The Long and Winding Road - to Alleyn's!

Date: Friday 11 December 2009

The 2009 football season ended with today's block of four fixtures away at Alleyn's School in Dulwich, an excursion requiring the negotiation by coach of the M2 and South Circular Road on the last - but one - Saturday before Christmas, and back again. But, back in Canterbury by 5.00pm indicates an earlier end than to most sporting Saturdays!

The Under 14s, given their limitations, did as well as they could have done, and went down 2 - 5, with the goals coming from Steven Draper and Louis Glynn-Williams, from a free kick. One or two goalkeeping misjudgements may have proved costly.

The Under 15s had much the better of their affair, but managed only a 1 - 1 draw, thanks to some wayward finishing, which meant that Max Bungay's header from a corner was not enough to seal an away win.

The 2nd XI sadly finished the season without a win, losing 1 - 2 in a ill-tempered game, where physical contact seemed more important than contact with the ball. Nathan Deeble scored the St Edmund's goal from the penalty spot.

The 1sts, in the last game of an outstanding season were up against an XI who had beaten Eton and Charterhouse, and who had dominant figures in midfield (No.8) and in defence (No.5). The St Edmund's boys, with five Upper Sixths making their final appearances for the club, gave their all, and conceded just the one goal, as Will Marsh was fouled as he went to tip over a looping header, and both ended up in the net. Twenty-two players, and several touchline supporters looked on in amazement as the goal was allowed to stand. Robbie Vile played superbly, marshalling the defence, but we did not really look like equalising against a back four that proved difficult to break down. Snap shots from James Attwood, and a long range effort from Rafi Stone forced the Alleyn's keeper into action, but Will Marsh was the busier of the two, and was saved by the crossbar from letting in a second.

On another day we could have come home with more 'away points', but many thanks to the staff who have given up so many hours with the teams - Mr Robinson, Mr Buckingham, Mr Jones, and Mr Millard, and to all the players who, I hope, have enjoyed their football for the club during the last three months, - and a bit!