Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe
Primary Schools
Football Association
Affiliated to:
English Schools Football
Association (ESFA)
Inner London County Schools
Football Association (ILCSFA)
Latest
News:
19 May 2012 Thrilling
late flurry to final as Bermondsey just run out of time (more…)
11 May 2012 Kay Final set for Saturday 19th May (more…)
10 May 2012 District team miss out on the
Final in Finch Trophy (more…)
21 Apr 2012 District team prepare for Kay Trophy final (more…)
31 Mar 2012 Rare defeat for District team hits Finch hopes (more…)
24 Mar 2012 Winning form continues for District team (more…)
17 Mar 2012 Magnificent extra time semi final win sends District
team to Kay Trophy final (more…)
3 Mar 2012 Blistering attacking show from
District team in Finch victory (more…)
25 Feb 2012 Winning run ends in
injury hit return to action (more…)
10 Feb 2012 Weather wins for second week running (more…)
28 Jan 2012 District team’s unbeaten run
given a stern test but survives (more…)
21 Jan 2012 District team win in fine advert for schools football (more…)
14 Jan 2012 Draw seals Kay Trophy semi final spot for District
team (more…)
17 Dec 2011 Local
derby win strengthens District team’s Kay Trophy bid (more…)
10 Dec 2011 District team makes a point in Kay Trophy opener (more…)
3 Dec 2011 Magnificent attacking display brings great win for
District team (more…)
26 Nov 2011 District team share county crown (more…)
19 Nov 2011 Heavy traffic can’t
stop District team winning again (more…)
17 Nov 2011 Draw for Inner London CSFA seven a side competition
released (more…)
12 Nov 2011 District team strike back to earn victory (more…)
5 Nov 2011 District team level twice in entertaining draw (more...)
1 Nov 2011 Association’s past players in the spotlight (more…)
29 Oct 2011 First win for District team (more…)
15 Oct 2011 Improved performance by District team (more…)
8 Oct 2011 District Team find it tough in opening game (more…)
1 Oct 2011 Final trial sees team selected for opening game (more…)
28 Sep 2011 Twenty six selected for final trial for District team (more…)
23 Sep 2011 Trials for 2011/12 District team underway (more…)
30 Apr 2011 Battling draw brings the District season to a close (more…)
9 Apr 2011 Lester Finch Trophy hopes fade for District team (more…)
6 Apr 2011 District team narrowly beaten under the lights (more…)
26 Mar 2011 Third win sets up Lester Finch Trophy challenge for
District team (more…)
19 Mar 2011 Second Lester Finch Trophy win for District team (more…)
12 Mar 2011 District team open Lester Finch Trophy campaign with
victory (more…)
5 Feb 2011 No goals but plenty of excitement as District team
earn a draw (more…)
29 Jan 2011 Penalty shoot out drama denies District Team a final
place (more…)
22 Jan 2011 District team share the points in draw with Camden (more…)
15 Jan 2011 Defeat sees District
team bow out of Kay trophy (more…)
8 Jan 2011 Impressive victory as District team just get back into
action (more...)
26 Nov 2010 Frozen pitch cancels the Inner London seven a sides (more…)
20 Nov 2010 Late goal thwarts District team in Kay Trophy (more…)
13 Nov 2010 District team pass
test with terrific win (more…)
6 Nov 2010 Single goal brings District team victory (more…)
23 Oct 2010 Calm heads bring hard fought first win for
District team (more…)
16 Oct 2010 Honours even in see saw game for District team (more…)
9 Oct 2010 Improved performance but a narrow loss for District
team (more…)
2 Oct 2010 Tough start for District team (more…)
25 Sep 2010 Final trial sees team selected for opening game (more...)
22 Sep 2010 Final
trial details for District team (more…)
14 Sep 2010 Trial
dates for District team announced (more…)
5 Nov 2009
15 Oct 2009 Second England cap for former District team player (more…)
9 May 2009 District players star again for County (more…)
6 May 2009 Two goals for District team player in County match (more…)
15 Apr 2009 Four District players selected to represent Inner
London (more…)
25 Mar 2009 Former District team player set for League One debut (more…)
16 Dec 2008
13 Nov 2008 Scottish Award for former District Team player (more…)
18 Oct 2008 Referees generously raise the flag for our Association
(more…)
20 Sep 2008 Unexpected visitors at second District Team trial (more…)
13 Sep 2008 The search for a dog
named Pickles!!! (…or at least some missing trophies!)
(more…)
6 Aug 2008 Former Bermondsey player a hit in Scotland (more…)
8 July 2008 Professional contract for former Bermondsey player (more…)
21 May 2008 Bermondsey duo help County team to
draw (more…)
10 May 2008 Fifth Bermondsey player represents Inner
7 May 2008 Three more District team players get County call up (more…)
28 Apr 2008 County honour for District team player (more)
7 Apr 2008 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe cup final stopped by an
air raid!!! (more…)
24 Mar 2008 Football League debut for former Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe player (more…)
2 Feb 2008 Praise for District players (more…)
A thrilling final of
the Inner London County Schools FA Kay Trophy saw Bermondsey and Rotherhithe
miss out on lifting the trophy by the odd goal in five after a late siege of
the Camden goal almost saw them complete a storming comeback that had looked improbable
earlier in the game.
Whether it was final
day nerves or misfortune, Bermondsey began the game off the pace, with a series
of late arrivals and missing equipment hampering their preparations and Camden took
full advantage, racing into a three goal lead inside seven minutes as their
dangerous centre forward showed why he is on Arsenal’s books with a superbly
taken hat trick. His first came after sprinting clear down the right and firing
low into the far corner, minutes later he added a second when racing into the
box to lob home a bouncing ball and he looked to have left Bermondsey dead and
buried when he headed home a fine cross from the right from close range to
round off a well worked move.
Three goals down with
under time minutes played Bermondsey faced a long route back into the game but
slowly set about their task as Dylan worked hard in midfield along with Timi
and Henry to try and get some service to Kevin up front. Finally Bermondsey
found some attacking threat and series of corners were flighted well into the
Camden area but without anyone finding a crucial touch goalwards. Hope arrived
shortly before half time as Timi found space on the edge of the box and rifled
an unstoppable half volley into the roof of the net.
A different team
emerged for the second spell with belief that an early goal cold change the
game and Bermondsey quickly set up camp in the Camden half. Timi and Henry
posed problems for Camden with surging runs down the right flank and Kevin
drifted left to cause an equal threat on the other side and ten minutes in the
pressure paid off when a corner was half cleared and good recycling of the ball
by Jack M fed Kevin on the edge of the box who pushed the ball into space with
his first touch before thundering the ball into the far corner with his second
for a stunning goal.
Camden seemed caught
in a dilemma between pushing on for a fourth goal or
settling for a one goal advantage and appeared to settle on the later. With
Nathan expertly snuffing out the threat of Camden’s forward Bermondsey
relentlessly probed around the Camden area. Timi’s pace off the mark and quick
feet saw him jink down the right and send over three terrific centres but no
one could quite find the final touch. Dylan powered forward at every
opportunity and saw two goal bound shots charged down and Henry’s cross flashed
across the goal as Camden defended with dogged zest.
Bermondsey threw
players forward in the closing minutes searching for an equaliser and a share
of the trophy but Camden held firm to the onslaught. The final whistle saw both
sets of supporters instinctively break into applause for what had been a
terrific contest played in perfect spirit by both sides.
The date and venue
has now been set for the Inner London County Schools Football Association Kay
Trophy Final which sees the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools
District team meet Camden at the John Roan Sports Ground on Saturday 19th May.
The Match will be a fitting end to a long season for the District side which
has seen them develop both as footballers and children into a fine side who deserve
a big support for their final game. With that in mind we are asking as many
parents, classmates, schools staff and former players to come along to support
the side in the final which kicks off at 10.30.
The two sides drew
one each in their group game clash earlier in the season and so an exciting
game is in store in what is Bermondsey’s first appearance in this prestigious
final in over twelve years.
