Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe
Primary Schools
Football Association
Affiliated to:
English Schools Football
Association (ESFA)
Inner London County Schools
Football Association (ILCSFA)
Latest
News:
1 May 2010 Season ends with thriller (more…)
23 Apr 2010 South London end Finch hopes (more…)
27 Mar 2010 District team hit for six in Finch slip up (more….)
20 Mar 2010 Win takes District team top of Lester Finch table (more…)
13 Mar 2010 District team win on the road (more…)
6 Mar 2010 Finch campaign off to winning start (more…)
27 Feb 2010 District team finally beat the weather but not
Lewisham (more…)
13 Feb 2010 No Kay semi final for District team (more…)
30 Jan 2010 Freeze continues to play havoc (more…)
23 Jan 2010 District team only fall at final hurdle (more...)
7 Jan 2010 Freeze 1 District Football 0 (more…)
6 Jan 2010 District team hope to beat the freeze (more…)
18 Dec 2009 District team thwarted by snow (more…)
12 Dec 2009 District team victory raises Kay Trophy semi final
hopes (more…)
5 Dec 2009 School Tests disrupt District programme (more…)
28 Nov 2009 Rain cancels trip to Inner
25 Nov 2009 District team start on the road to Wembley (more…)
21 Nov 2009 District team suffer first loss in Kay Trophy (more…)
14 Nov 2009 Late postponement as District
team washed out (more…)
7 Nov 2009 Last gasp victory for District team (more…)
5 Nov 2009
26 Oct 2009 Formal District Team squad for 2009/10 season
announced (more…)
24 Oct 2009 District team in goalfest thriller (more…)
17 Oct 2009 District team make it two from two (more…)
15 Oct 2009 Second
10 Oct 2009 Winning start for District team (more…)
4 Oct 2009 Team selected for opening District team fixture (more…)
30 Sep 2009 Twenty eight selected for final trial (more…)
27 Sep 2009 Trials underway for District team (more…)
22 Sep 2009 Trial dates and arrangements
announced for District team (more…)
10 Sep 2009 New term means new District Team to find (more…)
9 May 2009 Kay Trophy Final gives Bermondsey credit (more…)
9 May 2009 District players star again for County (more…)
6 May 2009 Two goals for District team player in County match (more…)
25 Apr 2009 Magnificent performance but Semi-Final curse hits
District team again (more…)
15 Apr 2009 Four District players selected to represent Inner
4 Apr 2009 Déjà vu as District team again hit by remarkable
comeback (more…)
28 Mar 2009 Lester Finch Trophy hopes hit by second half comeback (more…)
25 Mar 2009 Former District team player set for League One debut (more…)
24 Mar 2009 District team to face Lewisham in Kay Trophy Semi
Final (more…)
21 Mar 2009 No goals but great excitement as District team hold
Croydon (more…)
21 Mar 2009 Kay Trophy semi final spot secured for District team (more…)
14 Mar 2009 District team share the spoils in hard fought draw (more…)
7 Mar 2009 District team win a high quality encounter (more…)
2 Mar 2009 Kay Trophy semi final spot in the balance (more…)
28 Feb 2009 Narrow win opens Lester Finch Trophy campaign for
District team (more…)
22 Feb 2009 Kay Trophy news – the possibilities are endless (more…)
21 Feb 2009 Anxious wait for District team after Kay trophy defeat
(more….)
13 Feb 2009 More frustration with waterlogged pitch for District
team (more…)
5 Feb 2009 Snow causes postponement for District team (more…)
31 Jan 2009 District team return to winning ways with stylish Kay
Trophy victory (more…)
24 Jan 2009 Rain frustrates District team (more…)
17 Jan 2009 Redriff compete well but are unable to progress in
Davies Cup (more…)
17 Jan 2009 Bermondsey colours lowered for first time this season (more…)
7 Jan 2009 Freeze rules out 2009 opener for District Team (more…)
20 Dec 2008 Late equaliser denies District team seventh
consecutive win (more…)
16 Dec 2008
13 Dec 2008 Rain thwarts District team (more…)
6 Dec 2008 District team’s winning run continues (more…)
3 Dec 2008 New date for
Redriff’s Davies Cup attempt (more…)
3 Dec 2008 District team to face Bexley this weekend (more…)
29 Nov 2008 Washout for Redriff in Davies Cup (more…) Washout
25 Nov 2008 Redriff retain Sid Harker Cup (more…)
24 Nov 2008 Eight schools to battle it out for Sid Harker Cup (more…)
22 Nov 2008 District Team show “bouncebackability” to earn Kay
Trophy win (more…)
18 Nov 2008 Has your school entered the Sid Harker Cup? (more…)
15 Nov 2008 Only
a crossbar denies District Team county title (more…)
14 Nov 2008 Schools festivals and competition coming up this
month (more...)
13 Nov 2008 Scottish Award for former District Team player (more…)
8 Nov 2008 District team to set off on the road to Wembley (more...)
8 Nov 2008 District Team beat both the weather conditions and
Bexley (more...)
