1st Team v Lockers Park Edge Grove 4 Lockers Park 5
Edge Grove started the match strongly putting pressure on Lockers Park from the outset. The ball was played wide through Prashil on the wing with several opportunities we should have taken with both Prashil and Nefeye. We did score to lead 1-0 and should have been out of sight. The referee gave several dubious offside calls against us with Nathan and Prashil in great positions to add to our tally. Our defence went to sleep and Lockers Park managed to equalise before the break. Nefeye was a constant threat throughout; wreaking havoc with their defence. It was like watching a giant slalom skier weaving in and out of the poles during the winter Olympics downhill event. We again took the lead 2-1. Niccolo was a constant presence in the midfield, nicking the ball and showing resolute strength and intelligence. Ollie defended like a fox terrier, tenacious and determined and resilient. Never giving the ball away cheaply and in full control at the back of the defence. Always making his tackles and sending the ball cleverly into the midfield. We had a few lapses in the centre of defence allowing 3 cheap goals and we were then on the back foot. Nefeye kept us in the game with his hat trick resulting from deep penetrating runs and accurate finishing. Albert was clever in his defending and did well when replacing Jimmy in defence. Near the end Monty started to make more runs at the opposition and is encouraged to take on a more attacking role in future especially when chasing an equaliser. Nathan used his fast feet to great effect throughout the match and his line speed took him behind the opposition defence many times but the through balls were not always played through quickly enough resulting in offsides and the pass being blocked. Unfortunately we ran out of time chasing the equaliser but it was a thoroughly enjoyable match between two evenly balanced teams. Well done boys!!
2nd Team v Lockers Park Edge Grove 5 Lockers Park 1
A lively match for the boys who were playing a new Fifa inspired 4, 1, 2, 1 formation (thanks Roman!). We started well and pushed up ensuring we were gaining early possession and territorial advantage. The pressure soon told and we were 1-0 up thanks to a goal from Shay after a lovely cross from Luke. Shay scored another and was unlucky not to get a hat trick. Henry, playing out on the pitch for the first time this season was enjoying his new found freedom and running, ball at foot, down the wing terrorising the opposition. He was rewarded with two goals and one disallowed for his efforts. Roman also got himself on the score sheet. There was some excellent defending from James, Jamie, Ediz and Nathan who really made life hard for their attackers. We were unlucky to concede a goal from a lob shot but on the whole we were pleased with the performance.
3rd Team v Lockers Park Edge Grove 0 Lockers Park 0
What an intense game, but not shown in the scoreline. Edge Grove and Lockers Park played some high intensity, fast paced football with plenty of chances for both teams. The pressure from Edge Grove caused Lockers Park’s defence many problems, but we unfortunately could not convert our chances (plenty of shooting practice needed!). When Lockers Park started to threaten our defence and goalkeeping was up to the challenge, but neither team could break the deadlock.
4th Team v Lockers Park and Westbrook Hay Edge Grove 2 Lockers Park 0 Edge Grove 1 Westbrook Hay 0
The boys played in a triangular match with Westbrook Hay and Lockers Park and these were two really close matches. It was great to see the boys playing with such determination and the quality of football was much improved. Liam scored in both matches and Stephen scored against Lockers Park. Well done to all involved.
Colts A v Lockers Park Lockers Park 4 Edge Grove 1
We had one of only the few away games that we have had all season and made the short trip to Lockers Park. Our usual style of quick passing football had to be changed for the game due to a hard playing surface. Throughout the game we had the majority of the ball possession and created many chances but found it hard to get the ball through the Lockers defence. As we pushed high we got caught on the counter attack a few times. Lockers had a strong and highly skilled left winger who dribbled the ball well and found space in our box on 4 occasions converting every chance. The boys came away from the game disappointed and it was perhaps not the result they were expecting. One game to go next week and lets hope we can finish the season on a high.