The full address of
the ground is
John Roan Sports
Ground
Kidbrooke Park Road
SE3 9NF
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association’s District team can no longer qualify for the
final of the Lester Finch Trophy. The side had hoped that a win over Croydon in
their remaining group game and a defeat for South London at Orpington would see
them progress, however with Orpington unable to fulfil the fixture it is South
London who will advance to meet Thurrock who had won the Northern section of
the competition. This would mean the away fixture with Croydon would have
reverted to a friendly match with nothing riding on it and with time in the
season running out after two postponements due to the unusually wet weather it
has been decided not to reschedule the game.
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District team will find out
on Wednesday who they play in the final of the Inner London County Schools FA
Kay Trophy when the delayed semi final between Islington and Camden finally
takes place. Once that tie has been decided arrangements will be made for the
final with several venues being considered each coming with a different date.
News of the match will be posted once arrangements have been finalised.
However, a confirmed date has now been made for the final Lester Finch Trophy
group game against Croydon which will take place on Saturday 28th April and
serve as a perfect warm up game for the final, which should be sometime in the
two weeks after that.
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District team slipped to a rare
defeat to weaken their chances of reaching the final of the Lester Finch Trophy
when going down 3-1 to South London at Dulwich Park, which leaves them needing
a victory over Croydon in their final game to stand any chance of qualifying
for a third final this season.
Form the off
Bermondsey lacked the fluency of recent weeks, with a rock hard and bumpy pitch
not aiding passing football and making life difficult for both teams midfield players.
It was South London who made the first clear cut chance with a shot from
the edge of the box cannoning off the crossbar then goal line and away. However
the pace of Kevin and Henry caused the visitors some early problems too, with
Henry seeing a shot just drift wide of the upright after he had sprinted clear.
South London showed they had improved considerably since the sides last met
prior to Christmas and looked keen to compete for every loose ball with their
powerfully built side seeing plenty of possession without unduly troubling the
Bermondsey defence since the early strike against the bar.
Midway through the
half Bermondsey took the lead following good work down the left from Kevin who
seeing his initial shot blocked recycled the ball into the path of Henry who
tucked the ball away. However the lead was
to last less than a minute as with the next attack South London forwards
pounced on some hesitancy in the home defence and despite Harry saving well at
his near post the ball was pulled back for one of the South London players
pouring into the box to lift it home over the covering defence.
The bouncing ball was
causing both teams real problems and having deceived the South London defence
Henry again sprinted clear only to see his shot once again pass just outside
the post before at the other end a high ball bounced over the Bermondsey back
line and in the resulting tussle the visitors were awarded a free kick on the
edge of the area which was powerfully driven into the back of the net through a
mass of bodies.
With the slope now in
their favour Bermondsey had hopes of turning the game around in the second
spell and the early signs were promising as Henry again raced clear but taking
his shot early hit the keeper and Kevin curled a fine effort just over the
crossbar. However in the unfamiliar role of chasing the game Bermondsey always
looked vulnerable to being caught on the counter attack and with South London
refusing to sit back a third goal came after the ball pin-balled around the
area hitting the bar twice and being cleared off the line by John before upon striking
the bar a third time it was deemed to have crossed the line and the goal was
awarded.
There was no way back
for the hosts despite pushing forward and threatening with their pace they
could not conjur a goal to close the deficit and the
final whistle signalled just their second defeat since October. The side now
have a two week rest over the Easter holidays to regroup before their vital
final group game with Croydon and the even more important final of the Inner
London County Schools FA Kay Trophy.
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District team improved their
chances of advancing in the Lester Finch Trophy with a 3-0 victory over
Orpington in the welcomed Spring sunshine to remain in
top spot in their qualifying group.
Bermondsey took a
while to get used to the small pitch and despite having much of the early
possession could not quite find the final ball to create any clear cut chances.
However as the half wore on, Timi and Dylan’s constant probing started to
create openings, with the keeper making a fine save from Henry’s shot low at
the right hand post. The opening goal finally arrived midway through the half
as Timi burst down the right and tucked the ball neatly back into John’s path
whose centre was nodded on by Dylan to find Kevin arriving in the six yard box
to bullet a header into the top corner. Within minutes Bermondsey had doubled
the lead as Jack Ms header out of defence was brought down by Kevin and
twisting and turning to find space twenty five yards out he spotted a shooting
chance with the keeper slightly off his line and fired home impressively.
Despite the two goal
cushion the game was far but won as Orpington battled back well – forcing Jack
M to head off his own goal line following a powerful free kick just before the
break as the hosts rallied.
The second spell saw
Orpington continue to force the pace looking for a way back into the game as a
series of positional switches affected Bermondsey’s fluency. Harry saved well
at the back post following a well delivered centre and the resulting corner saw
a header clip the top of the crossbar before Bermondsey finally put the game
beyond the hosts with a third, A swift counter attack saw the ball switch
between Kevin and Dylan before finding Akli on the edge of the area and he
fired powerfully into the roof of the net. With the comfort of a three goal
lead Bermondsey saw the game out with little alarm – Shayon’s left footed
effort following a quick counter almost saw a fourth goal and Kevin’s shot at
the end of a mazy run flew wide of the post to deny him a hat trick.
Orpington did have
the ball in the net late on but an offside flag was already raised ensuring a
third clean sheet in a row for Bermondsey and a continuation of their
impressive form which they will take into next week’s penultimate group game
against neighbours South London as they bid to reach their third final of the a
season.
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District team will appear in
the Inner London County Schools Football Association’s Kay Trophy Final for the
first time in over ten years after a dramatic extra time victory over Lewisham
in the semi final at Elm Lane following an inspired performance by the side.
Lewisham had started
the game the stronger with their powerfully built forwards seeing plenty of
possession but tenacious tackling from John and Turkay stopped them advancing
down either flank and the centre back pairing of Jack M and Nathan looked
comfortable in dealing with balls pushed into the area, with Ben mopping up
loose balls just in front of them expertly in a holding role, being prepared to
cover whenever needed in the back line.
However Bermondsey were required to soak up considerable pressure during
the first half but Harry’s safe handling in goal on a
welcome return from injury meant the side turned around still very much in the
game.
The second spell saw
Bermondsey grow into the game with confidence spreading through the side. Dylan
and Timi started to show their range of skills in midfield and their non stop running and tackling saw Bermondsey start to take
the upper hand and allow Akli and Henry on either flank to see more of the ball
bringing the pace of Kevin up front into the game.
Midway through the
half Bermondsey thought they had grabbed the lead as Timi exchanged passes with
Kevin and released Henry through the middle who calmly finished but despite no
flag being raised play was brought back for an offside decision.
At the other end
Lewisham’s best chance came as their strong left winger cut inside the area and
from an acute angle sent his shot flying across the front of goal but thankfully
for the visitors no one met it to turn the ball home. The game was opening up
now but it was Bermondsey looking the more likely to settle proceedings with
the speed of their forward line starting to worry the hosts and Dylan and Timi
joined by Jack M in midfield working magnificently to be first to every ball.
Jack and Turkay continues to defend either flank impressively both joining in
the attack whenever possible and Jack W joined the fray putting in some strong
tackles in the middle of the defence. Moving into the final minute Bermondsey
pushed forward and as Kevin spread play superbly Timi traced clear down the
right and expertly centering low and hard his cross
found Bermondsey players queuing up at the back post to score but somehow
Dylan’s effort was miraculously turned away by the final defender to send the
tie into extra time.
There was no letting
up from Bermondsey who continued to press for a winner and three minutes into the
first half of extra time they finally took the lead as Dylan and Timi’s
industry allowed them to release Kevin and he out run the home defence,
advanced into the area and calm as you like slipped the ball under the keeper
in a quality display of finishing putting just enough on the ball to see it
beat the frantic efforts of the retreating defender and roll into the back of
the net.
Having got in front
Bermondsey were not going to surrender their
advantage. Jack M got himself on the end of everything Lewisham threw forward
and Nicholas who had replaced Harry showed impeccable handling to calm the
nerves. Somehow Timi and Dylan found renewed energy to keep pushing the side
forward with Timi himself almost wrapping things up having burst down the left
but just over ran the chance. Two minutes of injury time did nothing to help
the tiring side who had almost ran themselves to stand still before the final
whistle came to confirm their trip to the final where they we meet either
Islington or Camden.
