On Tuesday evening, the year 8 football team were hoping to bounce back from defeat in their last game with an eagerly awaited fixture against North Leamington School in the quarter final of the district cup.

On a very cold evening Southam started very well and looked confident on the ball playing neat football in good areas of the pitch. Despite sustained pressure and possession, only half chances could be created. The back 4 marshalled well by Captain Noah, kept NLS at bay with a some good clearances from Charlie and Spike who had a tremendous game at right back. The midfield of Joe, Harry, Oli and Archie all looked confident on the ball and interchanged well. The strikers had limited chances but were the instigators of the press and helped us retrieve the ball quickly. Our best chance of the first half fell to Harry who saw his powerful shot just go over the cross bar. Half time score 0-0.

The second half started with NLS on the attack but good tackles from Alfie, Fred and Oliver  kept the score at 0-0. NLS did build into the game and started to create the better chances. Two fantastic saves by Jasper J kept the score at 0-0. Southam did get joy down the wings through Maxton and Leo with a couple of good chances. With full time fast approaching, Jasper W got on the ball in midfield and played a fantastic through ball to Leo who held off the defender, and tucked the ball into the net to give Southam the 1-0 lead with 2 minutes left to play. Southam saw out the game and now progress into the semi final of the cup.

A fantastic team display full of controlled passing, teamwork, communication and a desire to play good football. I am extremely proud of how the year 8 team have reacted to their defeat in the last game!

Man of the match goes to Oliver W who didn’t put a foot wrong at left back. A superb performance, especially when making his debut.

Well done year 8.

Mr Turton