26 Oct 2008 Formal District Team squad for 2008/9 season announced
(more…)
25 Oct 2008 Goal glut as District team hit ten! (more…)
18 Oct 2008 Battling victory stretches unbeaten run for District
Team (more…)
18 Oct 2008 Referees generously raise the flag for our Association
(more…)
11 Oct 2008 Single goal earns District team victory (more…)
4 Oct 2008 Terrific opening performance from District team in
exciting draw (more…)
27 Sep 2008 Sixteen selected for opening fixture after final trial
(more…)
20 Sep 2008 Unexpected visitors at second District Team trial (more…)
13 Sep 2008 25
players selected for second trial for District Team (more…)
13 Sep 2008 The
search for a dog named Pickles!!! (…or at least some missing trophies!) (more…)
20 Aug 2008 District
team find out Kay Trophy opponents for the new season (more…)
6 Aug 2008 Former Bermondsey player a hit in
8 July 2008 Professional contract for former Bermondsey player (more…)
21 May 2008 Bermondsey duo help County team to
draw (more…)
10 May 2008 Fifth Bermondsey player represents Inner
7 May 2008 Three more District team players get County call up (more…)
28 Apr 2008 County honour for District team player (more)
7 Apr 2008 Bermondsey & Rotherhithe cup final stopped by an
air raid!!! (more…)
24 Mar 2008 Football League debut for former Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe player (more…)
2 Feb 2008 Praise for District players (more…)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe travelled
to Long Lane FC on Saturday for their last match of the season with a severely
depleted squad. With SEVEN of their regular squad missing it was a
somewhat different looking team that took the field, containing both
goalkeepers, and a debutant! Things got off to a bad start as the visitors
conceded a goal within five minutes of the kick off and faced an uphill
struggle - literally. However, despite the early setback Bermondsey's hastily
reshuffled team - instead of dropping their heads at losing an early goal
- showed great character and determination, and inspired by a splendid save by
goalkeeper Ademile Bakray
(Redriff) that prevented Woolwich doubling their lead, they produced some
excellent football playing up the slope. The Bermondsey players began to get
used to their positions and formation - which in some cases were rather
unfamiliar - and grew in confidence. The defence looked assured, being very
well marshalled by sweeper Michael Uanseru
(St. John's), and full backs Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) and Danny McManus
(Boutcher) were working hard to cope with the home side's mobile forwards. With
captain for the day Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) leading by example
in an unfamiliar central midfield role, Ifeayin David
(Rotherhithe) showing great responsibility in taking up a defensive
midfield role in front of the back four, and the industrious Archie Clowes
(Southwark Park) probing down the right hand side, the visitors were
looking the better team. Their efforts were rewarded with an equaliser
when Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange) slotted the ball home after a jinking solo run, and shortly afterwards the visitors took
the lead when Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) finished up off a neat move.
Bermondsey continued to play with great energy and industry and shortly
before half time increased their lead when Dennis Adeniran pushed forward
from midfield to finish neatly with his left foot. Before the kick off,
the visitors could not have envisaged such a wonderful first half display, but
were well worth their half time lead.
Bermondsey
made a couple of positional changes at half time, but Woolwich came
out strongly for the second half and they too showed that the slope was no
barrier to playing good football. However, the visitors continued to work hard
with debutant George Wright (St. John's) - who had originally only come
along to watch his classmate Michael Uanseru! - showing a commendable effort in
his first ever eleven a-side match, and regular goalkeeper Jacob Phillips
(Grange) producing an excellent display on the left hand side of
midfield. In a wonderfully open and entertaining match the hosts
scored midway through the second half, but despite the visitors having
chances to extend their lead, it was the home side who scored to draw
level and set up a tense and exciting climax. With the final whistle looming
and the match heading for the draw that both sides performances
merited, Bermondsey were dealt a cruel and undeserved blow when Woolwich
attacked down the right hand side and the resulting cross was turned in to his
own goal by a defender. It was a very harsh end to an extremely
entertaining and well fought match, in which the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
players gave an outstanding display that belied the fact that they were missing
so many players. All the players can feel extremely proud of themselves
and the character, determination, and skill that they showed against the odds
in their final match of the season!
Squad: Ademile Bakray
(Redriff) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) George Wright (St. John's) Michael
Uanseru (St. John's) Danny McManus (Boutcher) Archie Clowes (Southwark Park)
Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) Jacob
Phillips (Grange) Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff)
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe's hopes of qualifying for the final of this competition were ended
in the sunshine at Pynners Close in Dulwich on
Saturday. The visitors made a steady start to the match, holding a good shape
and making challenges in midfield. To begin with the back four coped
well with the threat from South London's two strong strikers, but the home side
took the lead following pressure from successive corners. This seemed to give
them confidence and with Bermondsey struggling to get their passing game going
on the uneven surface the lead was increased midway through the first
half. With half time approaching and the visitors looking as if they would
keep the scoreline intact until the break, they suffered a very harsh penalty
decision on the stroke of half time dealing them a cruel killer blow to go into
the break three goals down.
A reorganisation in defence and midfield brought about an immediate
improvement in the second half. Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) dropped back into
an unaccustomed sweeper's role and gave a very good performance in helping to
restrict the home side's chances to increase their lead. Bermondsey became more
confident and began to move the ball around and create some chances of their
own. South London did increase their lead but the visitors responded well and
were unlucky when Dennis Adeniran's (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) goal bound shot was
deflected onto a post. The visitors were also denied when Jordon Govind (Peter
Hills) popped up in the box to finish off a nice move down
the left flank, only to find that the referee had adjudged him to be offside.
The result now means that next Saturday's visit to Woolwich is academic with neither
side able to qualify for this year's final, although having had two close
and entertaining matches earlier in the season, a third will be anticipated.
Squad: Jacob Phillips (Grange) Jordon Govind (Peter Hills) Ethan
Braggington (Townsend) Danny McManus (Grange) Joseph Quigley
(Townsend) Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Archie Clowes (Southwark
Park) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange) Dennis
Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Ademile Bakray
(Redriff) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe's winning
run came to an abrupt end against Orpington at Dulwich Park on
Saturday. The hosts got off to a bright start when
Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) latched on to a long clearance from keeper Jacob
Phillips (Grange), but the watching supporters were stunned when he
uncharacteristically pushed the ball past the advancing keeper, but sadly also
wide of the post. Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for the home side
as they produced as poor a performance as at any time this season with a very
lacklustre first half display. Although Bermondsey were already missing
both their leading goalscorer and their sweeper before the start of the match,
and had another couple of players carrying little knocks, the strength in depth
of the squad should still have been enough to make them competitive. However,
the excellent spirit, determination, and attitude that brought three
consecutive victories without conceding a goal, was sadly
lacking. Orpington were able to take advantage scoring four times without
reply before the interval.
