give the team a
lifeline. The goal spurred Bermondsey on to produce their best passage of play
in the match and a quick interchange of passes saw Luke Jeffrey through one on
one with the Bexley keeper and his deft touch guided the ball into the net to
draw the sides level. Bermondsey almost
ended the half ahead when Luke again went through, only to be denied by a
magnificent last ditch sliding tackle.
The second half saw Bexley renew their
efforts and put the Bermondsey defence under severe pressure. The Bermondsey
back four held strong and appeared to have weathered the storm as the match
entered the last quarter. However, once again Bexley were gifted two quick
goals from unthreatening balls into the box. This time there was to be no way
back and as Bermondsey tried in vain to push forward, a late penalty and
breakaway goal gave the score line a slightly undeserved look.
The side will need to ensure that the
costly errors are removed for next Saturday’s vital final Kay Trophy group
match against near neighbours
TEAM: Connor, John, Charlie D, Charlie S, Archie, Daniel, Luke, Paul, Femi,
Isaac, Jack, Jay
Gravesham PSFA 2
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 3
Bermondsey and Rotherhithe resumed
their season after the Winter break with a battling victory at Gravesham. On a
heavy pitch Bermondsey made a bright start and quickly built a two goal lead
with Femi Akinwande supplying both strikes. Bermondsey’s pace upfront and
passing midfield play were proving the difference between the sides and it was
somewhat against the run of play when Gravesham pulled a goal back following a
long through ball. However a third goal
from Femi, to complete his second hat trick of the season, ensured Bermondsey
went into the break with their two goal cushion restored.
Playing up the slope in the second
half Bermondsey still managed to continually pressure the Gravesham goal, but
could not add to their tally. A late strike and subsequent flurry from
Gravesham ensured a nervy last five minutes, but some solid, composed
defending, with captain John Ogunrinde leading by example, allowed Bermondsey
and Rotherhithe to secure victory.
TEAM:
Connor, John, Charlie D, Charlie S, Archie, Daniel, Luke, Tyrell, Rohan, Femi,
Isaac, Jack, Jay
Kay Trophy
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe PSFA 4 Hackney PSFA 1
Bermondsey and Rotherhithe posted a
crucial Kay Trophy victory against Hackney on a barely playable pitch thanks
largely to a magnificent hat trick from Femi Akinwande. With the muddy
conditions making it very difficult for either side to play passing football it
took both teams a while to settle into a pattern of play. Half time came with
the match drawn at a goal a piece; Hackney’s opener being quickly cancelled out
by Archie Tolley. The second half saw Bermondsey make greater use of the
grassier wide areas of the pitch and the strong running from the wide midfield
players started to stretch the Hackney defence allowing Femi Akinwande shooting
opportunities which he took with power and precision to complete a second half
hat trick. Bermondsey & Rotherhithe will now face
TEAM:
Connor, John, Charlie D, Charlie S, Archie, Daniel, Luke, Paul, Augustine,
Femi, Isaac
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 0
Bermondsey and
Rotherhithe met the newly reformed Tower Hamlets side on a mud bath of a pitch
at
TEAM:
Connor, Jay, John, Charlie D, Charlie S, Archie, Daniel, Jack, Paul, Rohan
Saturday 18th November
Traditionally
this is a competition Bermondsey & Rotherhithe have performed well at over
the years, having won the competition twice and were runners up two years ago,
so hopes were high that previous successes could be repeated this year. A
goalless draw with Hackney in our opening group game was perhaps the best match
of the group with chances for both teams right up until the final minute. In
the second game Bermondsey and Rotherhithe were pegged back by Woolwich after
taking an early lead and then watched in amazement as a wonder goal from
Woolwich – hit on the volley from inside their own half sealed a 2-1
defeat. This left Bermondsey desperately
needing a win to secure qualification for the knockout stage and this appeared
to be within reach as Bermondsey led
An
entertaining morning of football ended with Wandsworth picking up the title and
the chance to represent Inner
TEAM:
Connor, Luke, John, Charlie D, Charlie S, Archie, Isaac, Femi, Daniel
Kay Trophy
Islington Primary Schools 1 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe 0
Bermondsey and
Rotherhithe began their competitive fixtures with an away group match at
Islington in the Inner
Half time came
with the match still goalless but with the slope and wind now in Bermondsey’s
favour it seemed only a matter of time before they opened their account. Again
chances came and went. Charlie Simpson, Jay Luttman and Paul Lusuku all went
close. Bermondsey thought they had finally found the elusive goal when a
goalmouth scramble arising from an Archie Tolley break and cross saw Femi
Akinwande (who had earlier hit post and bar) and Isaac Walters force the ball
goal wards only for it to bobble off the line and post to safety.
