1st Team v Lockers ParkEdge Grove 10 Lockers Park 1
A fantastic effort from the team in their penultimate match of the season. From the first whistle Edge Grove made Lockers Park chase possession with brilliant passing and movement off the ball. Nefe O scored the first of his 4 goals within the first couple of minutes with a fine run through the defence and simple finish. We did not let off and more goals followed with continuous defence splitting passes, dangerous crosses and keeper-testing shots. Lockers Park managed to get a consolation goal with a mix up during a corner but at halftime Edge Grove led 5 - 1. A change of positions gave some of the players the opportunity to challenge their comfort zones but we continued much like the first half for intensity. The second half saw the game open up a little, but whenever we lost possession Henry H, Caitlin O and Niccolo C were quick to regain the ball. Despite an agonising amount of crosses flying across the goal mouth Edge Grove came away with an emphatic win. Goals from Nefe O (x4), Luke (x3), Albert (x1), Lir (x1) and Henry (x1) means that we go into our final game of the season next week with high confidence.
2nd Team v Lockers ParkEdge Grove 9 Lockers Park 2
This week, everything came together for the Edge Grove school 2nd Team. The first goal of the game came after just a few minutes, with Edge Grove being rewarded for their continued attacking pressure. The first goal opened the floodgates, and the first half finished 5-0, with a brace from Olly, a wonder goal from Jamie, a perfectly timed finish from Shay and an own goal by Lockers Park. This week's captain, Karsten, was unfortunately denied his place on the scoresheet by an anomalous first-half defensive effort from the opposition.
Without a goalkeeper on the team sheet, Rex volunteered to play the first half between the sticks. A combination of a strong defence and safe hands resulted in the a clean sheet for Edge Grove in the first half.
Going in to the second half, Lockers Park played with greater desire and managed to score early on. Edge Grove quickly rallied back, retaliating with a goal of their own almost immediately. The trusty defence of Oliver, Henry and Rahul had more to do in the second half, and worked well to only allow Lockers Park one more goal.
Karsten and Kamil commanded the midfield efficiently throughout the game, ensuring Lockers Park's attacking efforts were reduced to playing a long ball over the top of them. In a 'Player of the match' performance, Kamil also managed to find the back of the net in the second half. Two more goals from Olly and a goal from Shay saw the game end 8-2 to Edge Grove.
3rd Team v Lockers ParkEdge Grove 0 Lockers Park 5Edge Grove 2 Lockers Park 3
We played two shorter games and the performances in the two matches were a mile apart. In the first match we were very slow to the ball, did not pass the ball with any speed or accuracy and seemed to panic when the ball came to us and just kicked it away. After a “soul searching” team talk we put up an excellent performance in the second game. The boys played with purpose and determination, trying to win every 50/50 and really showing some grit. We passed the ball much better and created a number of opportunities. Rohan and Chase both scored goals after great link up play by Arthur. Evan worked tirelessly all day and was a standout performer along with Ben SG who was calm in possession and passed the ball with great accuracy.
Colts A v Lockers ParkEdge Grove 8 Lockers Park 0
The boys made a great start to the match playing at a high tempo and opening up Lockers Park with probing balls into space. Noham started strongly shrugging off the defence to score 3 quick goals and put Edge Grove into the ascendancy. Our defence was resolute with Timi and Marli keeping a close eye on proceedings and winning the ball often and then distributing the ball effectively to the midfield. Ben was strong as usual and was rewarded with a goal. Max passed well and played in some dangerous balls from corners resulting in a couple of goals and one for himself also. Finley was mesmerising with his fabulous skills dribbling and passing around the box. Harry was strong and receptive in goal and made sure that we kept a clean sheet. Noham used his strength, pace and intelligence to make it difficult for Lockers Park every time he was near or on the ball. It was a fabulous team effort and I would have to say the best football that I have seen at Edge Grove in the 3 years I have been here. Mr Aitchison
Colts B v Lockers ParkEdge Grove 6 Lockers Park 1
Edge Grove used the week’s practice sessions to great effect, building structured play from all parts of the field, placing sustained pressure on the Lockers Park defence. Isaac K was outstanding in defence and his distribution from the centre field created the opportunities for Kalen S. (2 goals), Harry R. (2 goals), Alfie L. and Ayaan A to find the back of the net. Benjamin L. was unlucky not to score, with Brodie SH. playing a solid game in defence. Alex G. has developed over the season into a wonderful keeper, an outstanding captain and leader of the team. Well done Edge Grove.
