Every week we will endeavour to keep you up to date with all of the sporting action at Monmouth School, whether it be in the gym, on the fields in the river or at the pool. The following is the football report for last week from the captain of the 1st XI detailing their fixtures against Malvern College traditionally a strong team on the circuit:

1^st XI

The first eleven played away this week, and a muddy surface made it hard for us to play the ball on the ground, which is our usual style of play. However we adapted well to the conditions and created multiple chances throughout the match. Joe managed to hit the crossbar with a 20-yard volley and Alex narrowly missed. However, Asanji capitalised on a Malvern mistake and put Monmouth 1-0 up at half time. The Malvern coaches clearly provided an attitudinal fix at half time, because the opposition were far more direct and focussed in the second half. As a result Malvern scored three goals without reply, leaving us trailing 3-1 in the last 5 minutes. A wonderful fight back ensued with both Dan and Joe scoring goals to earn us a well-deserved draw. The general feeling was that, with better finishing, we could, and perhaps should have won the game. This gives us a clear focus for our preparations for next Saturday’s fixtures away at Clifton College.

2^nd XI

A 3-1 victory for the second eleven away from home shows the strength in depth of the senior squad. Goals from Jeffrey and Isaac and a Malvern own goal provided a comfortable margin of victory.

3^rd XI

Perhaps the highlight of the weekend was the 6-0 victory for the third eleven. Peter’s 30-yard screamer has to be in contention for goal of the season, and an excellent performance from the team reflects Dr Clarke’s attacking philosophy as they continue their unbeaten start to the season.

U16 XI

In the under 16’s match, despite creating a lot of scoring opportunities the team trailed 3-0 at one point. A strong fight back in the second half with goals from Azhar, Angus and Laurie resulted in a tied game with 3 minutes to go. Sustained pressure in the opposition penalty area could not be converted into the winning goal and a draw was a fair result.

U15 XI

The under 15 A’s suffered a narrow loss away from home. However the B’s continued their unbeaten season winning 2-1.

U14 XI

The under 14’s played extremely well and showed tremendous spirit against more experienced opposition. The A team held on to 0-0 until half time, but disappointingly conceded 4 goals in the second half. Despite the valiant efforts on the pitch, the B team lost by a similar margin.