Seasoned
observers in the crowd could now see only one outcome to the match which had
seen Bermondsey create at least ten goal scoring chances and that outcome duly
arrived when with four minutes of time remaining Islington having weathered a
ferocious storm with great determination broke up field and scored to leave
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe’s stunned players aghast.
TEAM: Connor, Charlie D, Charlie S, John,
Jay, Luke, Paul, Isaac, Jack, Archie, Daniel, Femi
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 3 Woolwich PSFA 2
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe played host to Woolwich in this friendly match. Bermondsey made a
confident start, settling down well and playing some good football. The home
side looked very steady in defence with John Ogunrinde and Charlie Davies
giving assured performances. Following some good play down the right hand side,
Jordan Ibe fed the ball into Archie Tolley who slipped the ball into the net to
give the hosts a deserved lead. However, despite having further chances,
B&R could not add to their lead.
Woolwich came
out strongly in the second half and with some purposeful attacking play scored
an equaliser. From the restart, Bermondsey and Rotherhithe fought back
immediately with Luke Jeffrey popping up in the box to tap the ball home. This
set things up for an exciting finish as Woolwich pressed for a second
equaliser. Both sides created chances in
a period of attacking and entertaining play, and it was Woolwich who managed to
score. Bermondsey and Rotherhithe battled hard with Daniel Chacon tackling well
in midfield and with a draw looking likely it was Archie Tolley, with his
fourth goal in two games, who scored late on to give B&R their first
victory of the season.
This all-round
performance should give the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe team confidence in
their next match, which is their first competitive game of the season.
TEAM:
Connor, Charlie D, Charlie S, John, Jay, Luke, Paul,
Waltham Forest
Primary Schools 3 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 3
In the
sumptuous surroundings of Arsenal FC Academy grounds, Bermondsey and
Rotherhithe fought out an entertaining draw with
TEAM:
Connor, Jay, John, Charlie D, Bill, Luke, Charlie S, Paul, Archie, Femi, Jacob,
Isaac,
Bexley B PSFA 5
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 1
Playing
uphill and against the wind in the first half, we conceded three early goals
and a repeat of the performance the previous week looked on the cards. However,
a tactical switch with John Ogunrinde moving into the back line saw a
Bermondsey recovery and they hauled themselves back into the match with some
determined tackling. Unfortunately a fourth goal was conceded just before half
time. A four-goal deficit was always going to be difficult to make up, but a
spirited second half display almost brought some respectability to the score
line. Bermondsey & Rotherhithe created several chances but only had the one
goal, from Luke Jeffrey, to show for their endeavour and improved attitude.
There were several plus points from the match however. Most players worked much
harder than they had done the week before, and a couple played very well in new
and unaccustomed positions.
TEAM: Connor, Jack, Jay, Charlie D,
Charlie S, Luke, Paul, Jacob, Daniel, Archie, John, Bill, Femi
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe PSFA 0 Wandsworth 7
Sadly,
after a promising start against
Hopefully
the side will be able to learn lessons from the match and will provide a
sterner test for Wandsworth when the teams meet again later in the season.
TEAM: Connor,
Jack, Jay, Charlie D, Charlie S, Luis, Luke, Paul, Daniel, Archie, Isaac, John,
Bill
Camden Primary Schools 2 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 1
The new
schools’ football season got underway for the Bermondsey and Rotherhithe
District Team with a trip to Regent’s Park to play
In order to
utilise their squad, Bermondsey and Rotherhithe made several changes to the
line up but continued to play well, with Daniel Chacon and Charlie Simpson
working hard in midfield. However they found themselves on the back foot, when
a poor clearance was hit straight back into the goal to put them 2-1 behind.
