On a damp Tuesday afternoon, The year 11 football team travelled to Aylesford to play in the district shield semi-final. The game started well with Southam attacking brightly passing the ball around. The first chance fell to Harry who rattled the crossbar with a good strike. Oli and Josh also tested the keeper without scoring. The defenders Charlie, Ronan and Fred kept things tidy at the back with Tom and Maxton providing good width to start attacks. Leo worked well and tried to find the breakthrough. Unfortunately, Aylesford took the lead just before half time when the ball bobbled up allowing the striker to tap home. 

The second half started in the same fashion with Southam continuing to attack. Harry got fouled on the edge of the box which allowed Oli to step up and score the resulting freekick with a fantastic strike past the keeper. Southam continued to press to find the winner but did nearly get caught out when a last ditch goal line clearance from Fred prevented Aylesford from scoring. Jasper also dealt with a few dangerous balls into the box, keeping the score at 1-1. Archie, Reshawn and Charlie F all tried to unpick the defence but in the end the full time score was 1-1.

Straight to penalties. 

Despite 2 fantastic penalty saves from Jasper, Southam lost the shootout 4-3. A really disappointing way to go out of any competition. 

I have ran this team since year 7 and enjoyed every single game. It has been brilliant to watch the lads develop and play as a team. It would have been fantastic to see the team play their final game for Southam College in another final but it wasn’t meant to be. 

I am so proud of each and every one of you for all of your achievements with the team. 

The final stats: 

Played- 36

Won- 26

Drawn- 3

Lost- 7

Goals scored- 78

Goals conceded- 36

District shield champions in year 10!

Well done Gents on a wonderful 5 years. 

Mr Turton