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A rivalry that has stemmed from one of the most closely-fought games of school football in the Inner London Cup was revisited on Monday 18th January. The year 10 football team of HBAED hosted the highly-talented Bacon’s College in the South London Cup.

Tension gripped King’s College as the build-up passed and the match commenced. The true test of character began for Harris 17 seconds after kick off, as Bacon’s burst through to reach a long ball and slide the ball passed Mukthar for a 1-0 lead. Disconcerted, Harris kicked off, showing anxiety and a lack of confidence that was, to say the least, uncharacteristic of this year 10 team. Marco then decided to make a change and led by example with some resilient defending and somewhat scary tackles that left Bacon’s nervous and cautious in their attacking play. The back four were inspirational and, suddenly, the year 10 team were back!

Clinical finishing

Some Intricate passing and an outrageous display of clinical finishing put Harris into a 3-1 lead, with two stunning long-range goals from Ahamed and a great finish from Abioseh. Tom came into the side at half time, adding strength and depth to the midfield. He was brave and fearless as he dispossessed the Bacon’s attack time after time. Marco and Thomas provided cover as centre halves to stop any attack that managed to squeeze through. The speed on the wings may have rivalled that of Usain Bolt himself, as Dennis, Sam, Abioseh and Ernest embarrassed Bacon's wide players. A particular highlight produced a huge roar from some of the student spectators as Abioseh breezed passed two defenders, leaving them dizzy and confused, with a casual nutmeg just to rub salt into the wounds.

Josh was outstanding in the centre of midfield, providing through ball after through ball for the striking partnership of Nathan and Shamar. Both held the ball up in times of need and produced some spectacular long range efforts that were only inches from nestling in the goal. A controversial offside call was the only thing standing in the way of another goal for Shamar this season. Perhaps Shamar should consider writing to Lord Harris about installing a goal-line technology system at King’s College for next season!

Acrobatic display

Josh then turned from provider to producer as he turned the defence inside out, and shot, only to see the ball skim the post and end up in the side netting. Josh was undoubtedly unlucky not to have netted in this fixture, but his performance certainly did not go unnoticed.

Ernest and Ahamed were also on form as they troubled Bacon’s defence. At the other end, Bacon’s produced a great goal as their number 10 darted into the box and slotted the ball into the far corner, leaving Mukthar stranded. Mukthar then closed the score sheet for Bacon’s with a courageous and acrobatic display to deny every chance Bacon’s had of closing the gap further.

Outstanding display of leaderhip

While Mukthar kept the net clean in the Harris goal, the Bacon’s goal became under attack with some wonderful set plays. Ahamed then earnt his hat-trick (and celebrated accordingly with dignity and respect for the other team, as he ran around the pitch as if England had won the World Cup!) before Tom played an unexpected one-two, before skipping round the defence and slotting the ball through the goal keeper’s legs to make the final score 5-2 to Harris.

An outstanding dis[play of leadership, organisation and courage earnt year 10 their place in the next round of the South London Cup. Could this be the year they bring home the silverware? STAC stand in our way in the next round so, as the saying goes, bring it on!

Man Of The Match: Tom: Season debut in the South London Cup that proved invaluable in sealing victory for the next round. A well-deserved and unanimous man of the match.

Mr Butler