Colts C v Lockers ParkEdge Grove 2 Lockers Park 2
This was an excellent game played by all team members. The players showed great determination, teamwork and a positive attitude to help support and involve one another. There was a high level of skills shown which has improved over the football season. Joseph had a couple of close opportunities on goal, both hitting the crossbar, Xander and James worked hard in defence whilst Arav made some impressive saves. Taylor, Imeth and Darcey dribbled and passed the ball smoothly along the pitch, creating shots on target which turned into goals. Overall, this was by far the team’s best performance and one they should be incredibly proud of for their efforts. Well done!
Colts D v Lockers ParkEdge Grove 2 Lockers Park 1
A hard fought match in which the team were challenged by a determined opposition. The football was end to end with both teams attacking and defending well. It was a game that the team will have learned a great deal from and these types of games are the best. Our first goal came from a wonderful run by Robert down the right wing and a superb finish straight past the goalkeeper. A hard won victory is by far the sweetest and in this case that is very much the case. Despite the difficulty and frustration of near misses, crossbar and post strikes the team managed to score a decisive second goal from a corner with the ball pinballing around the box thanks to Koby. Well done to all the team for an exciting game.
Colts E v Lockers ParkEdge Grove 6 Lockers Park 1
Colts F v Lockers ParkEdge Grove 12 Lockers 0
The team played really well and each player excelled at playing in different positions. We played with a team of 7 with 3 subs and we kept rotating players every quarter. The team played so well that both the coach umpiring and myself decided to end the match slightly earlier. Very good attitude from the Edge Grove team overall. Eashan caught a goal and hurt his hand slightly but did not want an ice pack as he said he felt fine and wanted to play.
U9Edge Grove U9A’s played in a 4 school Round Robin tournament at Lockers Park.
U9 Mr DippenaarEdge Grove 2 Lockers Park 1Edge Grove 1 Westbrook Hay 1Edge Grove 2 Heath Mount 0
From a slow start against Lockers Park, Edge Grove began to build momentum during the course of the tournament. Drawing against Westbrook Hay and finishing against a very strong Heath Mount with a comprehensive victory. Edge Grove remained the only unbeaten team on the day, taking the top honours home. Tommaso C. - (3 goals), Freddie B. - (1 goal) and Ethan D. - (1goal).
The season has reached its conclusion. The only game that the team lost was earlier in the season to Heath Mount, however today, they redeemed the result with a solid victory against Heath Mount.
It has been a pleasure coaching the squad and I have watched the boys grow and develop as a wonderful group of footballers and friends. Well done Oliver Mc., Ethan D., Tommaso CT., Ishaq K., Freddie B., Nathaniel H., and John N. You have done Edge Grove proud.
U9 Mr McManusEdge Grove 5 Lockers Park 0Edge Grove 5 Westbrook Hay 0Edge Grove 2 Heath Mount 1
It was an absolute pleasure to take this team for their final matches of the season. I was impressed with the quality of play by all the boys, as well as their determination and will to win. They passed the ball well, often switching the play with diagonal passes and created a number of goal scoring opportunities. Rafael and Alexander were excellent in defence, breaking down the play and distributing the ball well. Henry, Ayush, Daniel and Tyler worked hard in midfield, joining in attack and getting back to help out in defence when needed. Atlas was a “terrier” on attack, causing the opposition defenders problems with his speed and persistent play. Atlas, Tyler, Daniel and Ayush were all on the score sheet however this was a real team effort with the opposition coaches even commenting on their fabulous play.
Well done to these boys who finished the season undefeated.
U9 Mr WallisEdge Grove U9A’s played in a 4 school Round Robin tournament at Westbrook Hay.
