On Wednesday afternoon we travelled to Oratory Prep for our final fixture before half term. With lots of rain the night before, both the boys and I were delighted when we heard the matches would still be on.
This match needed a different formation as we were having to play 9 a-side. We therefore set up with a 3-4-1. Bruern dictated the initial stages on the game and had majority of the possession. Bruno T and Alex DB were looking dangerous on the wings and created some good chances early on. Despite having all the ball, we were just struggling to do one thing… score a goal! It was 0-0 for the majority of the first half before Teddy CF was fouled just outside the penalty area. Frank J stood over the ball. The whistle went. The crowd (very kind travelling Bruern supporters) were silent. Frank J lifted the ball over the wall and past the goalkeeper to produce another contender for goal of the season. Bruern were now 1-0 and the half time whistle went soon after.
At half-time, we were very clear with what we wanted to do. We were playing well and were the more dominant team. Our style of football is to get the ball down and play, which we were executing to a good level, especially considering the boggy pitch. We just needed another goal to give us some breathing space.
The second half started and again Bruern were on the front foot. Louis S had an outstanding game, breaking downplay in the middle and filling in at the back, when defenders pushed forward. Olly F and Jago B came close with a couple of shots, which required attention from the opposition’s keeper. Nevertheless, it was our top scorer, Teddy CF who settled our nerves and nudged home another goal for Bruern. We still had 10 minutes to play and could have scored another 3 during this period. Maxim H was called upon just once in the second half and made a good save. Nararyan B had another brilliant game at the back and was supported by his full backs Tom B and Ben L. Special mention to Tom B, who was the only L6th playing in the team on Wednesday and had another solid performance.
The final whistle went and meant we were back to our winning ways. Thank you to Miss Munns, who assisted us for this fixture.
Finally, I would just like to say thank you to all the parents and family who have come and supported us this half of term. It means a lot to us all. Thank you also to the boys. I can honestly say this has been my favourite half of term coaching so far at Bruern and that is down to their hard work and dedication.
Have a lovely half-term all. We go again after the break!
Mr Barrett
