ESFA PlayStation F.C. U13 Schools’ Cup for Boys: Round 1
For our first #MatchReportMonday of the season ESFA photographer Gary Griffiths attended Bradley Stoke Community School who hosted Priory Community School in the first round of the PlayStation F.C. U13 Schools’ Cup for Boys.
A lovely Autumn afternoon just outside Bristol saw Bradley Stoke Community School seal their place in round 2 of the Under 13 Schools’ Cup with a 7-3 victory on home soil over Priory Community School although the game was a much tighter affair than the scoreline suggests.
The hosts almost made the perfect start with a golden chance to take the lead inside the opening 10 seconds of the game but Evans saw his shot roll inches past the far post after intercepting a pass on the edge of the box. Had this gone in then it surely would have been one of the quickest goals in ESFA National Cup history!
Priory’s good fortune did not last long though when Ritson made no mistake from an almost identical angle, firing low past Carter to put Bradley Stoke 1-0 ahead.
Although Priory started the game a little shaky they were committed to playing the game the right way and were certainly looking dangerous going forward but they were unable to create any clear opportunities and they were made to pay when Crossman hooked a looping shot into the top corner of the net following a corner for a 2-0 lead.
That lead was further extended when Evans made up for his early miss, cutting inside to fire home from the edge of the box past Carter who had made some excellent saves early to keep his team in the game.
With the tie looking to be slipping away from Priory they continued to play some lovely football and found a way back into the tie when Derrick pulled a goal back, firing home from close range after a sustained spell of pressure to reduce the deficit to 3-1 at the break.
After the interval Priory looked to the most likely to score, having their best spell of the game and were unfortunate not to bag a second goal before the home side added to their advantage through Ritson and Thompson stabbed home a free kick at the back post to make it 5-1.
Priory battled back and scored a much deserved 2nd through Parsons with plenty of time remaining.
With space opening up as the visitors looked to stage a late comeback there were further goals with Trew scoring a late brace as Bradley Stoke were able to exploit the space left at the back with Priory pushing forward.
Priory were rewarded for their effort and were able to add to their goal tally, their final goal scored by Lawrence.
All in all a very close cup tie despite the 7-3 scoreline and both sides played the game the right way, in the right spirit and were a credit to their schools.
Bradley Stoke now move on to round 2 where they will face Beechen Cliff School from Bath.
Congratulations to both teams involved! If you would like us to feature your ESFA schools’ cup fixture, Please send your match report alongside pictures of the game to [email protected] – alternatively, please feel free to contact 353 Photography to request his presence at your upcoming match.
All photographs and match report supplied by 353 Photography
The National Governing Body for Schools’ Football in England.