A couple of changes at half time brought about an instant improvement at the
start of the second half. Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange) returned to the pitch
after taking a knock and his determined running took him clear of the
visitors defence on several occasions, but the Orpington keeper came off
his line well each time to deny him a clear shot at goal. However, he
finally found the net in unusual fashion when he headed home
Jordan Akpangni's well delivered corner. Bermondsey got themselves back
into the game when Jordon Govind (Peter Hills), playing in an unaccustomed
midfield role, drove the ball home strongly following another
Jordan Akpangni corner. The home side were now playing with the confidence
and enthusiasm that had deserted them in the first half and almost scored again
when Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) saw the Orpington keeper brilliantly tip his
left foot drive over the bar. With ten minutes left, Bermondsey were taking the
game to the opposition and putting them under pressure, and looking as if they
could salvage the game. However, they were to suffer one of those cruel
moments in football when the game changes. Yet another Jordan Akpangni
corner caused problems for the Orpington defence but no-one could provide the
finishing touch to tap the ball over the line. From the clearance the visitors
broke away to make the score 5-2, when it could so easily have been 4-3 just
seconds before. With Bermondsey & Rotherhithe pressing forward the visitors
added another breakaway goal just before the
end to leave the home side rueing an inept first half performance and
missed scoring opportunities, and contemplating what might have been.
They now have to wait until after the Easter break for the opportunity to keep
alive their their hopes of qualifying in this competition with
matches against South London and Woolwich.
Squad: Jacob Phillips (Grange) Jordon Govind (Peter Hills) Ethan
Braggington (Townsend) Danny McManus (Boutcher) Joseph Quigley
(Townsend) Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Archie Clowes (Southwark
Park) Billy Amor (Alfred Salter) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe)
Harrison Neto (St. James) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Jefferson
Eghobamien (Grange) Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
made it two wins from two matches in this competition, but were made to fight
all the way to the final whistle by a strong and determined Croydon team at a
wet and windy Dulwich Park on Saturday. The home side - in a confident mood
after back to back 3-0 away wins - settled quickly and were the first to create
a chance when centre back Danny McManus (Boucher) released Dennis Adeniran (St.
Joseph's Gomm Rd) on Bermondsey's left flank with a well timed pass. His strong
run took him to the edge of the Croydon penalty area where he cut inside the
full back to strike a dipping shot that when just over the crossbar. With
midfielders Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) and Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange)
covering almost every part of the pitch, and Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) and
Joseph Quigley (Townsend) providing passes of quality, Bermondsey's free
running forwards Dennis Adeniran and Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) were
causing the Croydon defence problems with their skilful interplay. However, the
visitors defence proved to be strong and resolute and the home side were unable
to turn their pressure into clear cut scoring opportunities. Ironically,
possibly the best chance of the half came on the stroke of half time when a
Croydon forward broke free of the Bermondsey defence, but goalkeeper Jacob Phillips
(Grange) came off his line superbly to smother the ball at the oncoming
forward's feet. It would have been an injustice if Croydon had scored, as it
was Bermondsey who had the better of first half but did not have a goal to show
for their fine all-round team performance.
Bermondsey came out for the second half just as determined as they had
been in the first, and the half time substitutions and positional changes
brought an instant result. Within minutes of the restart Jordon Govind (Peter
Hills), coming on at right back, fed Jefferson Eghobamien - now released from
central midfield to a free role on the right flank - whose run took him
into the visitors' penalty area and he slipped the ball calmly past the advancing
keeper to give the home side a deserved lead. Bermondsey continued to press for
that all-important second goal, but the well-organised Croydon team absorbed
the pressure and began to get back into the game. Despite the wind
and the rain the two teams produced some fine end to end football,
and the last ten minutes were tense and exciting. The home side were
relieved when substitute keeper Ademile Bakray (Redriff) make a brilliant
double save at his near post just moments after coming onto the pitch, and shortly
afterwards saw a cross shot roll across the face of their goal. With sweeper
Michael Uanseru (St. John's) making several good interceptions, and late
substitute Harrison Neto (St. James) showing great determination supporting the
defence, the home side were able to deny the visitors any further scoring
opportunities and clinch victory. Croydon will feel disappointed at not taking
a point, but Bermondsey were not to be denied as they produced yet another
excellent team performance. They now leapfrog Croydon at the top of their
qualifying group and look to maintain that position with another Lester Finch
Trophy match against Orpington at Dulwich Park next Saturday.
Squad: Jacob Phillips
(Grange) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) Danny McManus (Boucher) Michael
Uanseru (St. John's) Joseph Quigley (Townsend) Zak Snelgrove (St. James) Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) Jefferson Eghobamien
(Grange) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) Dennis Adeniran (St.
Joseph's Gomm Rd) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Jordon Govind (Peter Hills) Billy Amor (Alfred Salter)
Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Harrison Neto (St. James)
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe made the trip up the A5 for this friendly match against Brent, and
came away with what was, in the end, a comfortable victory. Both teams were
keen to give their squads a run out and with Bermondsey only one short of their
full strength squad of 17, the opportunity
was taken to play three sessions of twenty minutes each, in order to give the
squad some much needed time on the pitch.
On a firm pitch in very good condition both sides settled well and produced a
first session of quick and entertaining end to end football. It was the
visitors who took the lead after just four minutes when Dennis Adeniran
(St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) latched on to Michael Uanseru's (St. John's) free kick
to finish neatly from 10 yards out. Brent responded well with several quick
breaks and the visitors were perhaps a little fortunate when the pacy Brent
centre forward broke clear of their back four on two occasions, only to fire
his shots wide of the target both times. Prompted by centre half Ethan
Braggington (Townsend) playing the ball calmly out from the back, Bermondsey
passed the ball well and doubled their lead after 15 minutes when Dennis
Adeniran took advantage of the home side's indecison, following Michael Uanseru's
corner, to tap in at the far post. However, Brent finished the first session
strongly forcing several corners and hitting the post, to show Bermondsey
that the game was far from won.
