Captain Josh Barnett maintained the school’s unbeaten start to the football season, with a beautifully struck free-kick in the last minute of the game against Winton on Tuesday evening. Conditions were perfect, with just a light breeze as the eagles took to the field
against their local rivals. With the team now in preparation for their attempt at National and County Cup glory next year, it was an experimental squad that faced Winton but they did themselves proud battling back from two goals down to secure the draw. Winton opened the scoring early on in the game against the run of play, when an error by Cave allowed the opposing forward a free run on goal and he took the opportunity well. The eagles then took control, and with Barnett, Lock and Ellis creating constant problems for the away defence, it was only a matter of time before the goals came. Debut boy Lambell was providing the ammunition on the wing, and in the space of ten minutes the ball was in the visitors net three times, with Lambell marking his debut with a finely taken goal. At 3-1 to the eagles, the game was effectively over, further shots against the bar and post marked the eagles superiority in the game at this time. However, with Coaches Wade and Hudson determined to test the players ability and character in this competitive fixture, changes were made at this time. Winton saw this as their chance to get back into the game and they reduced the defecit to 3-2 just before half-time. The eagles were told at half time why other changes were going to be made, and that they were going to be tested in the second half, and the players to their credit accepted this well. Winton however upped their game in the second half and with constant changes to the eagles team, they fired three goals past a startled Christopher in the Harrow Way goal to lead 5-3 with only ten minutes remaining. The eagles then reverted back to their starting formation, and immediatley pulled a goal back to give themselves a fighting chance. In the final minute with the Winton players begging the referee to blow for full-time, a free kick was awarded to Harrow Way just outside the penalty area. Captain Barnett picked the ball up, placed it carefully down, and struck it perfectly into the top left hand corner giving the goalkeeper no chance. 5-5, the eagles had passed their test, just, and the school’s unbeaten start to the season remained intact. Special mention to Danny Field and George Allmark who both showed a great attitude when the going got tough.
Star performance – Josh Barnett