Whatever the outcome
of the final it will be a fitting end to the season for the side who have played with such spirit all season and a more than
justified reward for a magnificent performance by every player today.
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District team produced a
blistering display of attacking football to surge to the top of the Lester
Finch Trophy group table with a magnificent 6-0 win over Bexley B at Dulwich
Park.
Bermondsey made light
work of playing up the slope in the first half and were quickly on the attack
with Kevin and Henry both seeing early chances pass narrowly past the post and
Dylan only finding the keeper when arriving to meet Henry’s fine cross as the
pace of the home sides front runners proved a handful for the visitors defence.
The opening goal finally arrive ten minutes in when a surge of pace from Kevin
saw him sprint away down the left to gather Nathan’s through ball and two touches
later he had advanced into the penalty area to firmly fire the ball low and
hard across the keeper into the far corner. Bermondsey continued to dominate
with Dylan’s industry and Timi’s touch in midfield seeing them play some highly
attractive football but they had to wait until the stroke of half time to
extend the lead but t was goal well worth waiting for. Dylan surged out of
defence with the ball and found Kevin on halfway with an excellent pass,
Kevin’s neat footwork saw him skip away down the left and checking back inside
his cross field pass was into the path of Henry who brought it down superbly
with his first touch before planting it low into the corner with his second for
as good a goal as will be seen at this level of schoolboy football combining
passing, teamwork, individual skill and great vision.
The goal put
Bermondsey in control of the game going into the second spell and they showed
little let up with Jack M stepping out of defence with good effect to
continually push the side forward and Nathan picking up every loose ball and
winning every header in midfield. Dylan started the second half scoring
sweeping home Kevin’s knock down following good work on the left from Akli.
Akli them helped himself to two goals in quick succession as he beat his marker
down the left and lofted his shot over the goalkeeper, repeating the same trick
minutes later. Kevin rounded off the scoring as he again showed his turn of
pace to sprint clear and calmly convert as Bermondsey became an irresistible
force going forward. Kevin was only denied a hat trick by a linesman’s flags
which also twice brought Henry back as he went clear on the right before the
game was brought to a close.
The win takes the
side to the top of the group, but with only the top side qualifying in this
competition they will need to carry on the form into their remaining three
games to progress to the final with Croydon, Orpington and South London all
also looking to take top spot.
Already deprived of their leading
goalscorer, and goalkeeper due to long term injuries, the Bermondsey squad was
further depleted by the late withdrawal of one of their centre backs, so it was
a somewhat re-shaped and different looking team that took the field, including
debutant goalkeeper Nicholas. As expected, Bexley's A
squad provided the visitors with a stern test, putting them under pressure
right from the kick off. Bermondsey were a little off the pace in the
opening minutes and paid the price when they failed to clear a third
consecutive corner, being guilty of 'ball-watching' as a Bexley midfielder
ran on to the loose ball, and with no-one closing down the space in front of
him, he was able to place his shot in the top corner. The visitors didn't learn
from this mistake as the home side doubled their lead shortly before half
time in similar circumstances, but in between the two goals the visitors showed
glimpses of the form that has seen them go ten matches without defeat before today's
reverse. With Conor resolute in front of the back four, Ben working hard, and
Nathan and Jack M making strong challenges in the heart of the defence,
the visitors began to settle. In midfield, Dylan's ability to win the
ball and Timi's to carry it, saw Bermondsey get a fairer share
of possession and they created the best chances of the first half. Kevin -
who was a constant threat to the home defence with his pace and
mobility - Henry, and Timi all went close after running on to well placed
through balls that split the home defence, but none could hit the target.
Bermondsey started the second half with more confidence and began to use the
ball more effectively, and use the width of the large pitch. The midfield
continued to work hard and Dylan's industry was rewarded when he capitalised
on a bit of hesitancy in the home defence to slip the ball home. The
visitors were back in the game and went in search of an
equaliser. Several good moves and forward runs were thwarted by the
resolute home defence, and it took a fine save from the Bexley keeper to deny
Henry following his dazzling run down the right flank. However,
Bexley restored their two goal lead when again, their shooting from distance
proved to be the difference between the two sides in terms of finishing
with another well struck shot finding the top corner.
So the unbeaten run has come to an
end, but today's weakened squad can take heart from their performance, and can
look forward to next week's match against Bexley's B side in their
opening Lester Finch Trophy match at Dulwich Park.
For the second week running the
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District
team has lost out to the weather with their planned fixture against Tower
Hamlets Primary Schools FA postponed due to the significant amount of snow
still laying on the pitch. Last week’s fixture with Bexley had also fallen foul
of the cold snap and will now be rearranged for later in the Spring.
The cold weather has also meant that the side still await their semi final
opponents in the Inner London County Schools FA Kay Trophy with Lewisham Tower
Hamlets and Islington still all in the running for top spot in their group and
a home game with Bermondsey in the semi final.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association’s District team battled well to gain a creditable goal
less draw with a strong St Albans side in a friendly fixture played at Dulwich
Park.
The visitors had generously
volunteered to make the long journey across London to give both sides a fixture
and were rewarded for their effort with a competitive and entertaining game
despite the lack of goals. Bermondsey looked to play more on the counter attack
and despite a strong start with Henry almost sent free, this allowed the
visitors to press forward using the advantage of the slope keeping Harry busy
between the sticks, where he made several good saves as the fast St Albans wide
players got in round the back of the Bermondsey back four to get shots away.
However Kevin looked a constant threat in the lone striker role and a neat turn
saw him scurry away down the right flank from where his cross just evaded the
red and white shirted bodies streaming into the box.
The half ended though on a very
unfortunate note, as with Bermondsey starting to exert some pressure of their
own, Archie bravely challenged for a loose ball in the area and in the
resulting blameless collision was seriously injured causing a length delay
whilst he was taken care of by managers and parents. Naturally we all wish
Archie a speedy return to action.
The second spell saw Bermondsey
compete with more effect in midfield, with Timi and Dylan contributing well,
and the game became a more even affair. Harry saved well again although an
offside decision had already been given and Kevin continued to trouble St
Albans with his pace. As both sides midfields cancelled each other out it was
clear that the game would be settled by a very small margin. St Albans came
close when a free kick from twenty yards sailed just over the bar and in the
dying moments the visiting keeper made a magnificent save to deny Henry after
Turkay’s cross had found him on the far right of the area with the goal in
sight.
The final whistle arrived though
before either side could find the elusive goal and Bermondsey left knowing
their lengthy unbeaten run had come under a stern test but still survived.
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe extended their unbeaten run to nine games with a comfortable
victory over Orpington Schools B team in this friendly match at Dulwich Park,
but it was one of those times when the game was far more important
than the result!
The hosts took to the field with just 10 players as a combination of illness,
injury, and a secondary school entrance exam took their toll on the squad. With
the players completing their warm up, the Orpington management showed great
consideration and sportsmanship - something that is sometimes hard to find
outside the realms of schools football, but which is not uncommon within it -
and offered to play the game, as it was a friendly, with a player less
themselves to make the sides even. The resulting match was a testament to that
gesture of goodwill, producing a thoroughly entertaining match of
high quality, despite the efforts of the wind to spoil it!
The visitors started well, but a somewhat reorganised Bermondsey team with
the two Jacks steady in the centre of defence, and Archie impressing with his
work rate and skilful distribution from a deeper than usual midfield position,
started to settle. It was Archie's incisive pass that sent Kevin clear of the
Orpington defence to slip the ball past the advancing keeper to give the home
side the lead, and it was Archie himself who firstly doubled the lead by
arriving at the near post to flick on Akli's well-delivered corner, and
then to add another when he picked up a loose ball on the edge of the visitor's
penalty area and drove it home.
Archie's first half industry had been matched by central midfield partner
Nathan who picked up just about every loose ball and recycled it
effectively. The home side found space down the left
flank with Akli being well supported by Turkay's accurate passing and
with a less than fully fit Henry showing great courage and determination to
play through his discomfort, getting forward to support Kevin's fluent and pacy
movement up front, Bermondsey were a constant threat to the Orpington defence.