At the first interval, Bermondsey rang the changes making four
substitutions but the home side started the second session as strongly as
they finished the first. The visitors survived two early scares,
firstly when a well struck shot hit the bar, and again shortly afterwards
when keeper Ademile Bakray (Redriff) came off his line to smother the ball to
deny the Brent forwards. From this moment Bermondsey took control of the game
with Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) supporting the attack down
the right flank, but they surprisingly had only two real chances to
extend their lead. A determined run from Harrison Neto (St. James) took
him to the edge of the Brent penalty area where he fired his shot towards the
goal, only to see the ball tipped round the post by the home keeper.
However, the lead was extended shortly afterwards when a first time through
ball from Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) was brilliantly volleyed goalwards by
Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) and the home keeper could only help the
ball on its way into the net.
For the final session Bermondsey again made several changes
and, apart from a quick break where Brent's pacy centre forward was denied
by keeper Jacob Phillips (Grange) saving well with his legs at his near post,
the defence was largely untroubled. With Joseph Quigley (Townsend)
and Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) linking very well down the left flank, and
Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange) making strong runs from deep positions, the
visitors dominated the final session, but despite forcing several corners and
creating a number of half chances, they were unable to extend their lead.
However, the journey across London was well worth it as another fine all
round team performance, with every squad member getting a good run out and
making a significant contribution, gave them another deserved victory.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe are now set up for two consecutive home matches in
the Lester Finch Trophy, beginning with a very tough match against Croydon at
Dulwich Park next Saturday.
Squad: Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) Ethan Braggington
(Townsend) Danny McManus (Grange) Joseph Quigley (Townsend) Zak Snelgrove (St.
James) Michael Uanseru (St. John's) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) Harrison
Neto (St. James) Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Jefferson Eghobamien
(Grange) Jacob Phillips (Grange) Jordon Govind (Peter Hills) Kevin Mockey (St.
Joseph's Gomm Rd) Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff)
Saturday 6th
March 2010
An excellent team performance gave Bermondsey & Rotherhithe a thoroughly
deserved victory in this opening match of their Lester Finch campaign at
Crayford. The value of having a good squad was demonstrated today as the
visitors were missing four players! Despite this, the players responded quickly
and positively to several positional changes and were the first side to settle.
Electing to play up the slope in the first half, Bermondsey showed great
determination and team spirit to prevent the home side taking
advantage of it. This was typified by Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) whose industrious
performance on the left side of midfield set the tone for the rest of
the team. He was well supported in central midfield by Billy
Amor (Alfred Salter), and by Joseph Quigley (Townsend) on the left flank.
Steady performances from Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) and Danny McManus
(Grange) with good organisation from goalkeeper Jacob Phillips (Grange)
gave the defence a confident and assured look, but it was Michael Uanseru (St. John's), marshalling the defence from his
new found role in the back four, that was largely responsible for Bexley's
scoring opportunities being restricted to just a couple of long range
shots. At the other end Bermondsey had chances to take the lead but could
feel very pleased with a job well done in turning round without conceding a
goal.
Having done most of the hard work in the first half, Bermondsey
still had more to do in the second even with the slope in their
favour. However, they got the good start that they needed with
Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) finishing off a neat move down the right
side to beat the Bexley keeper at his near post. Bermondsey now began
to pass the ball around neatly on the large bumpy pitch and it was no surprise
when the lead was doubled as stand-in skipper Ethan Braggington (Townsend)
took a quick throw-in to release Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) whose confident
run took him into the penalty area where his carefully angled shot went in off
the far post. The home side responded well however and produced a spell of
pressure resulting in a series of corners and a scare for the visitors when a
well struck shot hit the underside of the bar. Once this storm had been
weathered though, the visitors finished strongly. Substitute Harrison Neto (St.
James) showed great determination and persistence to win the ball in
midfield and his run took him to the edge of the penalty area where he fed
the ball to leading goalscorer Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) whose own
persistence was rewarded when he slipped the ball past the keeper to give
Bermondsey the three points.
Squad: Jacob Phillips (Grange), Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge), Danny
McManus (Grange), Michael Uanseru (St. John's), Joseph Quigley (Townsend),
Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd), Ethan Braggington (Townsend), Billy Amor
(Alfred Salter), Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd), Jordan Akpangni
(Redriff), Harrison Neto (St. James), Ademile Bakray (Redriff)
Perhaps appreciating
the opportunity to play on a day when many matches were probably called
off, the Bermondsey players took to the field in this friendly match at Lewisham's
Elm Lane ground in a much more positive and determined fashion than in
their previous match. However, it was their hosts who took an early lead
when their lively centre forward finished off a nice move following
some neat play down their left flank. Despite this early setback, the
visitors - missing four of their squad - began to settle into the
game but were again undone by Lewisham's dangerous centre forward who struck
twice more within the first fifteen minutes to complete his hat trick!
The visitors could easily have folded but with Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange) again providing energy
and strength to the centre of midfield, and Archie Clowes (Southwark Park)
working well down the right hand side, they got themselves back into the game.
The strong running of their own strikers, Jordan Akpangni
(Redriff) and Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd), put the home defence
under pressure, forcing them to concede several corners and a penalty which
Dennis Adeniran converted confidently. Although Bermondsey were now looking
more comfortable and beginning to pass the ball around nicely on the
unexpectedly firm surface, they were susceptible to the long ball over the top
of their back four, and the Lewisham centre forward took advantage of this
twice more to give the home side a somewhat flattering 5-1 half time lead!
Bermondsey made some positional changes at half time - most notably
moving Michael Uanseru (St.
