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Blenheim High School

3 v 3

Southborough School

In the final match of the calendar year, the year 9 boys’ football team were seeking redemption for the heavy defeat suffered in the National Cup last month. Blenheim invited Southborough to the astro-pitch under the lights on a cold December afternoon that promised a well contested fixture. The lights shone down, casting long shadows over the 22 players; a light rainfall began and the stage was set. 

Blenheim had switched to a wing back system with five at the back, a three-man midfield with two pacey forwards ‘up top’ in the shape of Harry and Kyren to bring life to the attack. It took a bit of time for Blenheim to settle into the new system after two weeks of training and the first match with this formation proved challenging at first as Blenheim’s midfield of Tom, Josh and Mikey were overrun by the opposition. 

After a scrappy opening quarter, Blenheim settled, with defenders Finn and Alfie hitting some excellent long range passes ‘over the top’ utilizing Blenheim’s pace. Harry scrapped for a well delivered through ball and drove it into the bottom corner of the net to give Blenheim a 1-0 lead against the run of play. 

What came next just before the half time break was unforeseen. Southborough broke through Blenheim and scored a double salvo within three minutes. At half time the score was Blenheim 1-2 Southborough. 

The interval was a key time with wise words said by Mr Lewis and Mr King, seeking resilience from the squad; something that has been lacking, at times, this season. The talent is there but at times of difficulty we have been lacking determination. Up steps Tom. 

Unfortunately, the second half could not have started more poorly with Southborough extending their lead following a well worked goal. 

However, following this setback Blenheim’s wingbacks pressed high, freeing up the midfield, giving Mikey and Tom a chance to run the game. Tom mazed through the Southborough defense to poke home a well taken goal into the bottom corner placing Blenheim just one goal behind with 15 minutes to go.

The final moments were dramatic. In a moment of brilliance, Tom ushered the ball forwards to the edge of the box and flicked it with the outside of his foot into the bottom corner from 20 yards out. This was a moment of skill and determination that concludes the first half off the season in wonderful fashion with a 3-3 draw. The game was played in great spirit and we thank Southborough for travelling.