However, at this level, a game is very rarely won by half time, and a
determined Orpington team came out strongly at the start of the second half and
began to move the ball around with quick, smart passing. Harry had to be at his
best on three occasions when Orpington got clear of the Bermondsey back line,
firstly coming out of his area to clear the ball safely, and then twice diving
at the feet of oncoming Orpington forwards to secure the ball and thwart any
clear goal scoring attempts. Midway through the second half Kevin increased the
lead to give the hosts a four goal cushion, but he was not finished yet. With
seconds left, Henry broke clear only to see his shot parried by the
keeper. The rebound fell to John whose goal bound shot was blocked on the line
to deny him his debut goal, but Kevin was the first to react and tap the ball
over the line to complete his hat trick, and cap a fine all-round performance.
Orpington can feel a little hard done by in terms of the scoreline, but they
can take great pride and satisfaction from the way in which their players
conducted themselves both on and off the pitch, and the contribution that they
made to an entertaining match, which was played in an excellent spirit
throughout! The Orpington manager and coach are to be congratulated and
thanked for their sportsmanship and positive, friendly attitude, enabling
parents and supporters to witness not only an entertaining and exciting match,
but all that is good about schools representative football!
In their first game of the New Year
the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s
District team secured themselves a semi final appearance in the Inner London
County Schools Football Association’s Kay Trophy by gaining a draw at group
leaders Camden.
Bermondsey went into the game needing
at least a draw to confirm qualification but knew defeat could see them edged
out on goal difference, so a nervy game was in prospect. However those nerves
were calmed by an encouraging start which saw the side so no ill effects from
an extended lay off over the Christmas break. Kevin’s pace and Archie’s
strength caused the hosts problems from the start and the opening ten minutes
was played predominantly in the Camden half with Timi in midfield constantly
driving the side forward with some powerful runs with the ball and sensible
passing. Despite the pressure and forcing several corners Bermondsey had to
wait till midway through the half before the goal finally came when Camden half
cleared yet more pressure and from twenty five yards Turkay lofted his shot
over the keeper and into the net. The goal was no less than Bermondsey deserved and Kevin’s shot on the turn,
another long range effort this time from Shayon and Timi’s fine run into the
box on the left all may on another day had led to further goals as Bermondsey
turned on the style.
The second spell however was a quite
different affair with Bermondsey not finding the fluency to their attacking
play that they had in the first half and Camden looking more determined to get
to the ball first. The hosts lively forward found space on the left and posed a
constant threat with his pace and ball control but each time he advanced into
the danger area safe hands from Harry thwarted his effort at goal. However ten
minutes in the equaliser arrived when Bermondsey only half cleared and the ball
was recycled high into the box where a high bounce on the still frost firm
pitch left Harry with little hope of clawing it out from under the bar and
despite his best efforts the ball had clearly crossed the line as it bounced
out off the goal stanchion.
The goal had changed the momentum of
the game and Camden pushed on looking for a winner creating several good
shooting chances and forcing a series of corners but Bermondsey stood firm and
in a late rally may well have put themselves back in front with Kevin just failing
to find a finish when his pace again sent him clear and the Camden defence
hastily clearing when he slipped Archie through following another lightning run
as his chipped the last defender to send himself clear and from the resulting
corner Conor saw his effort blocked by a goal line defender.
The final whistle saw success for both
sides with the draw sealing their respective semi final spots with Bermondsey
travelling to meet either Tower Hamlets or Lewisham.
Saturday 17th December 2011
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association’s District team strengthened their chances of
qualification for the semi finals of the Inner London Kay Trophy with an
impressive 3-1 victory over neighbours South London Primary Schools FA at
Dulwich Park.
A bitterly cold morning was brightened
by some fast flowing attacking football by both sides and the opening exchanges
were very even with the pace of each sides respective set of strikers promising
goals. Both sides had already made decent chances before Bermondsey took the
lead when Henry’s cross form the right struck a defenders arm and Conor
confidently dispatched the resulting penalty kick. Bermondsey a good chance to
extend the lead when Kevin’s electric turn of pace sent him clear and
sportingly stayed on his feet when clipped as he entered the area saw his shot
pass inches wide of the post as the referee played a good advantage for what
appeared a straight forward penalty decision had he gone down and a difficult
decision about the fate of the last defender. A second burst through from Kevin
drew a terrific save from the South London keeper before at the other end the
pace the visitors left winger levelled the game as a quick counter attack sent
him clear and he raced into the penalty area before slipping the ball inside
the far post.
Shortly before the break though
Bermondsey were back in front as Henry found space on the right and his drilled
cross found Archie arriving at the far post to tuck the ball home and restore
the lead.
The second spell saw Bermondsey playing with
the slope in their favour and again the pace of Henry and Kevin looked a
continual threat for the visitors. Indeed it was Kevin who provided the
opportunity for the first goal having forced a corner he then delivered an inch
perfect ball for Archie to emphatically head home at the near post. Timi and
Nathan worked well in central midfield to stop South London gaining the upper
hand as they looked to salvage a point to keep their own qualification hopes
alive and they received a chance to get back into the game when awarded a
penalty of their own after their forward was upended in the left of the penalty
area. However Harry saved the spot kick with his legs and the defence had
learnt precious lessons from games earlier this season by following up well to
clear the rebound. With John and Turkay both in impressive form at right and
left back Bermondsey never looked in danger of relinquishing the two goal lead
and aided by both Jacks and Shayon in the centre of defence and confident
handling from Harry the game was seen out with minimum alarm. With Akli and Ben
both introduced from the bench supplying good balls forward Bermondsey could
have grabbed a fourth during some late pressure of their own but settled for
three goals and the three points they gave that leaves the side a point away
from certain qualification as they take on group leaders Camden in the New
Year.
The win caps a magnificent first half
to the season for the side who have improved week on week and can go into the
Christmas break proud of the efforts so far and looking forward to some big
games in the second half of the season.
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District team demonstrated
the significant progress they have made so far this season with a closely
fought draw in their opening Kay Trophy group game. Having lost to today’s
opponents Hackney earlier in the season, the Bermondsey side showed the
development in their game by more than matching their hosts in an entertaining
and fast flowing game that both sides will feel they might have edged.
Hackney made the
stronger start on a cold morning with the Bermondsey defence hampered by the
sun shining straight down the pitch, but with the back four all showing good
commitment to win the ball they were able to keep Hackney at range and as Dylan became a growing influence in
midfield the visitors settled and started to produce some attacks of their own,
forcing a goal line clearance after Archie’s free kick was saved and Kevin’s
follow up hit the post before rolling along the goal line from where a defender
cleared. With Bermondsey looking to use the speed of Kevin and Henry the
momentum of the game switched to the visitors and with Timi keeping the
midfield pushing forward effectively the Hackney defence were now the busier
before the resistance was finally broken when good work from Timi, Henry and Kevin
saw the ball fall to Archie who was able to hook home powerfully on the volley.
Bermondsey looked set
to take the lead into the interval but were pegged back by what proved to be
the last kick of the half with the goal very much of Bermondsey’s own making as
some hesitancy in playing the ball out from the back allowed a Hackney forward
to steal possession and nip behind the back line to stab home causing the
Bermondsey side to rue the extra time rightly added to the half to allow for
several Bermondsey players tying and retying laces that had not been properly
secured prior to kick off - proving in games as close as this that small
margins decide outcomes and issues such as correct preparation become key.
However the side
quickly lifted themselves from the disappointment of conceding so late and
emerged for the second spell with renewed zest and energy with Dylan’s non-stop
tackling and ferrying of the ball in midfield giving them a platform to attack.
Henry on the right wing became a growing threat for the Hackney defence,
getting around the back and sending over good crosses on several occasions but
the finish would not quite come. Kevin fired in a cross come shot from the
right which passed narrowly over and both Timi and Archie jinked their way
through tackles on the edge of the box only to see their shots blocked as
Bermondsey looked to find a winner.
Just as Bermondsey
had turned the tide in the first half Hackney managed to do so in the second
and it took an impressive performance from John at right back to quell the threat of Hackney’s left winger and a
terrific full stretch save to tip a long range effort over the bar from Harry
to keep the scores level.
