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What a way to start the football season!

Our year 11 students had their first league match of the season this afternoon, with the help of a few year 10 students. The scene was set; a new minibus, Arbour Park and 14 boys looking incredible in their Gloucester City strip (thanks Mr Shepherd senior!)

The first half was a cagey affair with a St Joseph’s side looking strong and composed with every pass. As you can, tell I was nervous from the start!

After a solid show in defence from players (such as Ibrahim Haque and Seve Campbell) keeping the home team quiet, Grove progressed up the pitch and a half chance fell the way of Grove’s own Darus Radu.

The ball drilled across the edge of the box; first touch cushions the ball up in the air. The next thought that goes through Mr Shepherd and my mind is, “oh no, please do not shoot!”.

Right foot, bang, top corner; one - nil and I could barely believe my eyes.

The first half continues and St Joseph score a scrappy goal from a corner which pings off a number of players and ends up in the back of Mostafar’s net; one - one. The ball breaks down the left and with some wonderful link up play between Kieron and Haroon, plus some incredible solo skills to beat not one, but three St Joseph defenders and cut in on his stronger right foot to finesse the ball and have it nestle in the back of the net. Unfortunately, there was enough time left in the half for St Joseph to equalise and take us into half time at two a piece.

Unfortunately, we come out of the gates too slowly in the second half and we were punished by a good finish from the opposition, striking the ball from distance and beating the keeper.

This is where our boys showed incredible resilience. Their heads did not drop! Grove Academy kept knocking at the door and forced a couple of strong saves that kept the pressure on the opposition. Five minutes left… a counter attack. Munashe, he shows some brilliance and holds the ball up brilliantly for Darus to finish off an impressive counter.

Three-Three, two minutes to go… a St Joseph’s corner! Brilliant defensive header by Darus, the ball falls to Anderson, he plays it over the top for Adam Murisho, the blistering pace was too much for the defence to handle, a composed finish, slots leg ball into the bottom corner and the comeback is complete!!!

Final score 4-3 Grove win