This season was an enjoyable one where the squad developed throughout and a high level of commitment was shown. While unfortunately we lost several fixtures in the Lent Term because of the weather and we sometimes lost a match by the odd goal, the team spirit was exemplary and at times allowed us to achieve some impressive results. We started the Play term well with a 1-1 draw to Alleyn's, before being unable to capitalise on a two-nil lead against a strong Ardingly side and ultimately losing 3-2. This was a disappointing result but the team showed great resolve to come back against a competitive Eton side and achieve a 2-1 win. We followed this with another win against KES Witley, and a 1-1 draw against Kimbolton before we suffered close defeats against Forest and Lancing, losing 2-1 in both matches. The Play Term was completed with a 3-1 defeat to Bradfield, as well as a 1-1 draw to a weaker Aldenham side that revealed our inability to finish well-worked chances, a problem that affected us throughout the season.
The Lent Term saw a 2-0 win over King's, Canterbury as well as a hard fought battle against St. Paul's, which ended disappointingly in a 3-2 defeat. A record of played 12, won 3, drawn 3 and lost 6 could have been better but there were high points nonetheless. We benefited this season from a strong defence and by playing a back three consisting of Scarfe, Coggans and Gow-Smith were able to concede fewer than half of the goals of the previous year. Reilly held the midfield together in the centre and adapted well to the defensive role required by him; Guy's great fitness and determination made him a handful for defenders, and there were some good performances from Ruda. Up front, Shapland's pace was threatening, combined with some classy goals from Ratcliffe.
Many thanks to the coach Ian Monk for all the time and effort he put in to making this a successful season. Finally thank you to all the lads: the commitment they have shown has been excellent and I have thoroughly enjoyed captaining them, and wish them all the best with their football in the future.
Jamie Coggans
The season began with a very different squad to the one that had seen much success from last year. Most were new faces from the Sixth Form with only a handfull from the Remove. The back four of Meyer and Sarkissian along with the partnership between Goldsmith and Brough, that had proved so successful in last year's game away at Ardingly, failed to repeat the clean sheet at home against the same side in the first match of the season. This game revealed our obvious tactical weakness, our only goalscorer in the match, James Church, was unfairly substituted immediately after his superb lob of the Ardingly goalkeeper in the second half. The 4-1 defeat was followed by the welcome arrival of Mr Barot, whose technical excellences helped coach the team into a much stronger side.
Our next match was against a very strong Eton side. The team's new found strength became quickly evident being 2-0 up at half time. This was thanks to a goal from the speedy David Reicher in his new position up front, and a penalty kick from Will Leavitt. Complacency and a resilient Eton side soon forced the scoreline to 2-2 before a brilliant own goal as a result of a sliding tackle on the edge of the area from Sarkissian sent us into our second defeat of the season.
An adventurous 3-5-2 formation against KES Witley saw an easy 4-1 victory for the side in a performance that could have easily echoed last years 9-0 victory. For the second time in a week an own goal was scored, this time by Brough as he failed to scoop the ball out after the three-man defence failed for the first time late in the match against a heavily manned KES attack. A much anticipated match away to Highgate was unfortunately cancelled along with matches against Brentwood, Chigwell and the Oratory, the latter due to the foot and mouth crisis. With the squad plagued by injuries a depleted side saw a crushing 9-0 defeat away to Charterhouse with Tickell unlucky not to get on the scoreboard. Fortunately the team was able to come back with one of the best performances of the season, winning 2-0 at Aldenham. Tristan Lillingston and Julian de Jonquieres each had a superb match scoring a goal apiece. De Jonquieres' strike from a free kick, well outside the area, into the top corner proved decisive as the two performed admirably across the length of the pitch. Pike kept up his consistent reliability in goal with a juggling act on the line to keep Aldenham at bay. Also deserving a mention is U15 man who defended extremely well in the sudden call up. After the high of the Aldenham game and with a full strength squad plus Edar Mullen, an experienced defender, we set out with high expectations to Harrow. In some freezing cold weather and on a pitch not suitable for the match the team worked hard against a very physical side used to the conditions, and some high wind but came out 2-0 losers.
Our last game of the season was one to which we looked forward keenly, since it was only our second home game of the season and one against a team of very similar standard to us. The omens were good with the best weather and also the highest attendance we had had that season (6). Despite this we lapsed into a regular problem of letting go an early goal due to some slack defending at the near post from a corner. A second St. Paul's goal quickly followed before we took more control of the game 10 minutes before half time. A sustained spell of pressure resulted in a fantastic set piece move that Dominik Stepien did well to finish just before half time.
Suitably rallied the team came out strongly in the second half. The counter-attacking play of St Paul's was proving a problem for our defence, however, and they soon broke through to score a third. Showing the spirit which has been a constant feature of the 3rd XI this year we pushed forward again culminating in a penalty that Lillingston coolly converted to make it 3-2. With support growing on the sidelines both teams had their periods on the ball and we came close several times but on another quick counterattack St. Paul's punished our tiredness to record a scoreline of 4-2.
Our heavy reliance on the left footed duo of Stepien and Turton became all too evident during their absence through injury but was relieved by Nat Pimlott in the last few matches who joined the station late but had a couple of very solid games at left-back. Dean Chatterjee was a regular on the other side of midfield and put in some consistently good performances including captaining the side against a strong under 16B side (in which he scored both goals). Meeran Atar, Ed Macdonald and Santiago Lago all became vital parts of the team providing skill and good vision on the ball.
As usual, many thanks to Mr. Hargreaves whose input and enthusiasm was extremely appreciated and who accompanied us on all games except for those during the period of his mid-term illness. Thanks are also due to Mr Barot who has brought an extra dimension to 3rd XI football in organization and training as well as being a very vocal touchline manager.
Squad:
Pike, Hartman, Sarkissian, Brough, de Jonquieres, Meyer, Turton, Stepien, Tickell, Pimlott, Chatterjee, Lillingston, Lago, Reicher, Macdonald, Atar, Church, Mostaque, Malamatinas
Nick Brough and Julian de Jonquieres