On Monday 4 November, our Year 11 boys football team went to Poole for the day to take on Leaf Studio School in the next round of their English Schools campaign.  Unfortuntely, the travel time took a little longer than ideal and it showed in the first half performance. As they tried to get control of the game, a fantastic save by Gabe, which deflected straight to the feet of the opposition striker,  allowed for an easy tap in. When this was followed by a second shortly after, the boys really had it all to do.  At half-time the boys were treated to another guest team talk, this time from Mr Fleming which clearly had the desired impact, as the boys came out fighting in the second half.  By far the better team with Jack, Tyler, Theo, Jim, Ackeem and Riley looking solid at the back, and with Euan and Oli starting to take control in the middle of the field, Carisbrooke looked more threatening and were unlucky not to find Oakleigh and Flynn in better scoring opportunuties at times.  With Clyde taking up multiple positions to support the team and Owen making uunselfish run time and time again, surely the goal had to come.  Unfortunately, for Carisbrooke, the goal did come but it came in the form of a looping header over Gabe and into our net to make it 3-0.  When most teams would give up, Carisbrooke kept on going and only a couple of minutes later, Euan took control of the ball just inside the halfway line and drilled a shot into the top corner to bring Carisbrooke back into it.  With subs continuning to be made to try and unlock more opportunities, Bobby came on up front which instantly allowed for others to take up wider positions which led to more chances. However, with only minutes left and a controversial awarding of a fourth goal to the opposition, Carisbrooke College found themselves out of the competition.  However, the lads should be proud of how they battled back and for not giving up.

On to Tuesday 12 November, and the next round of the Hampshire Cup.  With just over a week to get over the dispointment of going out of one cup competition, the boys needed to bounce back in order to keep their season going.  With another away trip needed, Carisbrooke took on Priestlands from Lymington who would prove to be a diifficult team. Considering they represent a school double the size of Carisbrooke, this was to be expected.  

Carisbrooke started well despite having a few positional changes to have to deal with.  Gabe and Jack at centre back, along with Tyler at right back and Riley on the left, made for a new look defensive line. However, with Gabe competing for every header and pressing high, Jack was able to mop up anything behind and Tyler and Riley were able to get the team going forward down the sides.  With Jim between the posts and looking confident it was clear the team had the license to attack.  With Euan and Oli pushing on to support Theo in his new attacking position, it wasn't long until Theo managed to create a bit of space before striking the ball back across the keeper to make it 1-0.  With Owen playing the holding midfielder, he put in a first class performance first half, breaking up play time after time and when on the ball he was able to distribute numerous balls out to Flynn and Oakleigh on the wings.  As the first half progressed, Priestlands never really looked threatening, but after a few shots in quick succession it eventually took a deflection to get the ball past Jim and make the game 1-1.

As the second half begun, Carisbrooke made a few changes bringing on Benji in what was his first game since picking up a serious knee injury in the last round of the competion, also Clyde and Ackeem.  As Clyde and Ackeem settled in quickly, putting in strong performances at full-back, Carisbrooke continued where they finished the first half and looked to threaten Priestlands early on.  With Theo and Owen switching positions, Owen stretched their back line and eventually broke free before being taken down from behind and winning a penalty.  Theo stepped up to slot the ball home confidently and give Carisbrooke back the lead.  Benji quickly found himself centre of attention as he put their players under pressure which they didn't like. For the first time this season Carisbrooke were clearly winning the mind games.  However, from a corner for Preistlands, Carisbrooke struggled to clear their lines and when the ball finally broke at the back post to an open attacker, Priestlands were able to tie the game with about 8 minutes left.  

Carisbrooke kept on attacking with Oakleigh down the left side, but whilst Carisbrooke looked like they might pinch the win late on, they simply ran out of time.  As a result the game went to penalties.  Carisbrooke went first with Theo who was unlucky not to get a better connection as he missed, but with his team behind him we still had a chance.  With Priestlands scoring their first three penalties, Euan calmly slotted his penalty home and Jack punished the keeper with a strike to the top corner to keep Carisbrooke in it. Oli then took the fourth for Carisbrooke which he powered home to bring us level again. It was now or never for Jim to get us back into it and that is exactly what he did with a stunning save to his right.  With Gabe stepping up to take the fifth penalty, it was vital for us to take the lead. Gabe fired the ball into the net.  With Priestlands suddenly not so confident and needing to score, the field went quiet.  As their final penalty taker struck the ball, Jim pounced to his left, pulling off a fine save and, more importantly, sending his team through to the next round of the cup.  As the boys realised they had won and ran to embrace each other and bundle on top of Jim, they had proven that when they come together and play for each other they can achieve anything.  

The highlight for some of the boys was clearly the sunset photo for those who could handle the temperature outside on the ferry home.

Well done boys!