The game had been
played at great pace and there was no let up right through to the final whistle
as both sides attacked and counter attacked looking for a winning goal but the
final whistle saw the points shared keeping alive both sides hopes of
qualifying from what looks a tight group, with Bermondsey due to meet South
London next week, where a win would see them go into their final game against
Camden in the New Year with the chance to top the group.
A stunning second half performance saw
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District
team gain a thoroughly deserved victory over Barking and Dagenham Primary
Schools FA at Dulwich Park cracking in three excellent goals in a terrific
display of attacking football.
With the visitors traditionally a very
strong Association a tough game was expected with the Essex side able to boast
a list of former players that includes World cup winning managers and England
captains past and present in Sir Alf Ramsay, Sir Trevor Brooking, Bobby Moore
and John Terry. Without doubt the football on display was the highest quality
seen this season with Barking & Dagenham coping well with Bermondsey’s
opening attacks before settling into some good attacking lay of their own with
their left winger a constant threat with his quick feet and good delivery and
as the half wore on the visitors looked in the ascendency teeing up several
shooting opportunities from the edge of the box which though struck cleanly and
powerfully rose over the bar. At the other end Kevin and Henry’s pace was
giving a glimpse of things to come with Kevin almost getting round the keeper
having shown the central defenders a clean pair of heels and Henry cutting in
from the right just forced to wide to shoot and seeing his cross cleared.
Despite having the advantage of the
slope few would have expected the homes ides second half goal rush but early in
the half Kevin ran onto a long clearance nudged it forward and from fully
thirty yards took his shot early to surprise all with the bounce deceiving the
keeper and settling in the back of the net. The goal gave the hosts energy and
Kevin and Henry looked threatening with every touch almost adding a second
immediately as they linked up on the right to power forward and brought a good
block from the keeper as Henry squared for Kevin.
With Dylan continuing his excellent
from last week’s tournament Bermondsey had a strong hold in midfield and his
constant industry kept Bermondsey on the front foot winning a corner that
following Akli’s delivery saw several shots blocked before Dylan calmly laid
the ball into the path of Archie who buried his shot to double the advantage,
Within minutes Bermondsey had the game wrapped up as Kevin and Henry again
combined with Henry sprinting in from the right past his marker before calmly
chipping home.
Barking rallied but the back four
stood firm to give the side a clean sheet to go with the magnificent win.
There was a bonus game for the sides
as Bexley had been let down by their planned opposition this weekend so played
mini 10 minute each way games with both sides on the conclusion with Shayon’s
rebound finish after Kevin had struck the bar cancelled out almost immediately
by an emphatic header before Bexley hit a second half winner.
After a twelve year wait Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District team got
their names back on the Tower Hamlets trophy as joint winners of the Inner
London County Schools FA Seven A Side Tournament at the Marathon Sports Ground
in Charlton after a 1-1 draw with Westminster in the final.
A day of tense matches began with
Bermondsey being drawn in what looked an open group and a tough first game
against Camden. Some terrific defending blunted the impact of Camden’s
threatening forwards as the side quickly settled into the patterns of play
required for the seven a side game and midway through the second half they
grabbed the crucial goal when Timi was on hand to turn in loose ball following
a corner from the left.
Winning the opening game put them in
control of the group but another tough encounter with Islington who had also
been successful in their opener saw Bermondsey have to absorb a lot of pressure
as Islington made good use of the slope and pushed forward but found Nathan and
Shayon working well at the back to keep them at bay. The second spell saw more
attacking intent from Bermondsey but the teams had to settle for a point a
piece which left the group wide open and with a game to play Bermondsey knew
they needed a least a point to qualify for the semi final. Their hopes were
given a setback when South London took an early lead and as the score stood
would have involved a play off with Islington for qualification but a vastly
improved second half saw Archie strike home a magnificent free kick in off the
post and then Dylan sublimely break through on goal and lob home a winner to
see Bermondsey top the group.
The semi final saw them take on the
traditionally strong Lewisham side in a thrilling game which saw both Harry and
his Lewisham counterpart make several outstanding saves in each goal as both
sets of forwards were denied. Extra time could not find a winner for either
side and so penalties were required to find the finalist which were still
deadlocked at 4-4 when Nathan converted to seal a sudden death win.
With Westminster coming through the
other semi final it was Inner London’s two smallest Associations who battled it
out to win the county crown and with it the Tower Hamlets Cup. Again the game
was tight but as the first half wore on Bermondsey seemed to be just having the
upper hand and early in the second spell took the lead when Dylan fired home
from John’s drilled corner. Bermondsey looked to be holding out with some
determined defending but two minutes from time Westminster threw players
forward and the strategy paid off as they worked an equaliser from a good run
down the right. Extra time saw Bermondsey push for a winner with John, Archie
and Timi all having good shots well saved or pass narrowly over the bar and
with the final kick of the game they saw the keeper tip Archie’s effort onto
the post and away.
The final whistle meant the title and
trophy was shared, although a penalty shoot was required to decide which of the
two joint champions was going to represent Inner London in the regional
competition in the New Year. Again the shoot out was close and went to sudden
death before ending in Westminster’s favour. Whilst disappointed to not have
won the right to compete in the next stage the side can look back with pride on
their performances throughout the tournament and treasure their well earned
County champions medals which they received when going up to collect the Tower
Hamlets Cup which each district will now hold for six months.
Saturday 19th November 2011
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association’s District team endured a torturous journey to
North West London but travelled home with a pleasing victory on board after a
2-1 win over Brent Primary Schools FA.
A serious police incident had closed
many of the roads around the hosts ground and caused the late arrival of the
side as they tried to find a route around the blockages but despite having to
make a quick change and start immediately on arrival they came out the stronger
of the two sides using the slope to their advantage to pin the visitors into
their own half. A small pitch meant space was at a premium and despite their
territorial advantage Bermondsey could not find a route through a crowded
defence. Dylan Ashton looked likeliest to help the side make the breakthrough
with an energetic performance in midfield but even with his prompting the final
ball would not sit for any of the forwards to fire home. Archie Mehmet went
close with a long range free kick just wide of the post. Ten minutes prior to
the break the goal finally came when a high ball fell for Conor Parker in
midfield and meeting it perfectly on the volley his shot flew over the keeper
and dropped into the net.
With the slope to contend with in the
second spell Bermondsey were also faced with the introduction of two speedy
wingers from the hosts and were pushed deeper than in the first half and played
on the counter attack. Nathan Obels almost doubled
the lead when he fired just wide after Kevin Maresi had worked an opening from
the right as Bermondsey linked up play well. However despite their good passing
the second goal came from a more direct route as Harry Payne’s quick release
after catching a cross carried deep into the Brent half with the bounce
deceiving their centre halves and Archie Mehmet gambled correctly on the keeper
not collecting to roll the ball into the net.
The importance of the second goal was
shown when the hosts pulled a goal back from a lofted shot from the edge of the
area and only a terrific covering tackle form John O’Reilly stopped them
getting a shot off minutes later. Brent pushed hard for an equaliser and
Bermondsey had to absorb some late pressure but held on to record their third
win of the campaign and stretch their unbeaten run to four games.
Saturday week sees the Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District Team take a
break from eleven a side football as they head down to the Marathon Sports
Ground in Charlton to take part in the Inner London County Schools FA seven a
side competition – known as the Tower Hamlets Cup. Here they will compete with
the seven other districts that make up the Inner London County Schools FA to
find the District to represent the County in the regional round of the national
competition which is now known as the Tesco Cup. Last season Bermondsey and
Rotherhithe were only denied a place in the final by a penalty shoot out after
their semi final with Hackney had ended goalless, Traditionally Bermondsey have
an excellent record in the competition and eleven years ago won both the County
and Regional events to qualify for the National finals at Wembley Stadium.
Saturday’s competition will be played
in two groups of four under mini soccer rules – with the top two in each group
competing in the semi final round.
Bermondsey and Rotherhithe have been drawn in Group B alongside Camden,
Islington and South London, with Hackney, Westminster, Lewisham and Tower
Hamlets making up Group A.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association’s District team stretched their unbeaten run to
three games with another comeback victory over Islington Schools at Dulwich
Park after they had fallen behind to an early goal from the visitors.
