The opening game of the spring term saw the 1st XI earn an impressive 5-2 victory at Abingdon. The team got off to the worst possible start and after some careless defending found themselves 1-0 down after only 3 minutes. Despite the setback the visitors kept their cool and started to dominate possession with some neat passing movements. On 15 minutes, a well-worked long throw from Eddy Mort was flicked on by Josh Navarajasegaran and Adam Burchell was in the right place to score an Imbrahimovic- esque swivelling back kick on the volley. Habs began to exert their authority, with Alex Freedman dictating play from the middle of the park. A fine chipped pass from him found Adam Burchell and the striker confidently lobbed the goalkeeper to put Habs 2-1 up.
Habs started the second half much brighter than the first with Dylan Kaye’s trickery on the right causing the home defence numerous problems. This ultimately led to the corner from which Habs scored – Burchell converting with a brilliant glancing header which found the top corner. On an increasingly heavy pitch the match became a little scrappy but Habs always looked the more likely team to score and increased their lead 20 minutes from time with a clinical Jess Alexander strike from the edge of the box. The home side then missed a golden opportunity to get back in the game when they hit the post from the penalty spot. A second goal for Alexander was followed by a late reply from a corner for Abingdon.
Team: Krais, Mandel (Katz), Davis, Savvides, Murray, Mort, Freedman, Brennan (Daitz), Kaye, Burchell, Navarajasegaran (Alexander)
MOTM – Adam Burchell
The 2nd XI also had an excellent start with a 2-1 win, also at Abingdon. Shiv Sekaran and skipper Harry Graham scored in an excellent performance. Andrew Gilbert, making his footballing debut for the school, was outstanding in midfield.
A really pleasing start to the season and hopes are high for a successful term at senior level.