John's) into the centre of defence - and this, together with an increased
work rate throughout the team, managed to restrict the service to Lewisham's
front men. The visitors continued to play with increased commitment and
confidence, with Joseph Quigley (Townsend) and Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) linking well
together down their left flank, and Zak Snelgrove (St. James) and Jordon Govind
(Peter Hills) defending well on the right.
This was rewarded when Jordan Akpangni's nicely placed angled shot reduced the arrears. In an entertaining and competitive
second half both teams were looking to pass the ball and attack, but it
was Lewisham who scored next to restore their four goal advantage. The
visitors were not finished however and got another goal back before the end -
ironically reduced to ten men through a couple of late injuries - when Michael
Uanseru slotted home their second penalty of the match.
Although this was a second consecutive defeat for Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe, it was a much improved performance against a strong and
well-organised Lewisham team, which should set them up well for a run of matches
in the Lester Finch Trophy starting with a trip to Bexley next Saturday.
Squad: Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Zak Snelgrove (St. James) Jordon Govind (Peter
Hills) Ethan Braggington (Townsend) Danny McManus (Boucher) Archie
Clowes (Southwark Park) Michael Uanseru (St. John's) Jefferson Eghobamien
(Grange) Joseph Quigley (Townsend) Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd)
Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Jacob Phillips (Grange) Ifeayin David
(Rotherhithe)
On this chilly Saturday when morning
when they should have been keen to get back into action after a series of
postponements, Bermondsey & Rotherhithe were really caught cold and
saw their hopes of making a fifth successive appearance in the semi final of
this competition disappear. Right from the kick off Islington showed their
desire and determination and with almost their first attack forced a corner. A
combination of a well struck kick and very poor marking saw a well placed
header give the visitors a very early lead. Within minutes the lead was doubled
as Islington pushed forward, creating indecision in the Bermondsey defence as
poor marking again led to the home side conceding. Bermondsey were very
slow to get to the ball and make challenges so it was no surprise when they
fell further behind as an Islington player was able to run unopposed into the
penalty area to fire home. With less than a quarter of the match gone the home
side found themselves three goals down and in need of something fresh. The
introduction of Jefferson
Eghobamien (Grange) - playing in an unaccustomed central position - brought
some much needed pace and energy to a midfield that had lacked its
usual strength and sharpness. With a defensive reorganisation seeing Billy
Amor (Alfred Salter) impress at left back, and Danny McManus (Boutcher) working
hard in the centre of defence, Bermondsey began to look more like the team that
had lost only once this season. Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's) and Jefferson Eghobamien
were able to produce a couple of trademark runs, one of which led to a
free kick on the edge of the Islington area. Unfortunately Michael
Uanseru's (St. John's) nicely placed free kick was dealt with by the
keeper and Islington were able to go on to add a fourth goal before the break.
The second
half saw a much improved performance from Bermondsey & Rotherhithe. The
players showed much more effort and determination, and began to make the sort
of challenges that should have been made in the first half, denying Islington
any further serious scoring attempts. Enjoying more possession, the home
side were now able to take the game to their opponents, with Jefferson
Eghobamien continuing to work hard in midfield, supported by Michael
Uanseru, and Billy Amor trying to get things moving down the left flank.
However, despite their improved effort, the home side were unable to create the
chances to bring them back into the game, and they were left to rue their
rather uncharacteristically slow and sluggish first half performance,
particularly the first fifteen minutes that effectively cost them the match.
With their Kay
Trophy campaign over, Bermondsey & Rotherhithe look forward to the
remainder of the season which will see them play five matches in the Lester
Finch Trophy, starting with an away match against Bexley on 6th March. The team
returns to action after the half term break with a friendly match on Saturday
27th February.
Team: Jacob
Phillips (Grange), Jordon Govind (Peter Hills), Ethan Braggington (Townsend)
Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) Danny McManus (Grange), Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's
Gomm Rd), Archie Clowes (Southwark Park), Michael Uanseru (St. John's), Billy
Amor (Alfred Salter), Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd),
Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange) Ifeayin David
(Rotherhithe), Ademile Bakray (Redriff), Harrison Neto (St. James)
The winter
freeze continues to play havoc with schools football with today’s Kay trophy
match between Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Primary Schools District team and
Islington Schools called off due to a frozen pitch. Whilst the overnight snow
did not cause too much alarm the rock hard surface below would have been
dangerous to play on and so frustratingly yet another game had to be called
off. The fixture will now be played in two weeks time on Saturday 13th
February.
ESFA 7 a Sides
-Inner London County Schools Round
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe made an
excellent return to football after their prolonged break, playing in the
twice-postponed County Round of the English Schools FA Inter-District
7 a-side competition at Burgess Park on Saturday. This tournament is the
first step on the road to Wembley for District teams and all nine Inner London
teams were taking part.
The tournament proved to be every bit as tough as expected with Bermondsey not
only playing in a group of five, but also being drawn in what looked to be
the stronger of the two groups. Although the 3G astroturf surface gave the
tournament some protection against the weather causing another postponement,
the smaller sized goals meant that scoring was going to be difficult,
particularly in a tough group. And so it proved .....