The hosts had started slowly and
playing up the slope allowed Islington to press them into their own half and
the first goal seemed on the cards before with eight minutes gone it duly
arrived when Islington’s rangy centre forward strode clear on the right to
powerfully finish. However the goal seemed to be the wake-up call Bermondsey
needed and the introduction of Timi in midfield saw more possession and purpose
to their play as he continually drove the side up the slope. The eager of
running of Kevin up front and Henry on the right started to give Bermondsey an
outlet and they used this to good effect to create an equaliser as Kevin played
in Henry who burst into the box and his pace allowed him to reach the ball
seconds before the keeper to tuck the ball into the net. Minutes before the
break Bermondsey were in front for the first time as Again Kevin’s running saw
him nip onto the end of a through ball and as he looked to round the keeper he
was sent tumbling with Conor stepping up to convert from the resulting penalty
kick.
Whilst the side had done well to turn
the game round the message was clear at half time that they could not start the
second half as slowly as they had started the game and the warning s were well
heeded as a far hungrier home team emerged, allowing Islington little space or
time to build from the back. Henry was able to feed on a continual supply of
through balls from Timi and Nathan and whilst the keeper saved well on two
occasions he was powerless to stop the third as Henry neatly doubled his tally
and secured the game.
Islington looked to mount a comeback
and as can happen playing down the hill with a lead Bermondsey lost their shape
and pushed too high but Nathan capped a very strong game with some magnificent
covering tackles and on the one time the visiting forwards saw a route to goal
they only found the base of the post from a hopefully effort from the left.
Bermondsey could have added further
goals as they looked dangerous in every attack but some determined defending
kept them at bay and when Akli was fouled as he looked to convert a rebound the
keeper made a terrific save to tip over Archie’s well struck penalty kick but
by this stage Bermondsey were already home and dry.
A convincing win, but still some work
to be done on the shape of the team and positional play in the final few
friendliest before the season moves towards the competition games in the Kay
Trophy and Lester Finch Trophy.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools
Football Association’s District team were held to a draw by an improved Bexley
side at Dulwich Park, fighting back to twice equalise in an entertaining game.
The visitors had several new faces
from last week’s games which had seen Bermondsey victorious and defended with an eagerness and determination they had not shown seven days
earlier. This meant that whilst Bermondsey had the greater share of possession
and territory they were blocked in their route to goal and when shooting
chances game they were quickly closed down with Archie’s long range effort from
the edge of the box after Jack had flicked the ball into his path the closest
they came to scoring before midway through the half they found themselves a
goal down. The opener arrived when Bexley earned a corner and as the ball was
delivered a slight push was spotted in the box to see the awarding of a penalty
kick. Harry dived to his right to save well and recovered to dive left to even
more impressively save the rebound shot, but could not perform heroics a third
time as the Bermondsey defence has not reacted quickly enough to help clear
allowing a Bexley forward to slot home.
Going in a goal down at the break may
have been a little harsh in terms of the possession seen but had demonstrated
the desire of the sides to protect their own goals and a more determined home
team emerged after the break. They were soon level when Akli was sent away down
the left and evading the last tackle stormed into the area before firing a low
left footed shot inside the near post.
With the slope in their favour Bermondsey pushed forward looking to take
the lead with the midfield quick to the ball and keeping their visitors pegged
in their own half. Yet having
overcommitted, a long through ball saw Bexley’s nippy forward win a tussle for
possession deep in the Bermondsey half and whilst his initial shot hit the
inside of the post the rebound fell kindly and he tucked the ball away to again
put Bexley in front. The lead was to last less than a minute though as from their
first attack after the restart Kevin scampered through to capitalise on a
defenders hesitancy and carried the ball into the box before slipping it neatly
past the keeper to roll in at the far post.
Ten
minutes remained for Bermondsey to find a winner but they found a well
organised Bexley defence who coped very well with the hosts delivery into the
penalty area and withstood a series of
late corners. Bermondsey thought they had won it at the death when Timi’s lob
over the keeper was tucked home by Kevin but amidst the celebrations the
referee had correctly given a offside decision and an entertaining game played
in great spirit ended all square.
With this year’s squad for the
Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District Team
almost finalised a number of players who have represented the Association over
the last few years have come under the spotlight as they forge careers in
professional football.
Firstly we were pleased to see Dominic
Samuel who attended Redriff Primary School and played for the Association in
the 2004/2005 season gain international recognition last month when he was
called into the England Under 19 squad to play against Portugal and three days
later scored against Ukraine. Dominic is currently playing in the youth and
reserve teams at Championship side Reading FC. Dominic becomes the second
former Bermondsey and Rotherhithe player from that year group to receive an
international cap with Matthias Fanimo, who was also at Redriff that year,
having previously been capped at Under 16 and Under 17
level. Matthias himself his currently recovering from injury having appeared
for West Ham United’s youth and reserve teams earlier this season.
Just down the road from Reading,
Jordan Ibe has been making news by becoming the youngest player to appear in
league football for Wycombe Wanderers and scored on his full debut against
Sheffield Wednesday last week, whilst still a couple of months short of his
sixteenth birthday. Jordan attended Charles Dickens Primary School and appeared
for the Association in the 2006/2007 season.
Danny Waldren (Grange – 1999/2000) and
Nathan Green (Redriff – 2001/2002) are both currently playing for Conference
South side Bromley and will be looking forward to their FA Cup First Round tie
at Leyton Orient later this month having progressed through the qualifying
rounds with the Kent side.
Finally and far further afield,
Michael Dixon has recently signed to play in the Thailand National Premier
League Division One for Air Force United. Michael is yet another product of
Redriff Primary School and appeared for the Association in 2002/2003.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association’s District team secured their first victory of the
season with a 2-0 away win against Bexley Primary Schools.
Despite playing up the slope
Bermondsey were quickly on top and trapped their hosts in their own half in the
early exchanges before taking a third minute lead when Archie picked up a loose
ball twenty five yards out and drove into the penalty area before firing off a
rising drive which beat the keeper’s outstretched hands to fly into the far corner.
The goal saw no let up and Bermondsey
continued to press with Akli finding plenty of space on the left causing Bexley
concern with a series of through balls and crosses but a second goal would not
come. Timi went closest to doubling the lead when skipping out of a tackle in
midfield he exchanged passes on the edge of the box and having just managed to
slip his shot under the out coming keeper saw it roll just past the post.
At the other end Bermondsey got a
reminder of the levels of concentration required in District football, where a
small lapse can change a game, as a Bexley forward found a sight of goal and
got away a well hit shot which Harry did well to turn round the post.
The start if the second spell saw
little change to the pattern of play with Bermondsey having plenty of
possession and when Archie pushed the ball wide right, Henry was able to pick
out Dylan to emphatically fire home a low shot to double the lead.
Bexley rallied and produced their
better football after the second goal, but good defence performances from Jack
and Turk meant they rarely got a clear sight of goal and on the counter attack
Bermondsey always looked likely to add a third with Archie, Akli and Timi all
seeing shots safely handled by Bexley’s keeper as the visitors could not quite
find the lethal touch in front of goal to extend their lead. However with
Nathan always mopping up in front of the back four and driving the side forward
there was little danger of them relinquishing the lead and game finished with a
satisfactory 2-0 scoreline to provide Bermondsey with their first win of the
season.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools
Football Association’s District team gave a much improved performance in their
second game of the season but against a strong Hackney side still went down to
a 3-1 defeat at the Douglas Eyre Sports Ground in Walthamstow.
Hosts Hackney made much of the early
running and Bermondsey were forced to soak up some strong pressure with Harry
showing some confident handling in goal to deny the home forwards long range
efforts. However having held out for ten minutes the visitors resistance was
broken when a sliced clearance allowed Hackney to break down the left and the
squared pass gave a straight forward chance for their centre forward to
convert. Despite the goal Bermondsey still remained solid at the back and dealt
well with a series of Hackney corners. Hackney continued to press however and
only a terrific diving save from Harry and equally impressive sliding block
tackle from John, as a Hackney player appeared set to convert the rebound,
stopped them adding to lead. Having absorbed so much pressure Bermondsey looked
to have done enough to go into the break still in the game with just a one goal
deficit but virtually on the half time whistle Hackney added a second as
Bermondsey dallied in clearing and in the hesitation the ball fell to a forward
who stabbed it home from close range.