The final
twenty minutes saw both sides go close to scoring by hitting the bar, and
Bermondsey and Rotherhithe forced a number of corners towards the end without
finding the equaliser. Some good defending by Charlie Davies and Augustine
Onaseko ensured that
TEAM:
Connor, Jack, Jay, Augustine, Charlie D, Charlie S, Luke, Paul, Daniel, Archie,
Isaac, John, Femi, Bill
Playing
Squad
|
Name |
School |
|
George
Pallett |
|
|
Frankie
Wells |
|
|
Conor
Crawley |
|
|
Ben
Gorham |
Alfred
Salter |
|
Barney
Williams |
|
|
Sam
Kirby |
|
|
Lious
Norbal |
Charles
Dickens |
|
Leigh
Houlihan |
|
|
Matthew
Heafield |
Redriff |
|
Sam
Bedingham-Pearce |
|
|
Adam
Serroukh |
Redriff |
|
George
Mellish |
|
|
Alfie
Roach |
Alfred
Salter |
|
|
|
|
Imran Sebatawa |
Charles
Dickens |
|
George Maidment |
Alfred Salter |
|
Also Played |
|
|
Tom Fant |
|
|
Dario
Irey |
Grange |
|
Temi
Dixon |
Redriff |
|
Oliver
Mamendy |
|
Fixtures &
Results
|
COMPETITION |
|
OPPONENTS |
SCORE |
|
Friendly |
H |
Wandsworth |
1-6 |
|
Friendly |
A |
Woolwich |
2-3 |
|
Friendly |
A |
Bexley |
1-5 |
|
Friendly |
A |
|
2-3 |
|
Friendly |
A |
Islington |
1-7 |
|
Kay Trophy |
A |
Hackney |
0-5 |
|
Finch Trophy |
H |
Lewisham |
0-4 |
|
Friendly |
A |
|
1-3 |
|
Finch Trophy |
H |
Bexley |
0-2 |
|
Kay Trophy |
H |
Wandsworth |
2-1 |
|
Finch Trophy |
A |
Wandsworth |
1-4 |
|
Kay Trophy |
H |
Islington |
4-1 |
|
Finch Trophy |
H |
Woolwich |
0-0 |
|
Friendly |
A |
Gravesham |
0-3 |
|
Friendly |
A |
|
3-3 |
|
Kay Trophy |
H |
|
0-5 |
|
Finch Trophy |
H |
|
0-5 |
Playing
Squad
|
Name |
School |
|
William Mode |
|
|
Robert Johnston |
|
|
Matthias Fanimo |
Redriff |
|
|
|
|
Joe Dowson |
|
|
Sean Johnson |
Redriff |
|
Joe Sullivan |
|
|
Jack Bishop |
Boutcher |
|
Jack Sammoutis |
Redriff |
|
Scott Watson |
|
|
Johnnie Wright |
|
|
Dominic Samuel |
Redriff |
|
Albert Smith |
Grange |
|
Max Reddin |
Boutcher |
|
Ryan Coker |
Redriff |
|
Also Played |
|
|
Kenny Norman |
|
|
Billy Britten |
|
|
Charlie Jerome |
|
|
Marco Mwanza |
Redriff |
|
Eve McAdam |
Boutcher |
|
Danny Dowling |
St James |
Fixtures &
Results
|
COMPETITION |
|
OPPONENTS |
SCORE |
|
Friendly |
A |
Barking &
Dagenham |
5-6 |
|
Friendly |
A |
Hackney |
0-4 |
|
Friendly |
A |
Lewisham |
0-4 |
|
Kay Trophy |
A |
Woolwich |
5-3 |
|
Friendly |
H |
Brent |
1-5 |
|
Friendly |
H |
|
3-4 |
|
Finch Trophy |
A |
Woolwich |
2-2 |
|
Finch Trophy |
A |
Bexley |
0-5 |
|
Finch Trophy |
H |
Wandsworth |
3-0 |
|
Finch Trophy |
A |
|
0-1 |
|
Finch Trophy |
A |
Orpington |
3-6 |
|
Kay Trophy |
H |
Hackney |
0-7 |