In a tough opening match Bermondsey faced local rivals South
London - the only team to beat Bermondsey so far this season. Chances were
few and far between and with both goalkeepers dealing competently with whatever
came their way, it was no surprise that the match finished goalless. In their
second group match Bermondsey played Tower Hamlets and delighted not only their
own parents and supporters, but also the watching scouts from professional
football clubs, with a wonderful display of football. Overcoming the
limitations of a narrow pitch, the Bermondsey players produced some
excellent free-flowing football, including one move starting with a roll
out from the goalkeeper that involved every player in the team, culminating in
a shot at goal. Unfortunately, the quality of first time passing and movement
off the ball was not matched by the quality of the finishing. That, combined
with a couple of outstanding saves from the Tower Hamlets goalkeeper and some
stirling defending, meant another goalless match. Woolwich were Bermondsey's
next opponents and another tough match was anticipated. However, with the
confidence gained from their performance in the previous match, and
goalkeeper Jacob Phillips and defenders Ethan Braggington and Joe Quigley
looking very solid and comfortable at the back, Bermondsey took the game to
Woolwich looking for that first goal and vital win. Unfortunately, despite
another fine team performance with hard work in midfield from Billy Amor and
Archie Clowes, and pacy running from Jordan Akpangni that elusive goal
just didn't materialise. So, after three consecutive 0-0 draws,
qualification for the semi final rested on the last two games in the group -
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe v Hackney (the only team to score a goal and win a
match in the group thus far) and Tower Hamlets v Woolwich. By virtue of
their win against Tower Hamlets - and all the other group matches finishing
goalless - Hackney were virtually guaranteed a semi final place, but a good win
for Bermondsey could have seen them qualify for the semi finals as group
winners. In another close and exciting game Bermondsey finally managed to score
- although it did require a penalty! Dennis Adineran's strong run - a feature
of his play throughout the tournament - took him into the penalty area where he
was brought down. After brief treatment for his knock, Dennis picked himself up
to score from the spot and give Bermondsey the lead! With the other remaining
group match being goalless it looked as if both teams would progress to
the semi final stage, but Hackney broke away to equalise with two minutes left
to produce a tense finish to the game. With no further goals in either match,
Hackney progressed to the semi finals as group winners, with Bermondsey sneaking
through in second place ahead of South London and Woolwich who, whilst also
remaining undefeated in the group and level on points with Bermondsey, had
failed to score.
The other qualifying group - although not as strong - was equally
tight, with Lewisham and Camden finishing joint top with
identical records. Therefore a toss of the coin was required to
decide Bermondsey's semi final opponents and it turned out to be Lewisham -
some observers pre-tournament favourites and holders of the Tower Hamlets Cup,
having beaten Bermondsey & Rotherhithe in last year's final! However, it
was a confident and positive Bermondsey team that took to the field for the
semi final. In another fine team performance, typified by the hard working
Michael Uanseru in midfield, Bermondsey were more than a match for their
opponents. It took several fine saves from the Lewisham goalkeeper to keep his
side in the match, and it wasn't until extra time that Bermondsey clinched
a deserved victory. Skipper Ethan Braggington capped an excellent
morning's football by scoring from close range after managing a rare break
forward from his defensive duties. With Hackney edging out Camden in the other
semi final, the final was to be between two teams from that same strong
qualifying group.
Although both teams had worked hard to get to the final and must have been
exhausted by their efforts, they produced an excellent match worthy of any
county final. It was Hackney who managed to take the lead but the pace and
strength of Dennis Adeniran was again causing the Hackney defence problems
and it was another one of his fine runs that saw him release the ball to Kevin
Mockey to score a deserved equaliser. It was no surprise to see this final game
of the tournament, between two such well matched teams, go into extra
time. Both teams had chances but with both goalkeepers producing fine
saves it was beginning to look like it would need penalties to decide the
eventual winners when a Bermondsey attack broke down, possession was lost, and
a quick break produced the opportunity for a very well taken goal for
Hackney to snatch victory in a match that neither side deserved to lose. It was
of course a disappointing end to a long and hard morning's football, but one in
which everyone associated with Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA can be justly
proud of this 7 a-side squad. The players worked hard, produced some
excellent football, and showed a wonderful sporting attitude both on
and off the field. They were a credit to themselves, their parents, and their
schools - and of course to the Association. Well done boys!!!
Squad: Jacob Phillips (Grange) Ethan Braggington (Townsend) Joseph
Quigley (Townsend) Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) Michael Uanseru (St.
John's) Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Billy Amor (Alfred Salter)
Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd)
Despite
Saturday’s event being moved to the “all weather” artificial surface at Burgess
Park the snow and ice has managed to beat the best efforts of the Inner London
County Schools Football Association and for the second time this season the
county round of the national District seven a side competition has been
cancelled. A re arranged date is currently being arranged.
The Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools District team now hope to return to action
after the extended Christmas break on Saturday 16th January with a friendly
fixture to allow all the squad to get a run out.
The Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools FA District team will hope to beat the winter
freeze as well as the other Inner London Association’s District teams on Saturday
at the rescheduled Inner London County Schools FA seven a side competition. The
event usually takes place at the Marathon Sports Ground in Charlton but has
been moved to the 3G Astro pitch at Burgess Park in Southwark in an attempt to beat the weather. The event, which sees the
winners awarded the Tower Hamlets Cup, has already been cancelled once due to
bad weather and needs to take place soon to allow the winners to progress to
represent the County in the regional round of the national competition. Last
season Bermondsey and Rotherhithe were runners up, losing a thrilling final to
Lewisham by a single goal in extra time after hitting the underside of the bar
in the last minute of normal time which had the ball gone in instead of
bouncing off the line would have seen Bermondsey crowned champions and as such
enter the South East England regional round.
Two years ago
our neighbours Lewisham not only won the
Tower Hamlets Cup and the South East England regional event, but went on to
appear in and win the national finals held at Wembley Stadium prior to the
England Schools Under 19 v Scotland Schools Under 19 fixture and nine years ago
Bermondsey and Rotherhithe themselves made the national finals at Wembley
Stadium.
Saturday’s
competition will be played in two league groups under mini soccer rules – with
the top two in each group competing in the semi final round.
The Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools FA District team have once again been
frustrated by the weather with tomorrow’s inter District game with Orpington a
casualty of the heavy snow falls on Thursday night and Friday morning leaving
the Orpington pitch under a blanket of frozen snow.
An excellent all-round team
performance brought Bermondsey & Rotherhithe a deserved victory at Long
Lane FC to keep alive their hopes of a semi final place in this
competition. Playing their first match since 21st November, the visitors looked
very sharp right from the kick off. Playing down the slope they took the game
to Woolwich and took the lead with their first attack. Kevin Mockey (St.