Colts C v Lockers Park Edge Grove 0 Lockers Park B 3
The first half saw some good linked play between Billy and Noah and opportunities for Edge Grove to score. Unfortunately, it was Lockers Park that went into halftime 1-0 up. Edge Grove made a strong start to the second half and put pressure on Lockers, especially in midfield from Timi who created a number of opportunities for himself and his team including an excellent cross which narrowly missed the post. Rishi also created opportunities through good positioning and passes. When two of the opposition’s attackers broke clear and entered the box, Robert made an excellent, and goal saving, tackle before making a swift clearance.
Colts D v Lockers Park C Edge Grove 3 Lockers Park C 4
What a game! During the first half, Edge Grove had plenty of opportunities to score but just couldn’t get it right. Lockers Park managed to score 3 goals in the first half. Instead of being demoralised, Edge Grove came back strongly in the second half. Three goals were scored: Fewa, Karsten and Joseph each scored a goal. A fourth equaliser was temptingly close on a number of occasions but Edge Grove was thwarted each time. Alex performed very well as a keeper. He daringly grabbed the ball on numerous occasions in the face of attacks. Phoebe excelled as defender and was regularly the one to rescue the team and turn defence into attack with accurate distribution of the ball. The whole team need to be commended for their resilience and positive team spirit in the face of adversity.
Colts E v Lockers Park D Edge Grove 2 Lockers Park 3
It started as a rather tough match with Lockers Park managing to put 3 goals into the back of the Edge Grove net. Despite several good opportunities and persistent attacking, Edge Grove managed to get to half time with one goal to their credit from a corner taken by Ayaan.
The second half proved to be incredibly thrilling with the team coming back strongly, fighting Lockers Park for every ball and keeping the pressure up on their defence consistently. Harry was everywhere on the pitch probing the Lockers Park defence for holes and creating opportunity after opportunity. He was not alone with Imeth, Robert, Tyler, James, Samuel and Tio supporting each positive play enthusiastically and with skill.
Finally the pressure led to a rash tackle by Lockers Park in the area and Ayaan scored the penalty comfortably. If we only had another five minutes of play then we would have a draw rather than a defeat to report but the boys were absolutely brilliant and really came back after half time to produce some very exciting football. Well done Colts!
Colts F v Lockers Park E Edge Grove 3 Lockers Park 0
This was a really excellent game of football with the Edge Grove team passing the ball with great effect and really playing as a team. Ronan scored the first goal following some excellent passing and a great cross from Darcey. Ronan then repaid the favour crossing it for Darcey to score and Edge Grove to lead 2 - 0 at half term. In the second half we created numerous chances without scoring with David-Andrew being a constant attacking threat with pace down the right hand side of the pitch. Harry and Alexander were solid in defence, breaking down all the attacks and passing out to our players in space. Chase worked hard all day and was rewarded with a goal from a powerful shot. Oliver and Arjan were very effective in the midfield, working hard for the team and winning the ball on numerous occasions.
Colts G v Lockers Park F Edge Grove 2 Lockers Park 1
With Louie stepping us as Captain this week he made sure that he lead by example. With a great 1st goal in the first half, he made sure that his team were spread out across the width of the pitch. With the ball constantly moving between both ends, Lockers Park scored one goal before half time. After a few more failed attempts due to Harry’s great Goalie skills we finished the first half even on 1 all. During the second half Louie scored yet another goal, with great passing in attack from Nico and Jesse and Ben to keep the ball moving forward. A great afternoon of football from all of the team and they continue an undefeated season.
U9 Mr Davies Edge Grove 5 Lockers Park 0 Edge Grove 0 Westbrook Hay 0 Edge Grove 2 Heath Mount 2 A hat trick for Isaac and goals for Finlay and Ayaan saw us comfortably beat Lockers Park in our entertaining opening game of the afternoon. Our next match was against Westbrook Hay who were a much tougher opposition. An excellent goal saw us go 1-0 down in the first half, swiftly followed by an error by the keeper to gift their second. There was nothing the keeper could do to keep out their third: an excellent free kick to the top corner. The final match against Heath Mount saw Max score twice and some excellent defending by Nathaniel to keep the score level. An enjoyable afternoon.