The second half saw a far more
determined Bermondsey side appear and a tigerish midfield display from debutant
Timi saw Bermondsey win far more ball allowing the pace of Kevin and Henry on
either flank to be seen. Tackles that previously were being missed were now
being made and the game became an even contest with Shayon trying his luck from
distance to bring Hackney’s keeper into the action.
Just as Bermondsey appeared to be
creating a platform to get back into the game they were hit by a third goal for
the hosts as their forward capitalised on a short back pass to round Harry and
score. However almost immediately Bermondsey hit back with a quick break
winning them a free kick on the left of the penalty area which was perfectly flighted
by Archie over the keeper and into the far corner of the net to give Bermondsey
their first goal of both the match and season. With the goal came some real
belief from the side and they pushed forward in search of a second. Kevin shot
from distance but could only find the well placed keeper, Henry got round the
back of this marker on the right but saw his cross gathered and in some
sustained pressure in the Hackney goalmouth several players saw their efforts
blocked in an exciting scramble before the full time whistle brought a halt to
the spirited fight back.
The improved performance showed the
side are starting to adjust to the rigours of District football and if they can
take their efforts from the last quarter of today’s game into their next outings
their first win surely cannot be too far away.
Saturday 8th October 2011
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association’s opening fixture of the new season saw the side
given a tough introduction to schools district football and the standard it
requires after a 5-0 defeat at home to Camden Primary Schools at a blustery and
chilly Dulwich Park.
With both sides putting together new
Year Six squads it was expected both would take time to gel
together however despite an initial bright start by the hosts it was visitors
Camden who got to grips with playing at this level the quicker and were eager
to get to the ball first and stronger in the tackle giving them the larger
share of possession.
However good defensive work from John
and Shayon appeared to be keeping Camden at bay until midway through the first
half when an indirect free kick was awarded on the edge of Bermondsey’s six
yard box and whilst the initial shot was well blocked Camden were quicker to
the rebound and the ball was buried into the back of the net from close range.
The goal appeared to deflate the hosts
and they were shown the clinical nature of representative football when two
errors were capitalised on in quick succession to give Camden a three goal lead
going into the break.
With Bermondsey now having use of the
slope it was hoped an early goal in the second half would see them able to
build some momentum and get back into the game and the team certainly showed
a little more desire to compete for the
loose balls and win challenges but had given themselves a far too big hurdle to
climb. The quality of Camden’s midfield and forward running allowed them to
confidently play up the slope and game was over as a contest when ten minutes
into the half they added two further goals in quick succession.
Bermondsey did manage to force a
couple of corners but without the delivery to cause alarm in the Camden back
line and it took a couple of fine saves from Harry in the Bermondsey goal to
stop the visitors adding to their tally in the closing moments.
Although the game was
a difficult introduction to District football for the side the real test will
be if they can learn lessons from the game and the focus on next week will need
to be on being sharper to the ball and stronger in the tackle as well as
working harder off the ball to keep shape, close down and provide options as
they take on the traditionally strong Hackney Schools side.
Following a trial game today held in
heat more typical of June than October, sixteen players have been selected for
the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s opening
game of the season against Camden Primary Schools on Saturday 8th October:
The selected players should meet at the changing rooms at Dulwich Park at
9.45. Full details of the game have been
sent to relevant schools of the players selected.
Following the completion of the
preliminary trials at Southwark Park, the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association have named the 26 players they wish to undertake a
final trial for the 2011/2012 District team. The trial will be held in Dulwich
Park and players are requested to meet at the changing rooms in the park at
9.45. All the schools will have received an email on Thursday 29th September
confirming the invitation to the final trial of selected pupils. Please check with the teacher responsible for
football at your school that the email has been received. With the email will
be a letter for each player, giving full details of the trial and all the
information that you need.
The new school term
means a new district team is required for the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
Primary Schools Football Association. The side is selected from year 6 pupils
only who must attend an affiliated school and once formed will represent the
Association in games on most Saturdays through the Autumn
and Spring terms against other district associations from across Greater
London.
Preliminary trials
for the squad are already underway and two further preliminary trial date have been arranged for Tuesday 27th September and
Wednesday 28th September for those who have been unable to make this week’s
trials.
If you are at a primary school in SE1 or SE16 and your school hasn't
received the information, or sent players to trials, please ask for
details at your school, or contact Bob James on 07802 428724
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)
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)
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 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 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 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)
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)
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 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)
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 Valdez 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)
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 Valdez 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)
The first cold snap
of the winter has forced the cancellation of the Inner London County Schools
Football Association’s annual inter district seven a side competition as the
pitches at the Marathon Sports Ground are frozen solid causing an unsafe
playing surface. The event, where Bermondsey and Rotherhithe were looking to
match last season’s appearance in the final, will now be rescheduled in the New
Year.
The winners of the
event represent Inner London in the South East England regional seven a sides with the winners of that going on to the national
finals – a feat Bermondsey & Rotherhithe managed in the 1999/2000 when they
appeared at Wembley Stadium.
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)
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 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)
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)
Aaron Enahoro (St John’s)
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)
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) Jamie Sycamore (Alfred Salter) Cisqo Silva
(Alfred Salter) Liam Waller (St Josephs Borough) Teddy Deverson (Alfred Salter)
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.
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)
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 Arbraham 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)
Twenty Four year six
pupils from schools around Bermondsey and Rotherhithe were present today at
Dulwich Park for the final trial to select the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
Primary School Football Association’s District team for the 2010/2011
season. In an entertaining game the
whites drew two all with the reds and following the game a side has been
announced to play the Association’s first friendly fixture of the season away
to Barking and Dagenham PSFA on Saturday 2nd October. The squad for that game is as follows:
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) and Jordan Ellis (Alfred Salter).
selected players should meet at the Hawkstone Road car park in Southwark Park
at 9.00 a.m. when directions will be given and travel arrangements. Please
check with the teacher responsible for football at your school early this week
as a letter for each player, giving full details of the match and all the
information that you need will be sent via them.
In the event of not receiving the
letter or unavailability please contact Bob James on 0208 926 3865 or 07802 428724.
Further players from the trial may be
selected for one or more of the other friendlies due to be played before half
term before final squad is announced and will be contacted via their schools if
selected.
The game against Barking and Dagenham
will be a tough introduction to District football as traditionally they are a
strong association able to boast of former players that include, John Terry,
Bobby Moore, Sir Trevor Brooking and Sir Alf Ramsay.
Following a series of
preliminary trials the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association have named the players they wish to undertake a final trial for the
2010/2011 District team. The trial will be held in Dulwich Park and players are
requested to meet at the changing rooms in the park at 9.45. All the schools
will have received an email on Wednesday 22nd September confirming the
invitation to the final trial of selected pupils. Please check with the teacher responsible for
football at your school that the email has been received. With the email will
be a letter for each player, giving full details of the trial and all the
information that you need.
The new school term
means a new district team is required for the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
Primary Schools Football Association. The side is selected from year 6 pupils
only who must attend an affiliated school and once formed will represent the
Association in games on most Saturdays through the Autumn
and Spring terms against other district associations from across Greater
London.
Dates for the preliminary
trials for the squad have been set as follows:
Thursday 16th
September at Southwark Park from 4.00 - 5.30
Friday 17th September at Southwark Park from 4.00 - 5.30
Saturday 18th September at Southwark Park from 10.00 - 11.30
Monday 20th September at Burgess Park Astro from 4.00 -
5.00
Tuesday 21st September at Southwark Park from 4.00 - 5.30
Details have been
sent to affiliated schools or can be obtained by contacting Bob James on 0208 926 3865 or 07802 428724.
