Stopfordian 2010–2011 - Stockport Grammar School

The Stopfordian 2010–2011
goalkeeping conundrum with four different keepers donning
the gloves over the season. As many as eight Upper Sixth
formers were completing a second season as first choice 1 st XI
players and I thank them all for their efforts. The team (and
squad) always trained and played with an intensity that has
proved key to any success.
Finally, recognition goes to 1 st XI Player of the Year, James
Knott; Footballer of the Year, Rob Johnson and the skipper Ali
Griffin who completed a third season as a 1 st XI player.
R. J. Bowden
Thanks to our loyal supporters – Mr and Mrs Johnson and Mrs
Griffin.
Without attempting to sound too clichéd, this season has had
both its highs and lows. The Stockport Grammar 1 st XI played
fifteen matches, winning nine and losing six. Brilliant victories
against teams such as King’s Chester and Bury Grammar, not
mentioning the double over Wilmslow High, were without
doubt the highs. However, a heavy defeat to Leeds Grammar
and a lazy performance against Altrincham provided the lows.
What needs to be mentioned, however, is the standard of
football the First XI played against on a weekly basis. Being
only three years old, football is still a very young sport at
Stockport Grammar. The fixture list however is full of matches
against schools where football has been firmly established for
decades. Playing and beating schools such as Bury and King’s
Chester is a brilliant achievement for a school that only four
years ago had only one fixture and no coach.
The season properly kicked off with a wet and windy clash
with Bury Grammar School. Going into the game as huge
underdogs only seemed to spur the team on as an excellent
performance saw Stockport run out 3-1 winners with
goalkeeper Yahya El Asmar saving a second half penalty. Two
very well-taken penalties from top goal scorer James Knott
helped Stockport rally back from 1-0 down to beat local rivals
Wilmslow High 2-1, showing great determination and team
unity in a game where we were again underdogs.
The team however suffered a harsh reality-check in the form
of two bitter defeats to Q.E.G.S. Blackburn and local rivals
Manchester Grammar, before the team rallied together with
wins against Sandbach, Wimslow High and a superb team
performance against King’s Chester with Stockport running
out 4-1 victors. The Wilmslow victory was also the fifth win
in six matches between the two schools at senior level, clearly
demonstrating the bright future for football at Stockport
Grammar School.
Personal mention must go to all the players leaving who have
been strongly involved and been strongly dedicated to senior
football at Stockport Grammar for a number of years. George
Toole, Nikesh Mistry, Michael Logue, Rishal Jena, Angus
Hotchkies and Rob Johnson have been great servants for
Stockport Grammar School for three years. Coach’s player of
the year James Knott ended as top goal scorer and was
brilliant all season. Player of the season Robert Johnson at
times carried the team and will be sorely missed in years to
come. A further mention must go to clubman of the year
Danny Fazelynia because of his ‘never-say-die’ attitude, whilst
most improved player Sam Johnson will be a pivotal player
next season because of his great ability on the ball.
Finally, I must mention our extremely popular coach, Mr.
Bowden. His hard work and more importantly perseverance
and tolerance was key to the large success the first team
enjoyed this season. Every Monday evening he led training
sessions by himself, despite having over forty plus footballers.
His dedication and drive for winning has been a true source
of inspiration both this and in previous seasons and a huge
thanks must go to him both personally and on behalf of the
team. I wish the best of luck in the future for football at
Stockport Grammar School.
Alastair Griffin (U6)
2ND XI FOOTBALL
Played 14 Won 5 Draw 1 Lost 8 For 31 Against 41
Matches won away 3 Matches won at home 2
Lost to Bury 9-0
Lost St Bedes 4-1
Lost to QEGS Blackburn 4-1
Beat Grange 9-2 Hollaway 3 Spencer 2 Mc Laren 2 Johnson, Ellis
Beat Wilmslow 5-3 Appleby, S Johnson 2 Hollaway, Spencer
Lost MGS 4-1 David Wright
Beat Sandbach 3-1 Chris Robinson Dave Bennett Paddy Lavin
Drew v Altrincham 1-1 Charles Kendall
Lost King’s Chester 2-1 Robinson
Lost to Wilmslow 4-1 Kothari
Lost v Leeds Grammar 2-1 Chris Robinson
Lost v Cheadle Hulme 2-0
Beat Bury 3-1 Robinson, McLaren, Bennett
Beat North Cestrian 4-2 Allport, Appleby 2, S Johnson
Leading scorers Robinson 4 Appleby 3 Bennett 2
Johnson 4 Mc Laren 3 Hollaway 4 Spencer 3
This was a season where the boys progressed successfully both
as players and as team. The spirit and attitude was first class
and Charles Kendall and Jack Maclaren were superb in their
final year of football. The season also witnessed the emerging
talents of Ross Hollaway, Sam Johnson, Chris Robinson and
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