With no other sports fixtures during the last week of term, all eyes were on the eagerly anticipated annual Staff v Year 13 Leavers football match on Thursday afternoon. The Staff team were looking to bounce back with a victory this year after losing last year in a penalty shootout.
In what was horrendous footballing conditions, the annual Staff v Leavers football match definitely wasn’t one for the football purist.
The first half saw the Leavers with the wind behind them and creating numerous chances. Mr Hampton, in goal for the Staff team, making several important saves to keep the game at 0-0 going into half time.
The Staff team fancied their chances as the second half began as they now had the wind behind them and looked to exploit the long ball tactic. However, it was the Leavers who took the lead shortly into the second half. A perfectly executed counter attack saw the Leavers in behind the Staff team’s backline. The ball was beautifully squared by Jolyon Bardoe-Pout to Femi Folarin who duly tucked the ball into the back of the net. 1-0 Leavers.
VIDEO: Femi gives the Leavers the lead 1-0
The Staff team weren’t behind for long, and equalised shortly after, a long throw by Mr DeSouza was then hooked on at the near post by Mr Henson, it dropped at the feet of Mr Evans who slotted the ball into the empty net to bring the score to 1-1.
VIDEO: Mr Evans brings the scores level at 1-1
Both teams looked leggy as the rain then began to pour, adding another challenging element into the mix and another penalty shootout loomed. Until, with a couple of minutes to go, Mr Harris found a pocket of space in the centre of midfield, his through ball saw Mr Vickerman dribble round the onrushing goalkeeper. He then looked up and produced a delicate shot right into the top corner to give the Staff team the lead 2-1.
VIDEO: Mr Vickerman gives the Staff team the lead
The final whistle blew shortly after and a confirmed win for the Staff team. Roll on next year….!
Final score: Staff 2-1 Leavers
