Early Exit from the ISFA Cup

Date: Monday 22 September 2008

After last year's successes when the SES Under-15 team reached the quarter-finals of the national ISFA football knock-out cup, today was something of a come down when this year's team went out in the first round to a side from Alleyn's School in Dulwich.

It was a very close game in which the Londoners won by just one goal, a first half strike from a distance which eluded Will Park in the SES goal. The opposition also struck the woodwork twice, and had a goalbound header cleared off the line by Dom Barrett, so they probably deserved to go through.

That said, the SES team fought hard throughout against a stronger and more skilful side. Bungay and Sekiguchi worked tirelessly in midfield; Piper made countless forward runs as the lone central striker, and the back four protected the keeper as best they could. An equaliser nearly came: Piper's toe poke was straight at the keeper; Blain latched onto a cross from Piper and hit it narrowly wide; free kicks in promising positions came to naught.

As it was, Alleyn's kept their composure, and qualified for Round Two. We wish them well in their cup run.

The 1st XI were drawn against Hampton School, and after their splendid start to the season, were confident that they could run the London thoroughbreds close. As it transpired, Hampton proved to be the best footballing side that I have seen in my three decades at the School, and they went home with a convincing 5 - 0 win at our expense.

SES defended effectively for twenty minutes, and created a number of half chances - Jack Ransley's drive from just outside the box, - but three beautifully constructed goals made the game safe for the opposition before the interval. The second period followed a similar pattern, with SES defending their own half with energy, and Hampton keeping possession and creating several good chances, of which they converted two more.

This was a real learning experience for our boys, who worked hard to the final whistle, but who were given a lesson in how to play the 'beautiful game'. Hampton should go all the way in this year's Under 19 competition.