Joseph's Gomm Rd) broke free down the right hand side and fed the ball to
Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) whose strong shot hit the underside of
the bar, fortunately bouncing over the goal line before coming back into play.
The home side responded quickly, forcing keeper Jacob Phillips (Grange)
into an excellent diving save, tipping a fiercely driven shot onto the bar.
This seemed to inspire Bermondsey & Rotherhithe who began to play with more
confidence, passing the ball well and putting the home defence under pressure
with several well directed through balls finding their pacy forwards
making well timed runs. It was no surprise when the visitors doubled their lead
when the hard working Michael Uanseru (St. John's) was the provider for
leading goalscorer Dennis Adineran to take his tally to nine goals in
just five matches.
Woolwich rallied with their own pacy forwards putting the visitors' defence
under pressure, but with Joseph Quigley (Townsend) - producing an
impressive performance at left back - and Danny McManus
(Boutcher) largely dealing with the threat of Woolwich's
'danger man' on their left flank, Bermondsey & Rotherhithe were able to
take control of the game, but not before the 'danger man' brought another
fine save from Jacob Phillips, this time the keeper saving well with
his feet. The defence looked secure with captain
The visitors knew that despite a 3-0 half time lead the
game wasn't won, as they would have to work even harder in the second
half playing up the slope. Half time substitutes Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge)
and Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) - the latter playing in a slightly
unaccustomed defensive midfield role - slotted in well and the visitors defence
held out until midway through the second half. Woolwich were using the
slope well and working hard to back into the game. This they did with a well struck
shot finding the back of the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe net. Woolwich
continued to press but substitute goalkeeper Ademile Bakray (Redriff) dealt
well with a couple of long range shots, but he was unable to keep out a very
well struck free kick from just outside the box to give Woolwich hope
of snatching a point. Bermondsey & Rotherhithe could have faced a nervous last
seven minutes but with Zak Snelgrove (St. James) supporting the defence from
midfield, and the back four keeping their shape and discipline, the home side
were denied any chance to equalise. With a few minutes left Jefferson
Eghobamien (Grange) - whose strong runs had caused the home
defence problems throughout the second half - was released along the
left touchline by Ifeayin David. His cross could only be parried by the
goalkeeper, giving Archie Clowes, following up from
midfield, the chance to slot the ball home to round off a
fine team performance where every player had made a significant contribution.
The team face a trip to Orpington next Saturday for a friendly match to
complete the first half of a season.
Team: Jacob
Phillips (Grange) Jordan Govind (Peter Hills) Ethan Braggington
(Townsend) Danny McManus (Boutcher) Joseph
Quigley (Townsend) Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Michael Uanseru (St.
John's) Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) Billy Amor (Alfred
Salter) Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Jordan Akpangni
(Redriff) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) Jefferson
Eghobamien (Grange) Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Zak Snelgrove (St. James)
Bermondsey and
Rotherhithe Primary Schools District team have been forced to pull out of
Saturday’s friendly fixture with
Bermondsey and
Rotherhithe Primary Schools District team had a frustrating morning as they
assembled for the Inner London County Round of the English Schools FA seven a
side tournament to find that heavy overnight rain had caused the waterlogging
of the Marathon Sports Ground venue. The event will now need to be rearranged
as the winner District enter the South
This Saturday
sees the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association
District Team take a break from eleven a side football as they head down to the
Marathon Sports Ground in Charlton to take part in the Inner London County
Schools FA seven a side competition – known as the Tower Hamlets Cup. Here they
will compete with the other districts that make up the Inner
Two years ago
our neighbours Lewisham not only won the
Tower Hamlets Cup and the South East England regional event, but went on to
appear in and win the national finals held at Wembley Stadium prior to the
England Schools Under 19 v Scotland Schools Under 19 fixture and nine years ago
Bermondsey and Rotherhithe themselves made the national finals at Wembley
Stadium.
Saturday’s
competition will be played in two league groups under mini soccer rules – with
the top two in each group competing in the semi final round.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe's unbeaten start to the season was brought to an abrupt
end at Dulwich Park on Saturday. Playing their first competitive match of the
season the home side settled well with their defence looking steady and the
midfield holding their shape well. Despite a couple of breaks from the
visitors, Bermondsey & Rotherhithe played well up the slope and created the
first chances of the match. Through balls from Archie Clowes (Southwark Park)
and Ethan Braggington (Townsend) released the home forwards and it needed a
fine save by the South London keeper to deny Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange)
cutting in strongly from the left. With Billy Amor (Alfred Salter) and Joe
Quigley (Townsend) supporting each other to snuff out any attacks on their
defensive left flank, midway through the first half the home side looked to be
in control of the game. However, the visitors kept working hard and got
themselves back into the game approaching half time, forcing a couple of
corners. Bermondsey & Rotherhithe defended one of these corners
poorly and failed to clear the ball, allowing a South London player to stab the
ball home from six yards to give the visitors an undeserved half time
lead.
Having come from behind to win and
draw their previous two matches it was a lively Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe team that came out for the second half. Looking brighter
and sharper than at the end of the first half, the home side pressured
their local rivals, forcing a series of corners. Jordan Akpangni (Redriff)
caused problems with his corners keeping the visitors penned in their
own penalty area for several minutes, but Ifeayin David's (Rotherhithe) header
going just past the post was as close as Bermondsey & Rotherhithe got to
levelling the scores. After surviving this period of sustained pressure, South
London scored a second goal with a long ball releasing their forwards to
outpace the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe defence. With Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe pushing forward in attempt to get that elusive goal, they were
vulnerable to the counter attack and were twice more outpaced as the visitors
sealed victory with two more breakaway goals.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe can still
qualify for the semi finals of this competition with matches against Woolwich
and Islington to come in December and January, but before that the
district team takes a break from 11 a-side football next Saturday when they
will take part in the County round of the English Schools FA 7 a-side
competition which will take place at the Marathon ground. All nine Inner London
district teams will be competing for the Tower Hamlets Cup and the title of
Inner London 7 a-side champions. Let's hope that this year's squad can go one
better than last year when we finished runners up to Lewisham.
