The Year 8 football team performed extremely well on Thursday evening away to Winton to ensure a good week for the eagles, following the Year 7 win over the same school on Wednesday. The 3-2 win maintained the positive start to the school year and all is set for another successful football season. Confidence was high as the team boarded the minibus for the short journey across town with the players looking forward to their first game of the season. New captain for the season, Joe Lucy, proudly led his team through the warm-up and awaited the referee’s whistle to commence the action. The eagles started brightly and Bowley almost broke the deadlock but shot narrowly wide from the corner of the box. Other chances were also created as Harrow Way dominated the early possession, but it was Winton who snatched the important first goal with a cool finish from close range leaving Brewer helpless.
The pressure was now on and with Akwei galvanising the defence, and Pulpett flying forward at every opportunity the eagles clawed their way back into the game. Hewlett had two opportunities to equalise but the Winton keeper was on great form, and denied him on both ocassions. Chance after chance went begging, until Puplett produced a great cross from the right wing and this time Hewlett made no mistake with a great glancing header. Game on!
The eagles were soaring and attack after attack peppered the Winton goal. Just when it was looking like Winton might hold on till half time, the breakthrough came. It was ‘Hewlett the hero’ again, as he finally ‘cracked’ the second home with a dipping drive from the edge of the box. Half-time – Winton 1 Harrow Way 2.
The first minutes of the second half were a disaster as defensive errors allowed Winton to snatch the equaliser. With Harrow Way now kicking up the sloping pitch, many onlookers thought they would now surely crumble with the home side having the advantage. These eagles don’t fall that easily though and they fought their way back into the game with some great passing and intelligent movement off the ball. With McArthur and Farmer providing the ammunition for the forwards, Harrow Way went close on a number of occasions to that vital third goal. Sandland was having an inspired performance alongside Tuson in the midfield, and he stunned the home support when he outjumped the keeper on a high cross and followed in from close range. 3-2 Harrow Way. Another goal from Donley was disallowed for offside, and Taylor missed two 1v1s against the keeper before the end. However, it didn’t really matter as the game was in the bag, and the referee’s final whistle signalled another great result for Harrow Way. Full time – Winton 2 Harrow Way 3. Well done boys!
Star performer – Jake Akwei (a ‘rock’ at the back when the going got tough)