Former
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District Team
player Matthias Fanimo tonight scored his first international goal when playing
for England Under 16s against Northern Ireland at Chester City FC - his third
England appearance. Matthias, now at West Ham United’s academy, was a pupil at
Redriff Primary school, representing the District team in the 2004/5 season
where he featured mainly on the wing but has adjusted this season to play as a
striker for both club and country,
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association have been proud to follow
the progress of former District Team player Matthias Fanimo, who tonight won
his second England cap when playing for England Under 16s against Wales at
Yeovil Town FC. Matthias, now at West Ham United’s academy, also had the honour
of being given the man of the match award as
Five
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District
team players featured in today’s goalless draw between Inner London County
Schools representative side and Surrey Schools at the Roan Schools ground. Luke
Elkin (Redriff), Kai Rowe (Redriff) Melvin Adesida (St Georges), Melvyne Bertie
(St Josephs Gomm Road) and Callum Thomas(Alfred Salter) all featured in the
match which saw the county side maintain their unbeaten season with one further
game against Kent still to play.
Two goals from
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District
team midfielder, Luke Elkin of Redriff Primary School, helped the Inner London
Schools County representative side to a terrific 5-1 victory against Kent at
the Roan School ground tonight. Also representing
Bermondsey in the London team were Melvin Adesida (St Georges), Melvyne Bertie
(St Josephs Gomm Road) and making his debut, Kai Rowe (Redriff).
Four
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association players
represented Inner London Schools tonight in the first county fixture of the
season against Surrey Schools at
Bermondsey and
Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association would like to send the best of
luck to former player Danny Maguire, who today signed on loan for Coca Cola
League One side, Yeovil Town. Danny, who attended Peter Hills Primary School,
played for the district team in the 2000/2001 season and is currently on the
books of Queen’s Park Rangers, where having captained their youth team he has
been appearing this season in their reserve team. By signing on loan for Yeovil
for the remainder of the season, Danny becomes the second Bermondsey and
Rotherhithe player to appear for Yeovil as former district keeper Darren Behcet
(
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association are proud to offer their
congratulations to former District Team player Matthias Fanimo who has recently
been awarded the highest honour in English football – an international cap.
Matthias, a former pupil of Redriff Primary School who played for the District
team in 2004/5, gained his cap when coming on as a late substitute for England
Under 16s in their recent win against Scotland in the Victory Shield at Lincoln
City’s Sincil Bank ground in front of a crowd of over
five thousand.
Congratulations
are due to former Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association District team player, Dominic Shimmin, who has received the award
of Irn-Bru Scottish First Division Young Player of
the Month for October for his impressive performances in the heart of defence
for
Dominic who
went to St Joseph’s (Dockhead) played for Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA in
the 1998/9 season and joined Arsenal’s academy before he went on to play
English league football for both Queens Park Rangers and AFC Bournemouth prior
to moving north of the border.
Schools
football is very fortunate to benefit from the generosity of referees. Both our
away matches so far this season have had qualified referees in the middle and
for today’s fixture with Hackney we are fortunate enough to have a qualified
referee who loves to take charge of our home matches whenever he is available
to do so – Mr David Bird. David is a very experienced referee who
continues to referee at a good standard of adult football, but always enjoys
refereeing our games. Most of the referees who officiate at this level of
schools football usually do so for free! Many do not even claim expenses. This has
been the custom and practice in schools football over the years and we are
extremely grateful to those referees, who kindly and generously make themselves
available to referee our matches,
If this were
not enough, at the end of last season David offered to donate to our
Association a set of corner flags for us to use at home matches. It is those
flags – in the red and white colours of Bermondsey that will be used for the
first time in today’s match. This was a wonderful gesture for which we are
extremely grateful and is typical of the way in which David and his fellow
referees support schools football. It goes without saying that we expect al our players, parents, carers
and supporters to show all our referees – both home and away – the respect and
appreciation they deserve.
In 1966 the
Jules Rimet World Cup trophy went missing, shortly before the World Cup
tournament began. Eventually the trophy was found by a dog called
Pickles, amongst some bushes, where it had presumably been dumped.
Bermondsey and Rotherhithe PSFA now needs the services of its own “Pickles the
dog” to hunt down some missing trophies. The trophies concerned were awarded by
the Association’s predecessor – the Bermondsey Schools Cricket and Football
Association and include the Neckinger Shield, the Robert Bell Cup, the Weston
Cup, the Collier Shield, the Millwall Shield and the Colleen Cup. The trophies
are not presently used and some date back to the 1930’s, but we are eager to
know of their whereabouts. The most
recently awarded were The Neckinger Shield, which was awarded to the school winning the
Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Primary Schools League which ran into the 1980’s and
the Robert Bell Cup was awarded to the winners of a knockout competition for
primary schools and was last competed for in the late nineties. The Weston Cup and Millwall shield were
secondary school competitions which appear to have ceased in the sixties.
Perhaps the
trophies are somewhere at the back of the trophy cabinet in one of our
affiliated schools or are being used for an different
award? Perhaps you or a relative
competed in one of these competitions? Any news about the trophies or memories
people have of playing in the competitions would be gratefully received and can
be sent to brpsfa@hotmail.co.uk
Former
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District team
player Dominic Shimmin has become the first ex-association player to play
professional football in
Congratulations
are due to former Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association District team player Danny Maguire, who this week signed a one year
professional contract with Coca-Cola Championship side Queens Park Rangers.
Having been at QPR since he was 8, Danny captained the youth team last year and
despite a six month lay off with a foot injury showed
enough promise to earn a professional deal. Danny, who went to Peter Hills
School, played for the District team in the 2000/2001 season.
Hours before
the Champions League Final, Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA District team
players Kwaku Owusu-Ansah (Redriff) and Terry Jerome (Redriff) were taking
centre stage for the Inner London County Schools FA in a high quality inter
county fixture with Surrey. The match, played at Fulham’s Motspur Park training
ground, ended in a 1-1 draw, although Inner London thought they had snatched a
late winner when striker Kwaku Owusu-Ansah fired home a shot after picking up a
rebound off the post, before an eagle eyed referee pointed out the ball had in
fact struck a wheel on the outside of the goal before rebounding back into
play. The Inner
The Annual
Inter
The county
fixture list is still not complete following postponements earlier in the Spring with a fixture against Surrey and a possible return
match with
Pictures of
the County squad can be found at the top and bottom of the photo gallery
page.
Three more players
from this season’s Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA District team had the
honour of being selected to represent the Inner London Schools County team
tonight when Montel Agyemang (St Johns), Kwaku
Owusu-Ansah (Redriff) and Terry Jerome (Redriff) were selected to play against
Kent along with team mate Frazer Norman (Southwark Park) who had already been
selected to play in last week’s postponed fixture against Surrey. An
entertaining and high quality game saw the
A Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe PSFA District team player has been rewarded for his
performances this season by being selected for the Inner London County Schools Under 11 representative team. Versatile midfielder Frazer
Norman (
The Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Football Association has roots going back to the end
of the Victorian era. We are currently researching stories and events from
across the Association’s history and you can read some of these findings by
clicking on the “About Us” link on
the left hand panel and then going to the “History”
section. For example did you know that Bermondsey & Rotherhithe District
teams of years gone by have played at the league grounds of Charlton, Millwall,
Southampton and Brighton & Hove
Congratulations are due to former
One of the aims of our association for
the representative District Team is that not only do we try develop our players
as footballers during their season as District Team squad members, but also as
individuals. It was with great pleasure therefore that we received glowing
praise today from our hosts at the Douglas Eyre Sports Centre for the
impeccable conduct of the team players whilst enjoying the excellent after
match food and hospitality from our friends at the Hackney Schools Athletic
Association.
At a time when the conduct of adults
playing the game may not always be all that it should, either on or off the
field, District level schools football can serve a timely reminder of the fact
that we play, coach, administer and watch football chiefly for enjoyment. The
manner in which both teams played today’s match (commented on by a watching
head teacher from Hackney) demonstrated everything that football should be
about – two teams playing fairly to the best of their ability and making friends
along the way.
We would like to thank the Hackney
team and officials (and our own players and parents) for their understanding
over the problems the very late unavailability of players caused and the
resulting delay in kick off. Hopefully our illnesses and unavailability
problems will be behind us now and we can look forward to making more friends
and gaining more enjoyment in our remaining fixtures, which include four
competition games in the Lester Finch Trophy run by the Hackney Schools
Athletic Association.