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The Stopfordian 2011–2012
at Bolton, revealed how far the boys had grown as players.
Mike Schofield, Ryan Jude and Aaron McRoberts were
strongly influential but this season was represented by a
determined team effort. Well done to all!
R. Young
UNDER 15 FOOTBALL
The season opener for the Under 15s was a home fixture
against a strong Sandbach side. The away side started
stronger and, despite having the majority of the possession,
Henry Betts scored the first goal, a lovely chip over the keeper
to give SGS the lead at half time. Sandbach piled the pressure
on in the second half and were level from a corner. They
continued to pressure us and it told with less than ten minutes
to go as they struck again, with a long distance hit that turned
out to be the winner.
A few changes were made for the Altrincham game and the
team started well, passing the ball around, keeping it tight at
the back but creating few chances going forward. The second
half was much the same until five minutes to go, when
Altrincham managed to break the deadlock and ran out
winners. Joe Blashill was again excellent in goal, making many
vital saves.
The next fixture was mid-week against Manchester Grammar.
We made a strong start and created plenty of chances before
going 1-0 up. The lead could, and probably should, have been
increased before conceding four goals before half time due to
a loss of organisation in midfield and defence. The second half
started brightly until three injuries hampered any chance of a
comeback and Ben Gardiner’s second goal was mere
consolation in reply to the eight shipped in at the other end.
The team regrouped for the next fixture against Wilmslow.
There was a remarkable improvement in marking, pressure
and passing from the previous match and despite not scoring,
they more than held their own against a strong Wilmslow side.
The effort levels continued into the second half, but the team
were undone by a header from a corner and an excellent
long-range effort, giving a final score of 0-2.
The final match of the season was away to Cheadle Hulme.
With the bare bones of a team, we showed grit and skill and
came away with an impressive 3-1 victory. Will Hanson
scored an excellent hat-trick, building on a solid defence and
a creative, skilful midfield performance by all concerned.
R. Heyes
UNDER 14 FOOTBALL
The 2011-12 season was our third year together and proved
to be our most successful yet. As we started the season we
were introduced to our new coach, Mr Wilson, who was
aiming to build on the success we enjoyed under Mr Masters
in First and Second Year.
This season also saw some changes to the playing squad as we
welcomed back Kyle Clapperton, who returned to the side to
reclaim the goalkeeping jersey, a move which saw George
Francis return to a more familiar central midfield role. In his
first year at the school, Oli Hamilton came into the squad,
excelling at left back.
The season began with a 5-0 win against West Hill High
School. As we welcomed Oli for his debut, first half goals from
Nino Orton-Clarke helped to set up a fairly comfortable win.
Following on from this we travelled to Sandbach for what
turned out to be a very hard fought 4-2 victory. Having led 4-
1, a late Sandbach goal resulted in some nervy moments
towards the end of the game but the defence of Arjun Takiar,
James Travis, Scott Helsby, Oli Hamilton and Michael
Sidebottom stood firm and we held on to claim the victory.
Under 14 Football Squad
The third game of the season was against Altrincham
Grammar School. Alfie Earith and Lewis Braddock were
amongst the scorers in a 7-5 win.
The next game saw us run riot away to Manchester Grammar
School, scoring eight goals without reply with a second half
strike from Jonty Coombes arguably the pick of the bunch. An
honest admission from George Francis to the referee,
Sport 93