U9 Mr Wallis Edge Grove 4 Lockers Park 0 Edge Grove 1 Westbrook Hay 0 Edge Grove 4 Heath Mount 0
Edge Grove arrived at Lockers Park with great enthusiasm and demonstrated great teamwork in our first game of the festival, comfortably winning 4 - 0 against the hosts Lockers Park. The next game proved more challenging with Westbrook Hay putting us under a lot of pressure in the first half. Goalless at halftime we were able to reflect and came out with a much better focus in the second half, working very well defensively to hold off WH, whilst starting to create our own chances on occasion. This paid off with a brilliant long distance freekick near the final whistle to clinch it for EG. Our final game was very similar to the game against the hosts, with some great teamwork and passing play creating numerous chances to win 4 - 0 and take the title of the ‘B’ festival champions with no goals conceded. Fantastic effort from all the pupils involved!
U9 Mr McManus Edge Grove 1 Heath Mount 0 Edge Grove 2 Westbrook Hay 1 Edge Grove 0 Lockers Park 0
The boys played with great determination and improved as the afternoon wore on. Our main focus was to be the first player to the ball which we did extremely well and limited the opposition’s attacking chances. We were less effective in achieving our second goal which was to pass to a team mate in space; however when we did manage to do this
U9 Mr Wagstaff A fantastic afternoon playing at the Westbrook Hay festival. The boys were very excited and certainly had plenty of energy to release. We had 3 matches and were victorious in all. The boys passed the ball well and worked back well to defend when they had lost possession. They played as a team and supported each other throughout the afternoon. Well done boys.
U9 Miss Harding Edge Grove 5 Heath Mount 0 Edge Grove 1 Westbrook Hay 0 Edge Grove 3 Lockers Park 1
Edge Grove had a wonderful afternoon playing Football against different schools. They won all three games. They played with determination and focus and used the space on the pitch well. They worked together to ensure that the opposition had limited opportunities to score. Nathaniel, Josh, Mia, Thomas and Henry all scored goals. A great effort everyone!
U10A v Kingshott Edge Grove 9 Kingshott 0
An outstanding game for the U10 A team, scoring an exceptional 9 goals, by nearly every member of the team! Edge Grove were determined to stay strong throughout the match and continue to better their performance, despite the large lead. The girls were challenged to rotate positions, and proved to be extremely versatile, demonstrating the ability to play successfully in both attack and defence. It was excellent to see such confidence in front of the goal, with the goals displaying accuracy in their shots. A very impressive team performance, excellent work girls!
U10B v Kingshott Edge Grove 7 Kingshott 1 The U10B team had an outstanding game against Kingshott, with a final score of 7-1. The girls held their positions extremely well throughout the game, creating space to advance their attacking play. Edge Grove worked excellently as a team and it was great to see the girls show confidence in front of the goal, demonstrating strength and power in their shots. It was fantastic to see the girls rotate positions and respond positively to this. A special mention to Amelie and Ellie P, both securing a hatrick. Well done to all the girls, an exceptional performance from all! U11A v Kingshott Edge Grove 4 Kingshott 2
A strong start from Kingshott saw the visitors score in the first 5 minutes of the game. However, the girls kept their heads up and equalised soon after. With fantastic passing and people staying in position we moved the ball well around the pitch and found Lily-Rose waiting to score every time the ball entered the D. With 3 goals under her belt she moved to mid-field and let Aria score the 4th Edge Grove goal. Excellent defence from Ayo, Summer, Bryony and Sophia in rotation meant Kingshott barely had any more shots on goal. The girls played brilliantly today. Most impressive of all was their ability to switch around as people came on and off the pitch and play each position just as well as the other even if it was not their favourite. India and Alex did well in both the mid field and up front and Natasha had one of her best games of the term in goal, clearing the ball out wide every time. A great team effort this week, the girls should be proud of themselves.