Edge Grove 6 Lockers Park 0Edge Grove 1 Heath Mount 1Edge Grove 0 Westbrook Hay 1
Edge Grove started with a dominant display against Lockers Park. With the majority of possession we moved the ball into space well (with Elliot W making a number of dangerous crosses and Monte M making great movement off the ball) and demonstrated good power and accuracy in our shots (particularly Christopher with 2 goals). Ian G make some key saves but we then conceded early in our next game. Rallying well EG created some good opportunities, the best coming from Joshua C with a long range effort hitting the post. We eventually drew level with a fine strike into the roof of the net by Niam K. Our last match saw us with tired legs against the hosts. It was a high intensity game with a number of chances for both teams, but WH managed to find the back of the net with a close range rebound despite another fine save by Aksh T. Special mention to Robert G for the solid defending when we were caught on a counter attack and Joshua C for his tireless running all afternoon.
U9 Mr AitchisonEdge Grove played in a 4 team round robin tournament at Westbrook Hay.
Edge Grove 2 Westbrook Hay 1 Edge Grove 0 Westbrook Hay 3Edge Grove 4 Heath Mount 0
The children had a great time playing against the other schools. Cyrus ran well and put a lot of pressure on the opposition teams. Jamal was strong and used his speed to score a couple of goals. Overall we had a lot of fun and it was nice to get two victories out of three matches.
U9 Girls Football
Lots of smiley faces from the U9 girls after such a brilliant afternoon of football against Westbrook Hay. Edge Grove got stuck in from the start, making superb runs up and down the pitch, showing determination to score and confidence defending, and in goal.
Playing football, on grass, is not something the girls have done much of this term and their opponents, who play all Autumn term, were strong. They kept their heads held high, worked hard from the start of the game until the final whistle and showed excellent courage and team spirit.
Colts A v KingshottEdge Grove 8 Kingshott 0
It is extremely pleasing when everything you have coached in lessons is put into practice from the very beginning of a match right through to the end. The girls adapted very well to a much larger astro than they are used to and made great use of the space. Strong passing, changing ball direction, committed tackles, moving off the ball, numerous interceptions and going for the rebound in the D…just some of the impressive skills on show this afternoon.
A fantastic team effort and result to be proud of. Player of the game nominations from Kingshott - Ophelia and Emily, however a truly impressive afternoon of hockey from every single player on the team. Well done everyone.
Colts B v KingshottEdge Grove 9 Kingshott 1
A fantastic team effort resulted in a very convincing victory at Kingshott, on a cold and blustery afternoon. The Colts B applied pressure on the opposition from the first whistle. We quickly pulled ahead with several goals from Lacey in quick succession. It was wonderful to see the girls looking to make positive plays towards the goal and linking up passes. It was our tackling that made the difference, which was excellent across all three lines!
Colts B1 v KingshottEdge Grove 7 Kingshott 0
Wednesday’s match against Kingshott, away, was a lovely example of how much progress has been made by these young players over the course of the season. Among others, goals came from Zara and India. It was a testament to how well the whole team played that Kingshott barely even entered our defensive D. It was a fantastic team effort!
Colts C v KingshottEdge Grove 3 Kingshott 1A brilliant afternoon of hockey, with superb skills being displayed by all the girls. Edge Grove approached the match with determination and a positive attitude and this was reflected in their performance. The girls read the game excellently. They knew when to pass the ball, and also when it was appropriate for them to take the ball themselves and dribble with it. A special mention to Essie who showed exceptional strength in defence, clearing the ball down the pitch on numerous occasions. Edge Grove moved the ball quickly and confidently in attack and had plenty of shots on target. Well done to Holly and Sienna D for their well deserved goals.
Colts C1 v KingshottEdge Grove 3 Kingshott 1
On Wednesday afternoon the C1 girls displayed great hockey skills. Our first half had Sophia and Miriam up attacking and they both made sure that they were available to be passed to in the D to have a shot at goal. Well done to Miriam for scoring 2 goals and Madison for her one goal.
Khushi and Osubare displayed amazing defensive skills, with both of them clearing either to the sideline or up the pitch to our midfield who were then able to move the ball up the pitch.
A great afternoon of hockey was had by all, well done girls!
