Football: National Cup

The Year 11 boys’ football team had the opportunity to travel to the prestigious private school, Bradfield College, in the first round of the National Cup. This was an amazing experience for the GMS students, as it gave them an insight in to the private school system.

Arriving at Bradfield College, it was clear that the private sector had extensive sports grounds available to practise and play on. Driving through the village and past the rows and rows of various sports pitches gave the visiting students an idea of the true scale of the school. Finally, the school’s golf course car park was reached from where the team was directed to the pitch. The pitch was perfectly flat, evenly cut and had been freshly watered by their own sprinkler system.

Even before the game started the GMS students were taken aback by the completely alien environment. This translated onto the pitch; the Year 11s started slowly and conceded an early goal. This, however, sparked the team to life; they began to play some lovely passing football and, as a result, grew into the game. All their hard work resulted in a reward: Cody McCarthy finished off an excellent team move. The whole first half was a very even contest, which ended with the score 1-1.

At half time the Year 11s believed they could go in to the win the game.

In the second half the GMS team started brightly. An early goal came about as a result of Leo Beechey capitalising on a mistake from Bradfield College, he rounded off with calm and collected finish into the bottom corner of net. It was a “sweet” reward for their energy in a high pressure game.

As the second half unfolded, fitness levels began to become a factor: the Bradfield College team were used to playing on a much bigger pitch, so started to become more dangerous, offering wave after wave of attack. GMS students showed much resilience and courage to hold on to the lead. However, the constant pressure from Bradfield College was rewarded when a wonderful strike from 30 yards leveled the game; followed by a lapse in concentration by GMS that gifted Bradfield College with the lead,with just 10 minutes to go. GMS dug deep and rallied, but, sadly their effort could not catch the leaders, who won 4-2.

The celebrations at the end of the game by Bradfield College proved, to our boys how well they had performed and how fortunate Bradfield College were to go through. (Bradfield College had reached the final before, winning the competition the previous two years, so our students were very proud of how they played.)

Overall, it was a great experience to have the opportunity to play at a venue with such amazing facilities. The difference between state and the private sector was an education, yet on the field of play GMS were their equals. It may seem that the facilities at a state school are less prestigious, but the quality of football is not.