Football reports

Chiltern and South Bucks U11 Football League Holmer Green vs Gateway - 11 November

The 4-0 score line in this match does not really do justice to the effort and ability that the Gateway team showed in this match. Gateway battled for much of the game and deserved to score on several occasions.

The first half saw Holmer Green take a 1-0 advantage in a tightly contested match. James M came closest to scoring when he blasted a shot in from 20m that seemed destined to hit the back of the net, only to see the Holmer Green keeper pluck it out of the air! Holmer Green’s keeper was awarded their man of the match as he continued to pull off several more great saves, in the second half, including another rocket-shot from James M and a close ranged shoots from Harry O’C-P and Will N.

Holmer Green were excellent in attack, with slick, accurate passing down the wings and a barrage of dangerous crosses and shots. Freddie B also made some fine saves but playing in larger than normal sized goals it was much more challenging than in previous matches.

For the most part Gateway defended valiantly but on several occasions failed to clear the danger quickly enough, despite opportunities to do so, and were punished for this! It was good to see the team persevering to the final whistle and leave the pitch, having given their best, to the applause of the spectators. Unfortunately this loss means that any chance of Gateway winning the league this year evaporated. HJ

Squad: Freddie B, Dylan B, Jack Wa, Zach R, Jack We, Harry O’C-P, James M, Joe N and Will N.

U11 Friendly Football vs Holmer Green - 11 November

Gateway played a mixed Year 5 and Year 6 friendly football fixture against Holmer Green on Tuesday. The game was played at a fast and frenetic pace and Gateway quickly took the lead, a second goal quickly followed and Gateway played some lovely passing football, pressing the opposition defence again and again. Unfortunately, with such an attacking mindset, tracking back became a problem and Holmer Green scored two quick goals to equalize. Half-term came with a chance for Gateway to regroup but Holmer Green quickly took the lead. The boys didn't let their heads go down and battled hard to equalize and quickly retain the lead, scoring in quick succession and eventually winning the game 6-3. Brandon, Sam A and Hector scored one goal each and Sam Mc grabbed a hatrick for the team. Well done to all those who played.

Squad: James G, Frankie Mc, Alex P, Cormac N, Sam Mc, Sam A, Hector C and Brandon NT.