U11B v Kingshott Edge Grove 1 Kingshott 3 A close fought match between Edge Grove and Kingshott, with Kingshott having slightly more attack and pace within their team to score the first two goals both in the first half. During a supportive team talk during half time where team members clarified their positions and tactics, gave players a boost within their performance to go and get a goal, scored brilliantly by Darcey. It became clear Edge Grove was not accepting the initial defeat. The girls worked hard at trying to keep the ball however Kingshott players came out with great force and great tackles resulting in another final goal. A great performance from all players. Well done!
U13A v Kingshott Edge Grove 6 Kingshott 2
A fantastic performance this week from our squad of 10 against a squad of 16 from KingShott. We conceded an early goal within the first minute but did not let this impact our style of play. We worked on using the full width of the pitch and Mirablle really opened up play with her diagonal drives. Our first goal came from a penalty shuffle scored by Caitlin O who scored a hatrick this week! Special mention also goes to Issy and Mirabelle who scored the other two goals. A great last game of the season really showing how far they have come as a team. Well done!
U8A v Chesham Prep Edge Grove 1 Chesham Prep 1
A very well matched game against Chesham saw the ball continually go from end to end. A smaller pitch this week saw the team have to adjust their tactics slightly. This took until the second half where they started to use the space more effectively and avoid being too close to each other. Roshini and Kirsten worked hard in defence to keep Chesham out of the Edge Grove dee. Edge Grove powered their way up the pitch on a number of occasions but it was Chesham who scored the first goal. Edge Grove came straight back with a team goal from multiple passes and shots on goal finally scored by Tilly. Edge Grove continued their dominant attack and had another clear shot on goal however the ball flew into an Edge Grove player's feet and Chesham were able to get back and clear their dee. Another excellent game of hockey.
U8B v Chesham Prep Edge Grove 1 Chesham Prep 0 A very close and exciting match for the U8B team. The teams were very evenly matched which meant the girls needed to work extremely hard. Edge Grove approached the game with such positivity and it was great to see the girls stay determined throughout despite the ball being played from one end to the other. Edge Grove stayed strong in defence and with a superb performance from Radha, Chesham struggled to get the ball into their attacking dee. The girls responded well to feedback and in the second half, started to gain more confidence in front of the goal, with many attempts to score. Finally, Sophie scored an excellent goal for Edge Grove, resulting in a 1-0 win! Well done to all the girls for a great team performance.
U8C v Chesham Prep Edge Grove 2 Chesham Prep 0
An excellent game for the C team with the girls maintaining possession throughout. Edge Grove had grown in confidence from the previous week and it was great to see how their skills had improved. The girls were effective in attack, passing and dribbling the ball with speed down the pitch. Edge Grove made it into their attacking dee numerous times, however, struggled to gain accuracy on their shots. Nevertheless, with determination from all, Edge Grove managed to score 2 goals and secure a win! Well done to all!
U8D v Chesham Prep Edge Grove 0 Chesham Prep 1
A very dominant game of hockey from the D team unfortunately resulted in a loss. Chesham only had five players so borrowed an Edge Grove player each half to match up the numbers. Edge Grove worked hard to get the ball into Chesham's dee and spent most of the game there. Venus had a number of shots but was unable to get them on target, however she did not let this dampen her spirit and continued to work hard and get the ball into Chesham's dee. The first half finished 0-0, in the second half Abbie kindly volunteered to play for Chesham. Edge Grove continued to dominate the game with Anaiya making some excellent breaks down the middle of the pitch and into Chesham's dee. Abbie who was playing for Chesham this half managed to steal the ball from Edge Grove and dribble all the way from Chesham's dee into Edge Groves dee and score the only goal of the game. Leaving the final score Edge Grove 0, Chesham 1.