Team: Jacob Phillips (Grange) Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Jordan Govind (Peter Hills) Ethan Braggington (Townsend) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) Danny McManus (Boutcher) Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) Michael Uanseru (St. John's) Harrison Neto (St. James) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) Zak Snelgrove (St. James) Joseph Quigley (Townsend) Billy Amor (Alfred Salter) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange)
A heavy
overnight downpour on top of the large amounts of rain that fell during the week
caused the late postponement of Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools
Football association District team’s fixture against Hackney Primary Schools.
Whilst the pitches at Hackney’s Douglas Eyre Sports Ground were playable on
Friday the overnight rain proved to be too much for the pitches which became
waterlogged and so the game was duly cancelled. The side will now look ahead to
their first competition game of the season, after remaining unbeaten during the
friendly matches already played, when they take on South London at Dulwich Park
next Saturday.
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe maintained their unbeaten start to the season, but were made
to work hard by Woolwich Primary Schools at
Both sides made several changes at half time in this friendly match and it was
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe who settled more quickly at the start of the
second half. The introduction of full backs Zak Snelgrove (St. James') and Joe
Quigley (Townsend) gave the home defence a more composed look about it.
With Ethan Braggington (Townsend) making several well-timed tackles
and interceptions, the visitors found chances more difficult to come by.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe learned from their first half mistakes and raised
their game to match their opponents in midfield, winning more of the ball and keeping
possession better. This was rewarded half way through the second half when
a flowing move down the left flank involving Joe Quigley, Harrison
Neto and Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) was calmly finished off by Denis Adeniran.
This proved to be the turning point as Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
gained momentum and pinned the visitors in their own half for long periods.
However, they had to wait until five minutes before the end of the match
before drawing level. Ethan Braggington capped an outstanding performance at centre
back by bringing the ball calmly out of defence and his through ball
released Kevin Mockey who ran on into the box to slip the ball past the
advancing keeper. With the home side taking control of the match, the
visitors found themselves under continuous pressure and, with three minutes
left, Michael Uanseru (
Still tougher tests await this developing team, with a visit to Hackney Primary
Schools for another friendly match next week, followed a week later by
their first competition match - a home Kay Trophy fixture against local
rivals South London.
Team: Jacob Phillips (Grange) Ademile Bakray
(Redriff) Jordan Govind (Peter Hills) Ethan Braggington (Townsend) Ben
Johnstone (Tower Bridge) Danny McManus (Boutcher) Kevin Mockey (St.
Joseph's Gomm Rd) Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) Michael Uanseru (St. John's)
Harrison Neto (St. James) Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Ifeayin
David (Rotherhithe) Zak Snelgrove (St. James) Joseph Quigley
(Townsend) Billy Amor (Alfred Salter) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff)
Former
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District Team
player Matthias Fanimo tonight scored his first international goal when playing
for England Under 16s against Northern Ireland at Chester City FC - his third
England appearance. Matthias, now at West Ham United’s academy, was a pupil at
Redriff Primary school, representing the District team in the 2004/5 season
where he featured mainly on the wing but has adjusted this season to play as a
striker for both club and country,
Following the
first three friendly fixtures of the season, during which the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
Primary Schools Football Association District team has remained unbeaten, the
final squad for the 2009/2010 season has been announced. As in previous years,
the games in the first half term have been used to trial players and also give
players opportunities in different positions in order to give them their best
chance of making the final squad. Once again too, there have been surprises
along the way and some players have found they can excel in positions they had
never thought about playing before.
The players
selected will remain in the squad for the season providing they maintain the
high standards they have met so far, both on at off the field. Being a schools
District footballer is so much more than just turning up each Saturday morning
to play a football match. Squad members have been selected to play for a
representative team and have responsibility to both their own schools and the
area they are representing. Other districts, their players, parents, teachers
and officials will get an impression of Bermondsey & Rotherhithe through
the conduct and attitude of our players. Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA are
proud of their reputation and look forward to seeing this year’s squad continue
to maintain enhance the associations standing in schools football. The
Association would also like to thank all the parents, teachers, schools and
pupils who have supported and taken part in the process to select this year’s
squad,
The players
selected for the District Team for the 2009/2010 season are:
|
Name |
School |
Position |
|
Jacob Phillips |
Grange |
Goalkeeper |
|
Ademile Bakray |
Redriff |
Goalkeeper |
|
Jordan Govind |
|
Defence |
|
Ben Johnstone |
|
Defence |
|
Danny McManus |
Boutcher |
Defence |
|
Ethan Braggington |
Townsend |
Defence |
|
Joseph Quigley |
Townsend |
Defence |
|
Zak Snelgrove |
St James |
Defence/Midfield |
|
Kevin Mockey |
|
Midfield |
|
Archie Clowes |
|
Midfield |
|
Michael Uanseru |
|
Midfield |
|
Billy Amor |
Alfred Salter |
Midfield |
|
Harrison Neto |
St James |
Midfield |
|
Ifeayin David |
Rotherhithe |
Midfield |
|
Jefferson Eghobamien |
Grange |
Forward |
|
Dennis Adeniran |
|
Forward |
|
Jordan Akpangni |
Redriff |
Forward |
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe maintained their unbeaten start to the season with an
exciting and high scoring draw against Camden Primary Schools at
Finding
themselves behind in a District match for the first time this season Bermondsey
rallied well and Billy Amor (Alfred Salter) provided a good outlet on the left
as they started to play with more width. From a well flighted cross of his,
Kevin Mockey (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) was able to find a yard of space in the
area and craftily slipped in Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) to his right who made no
mistake to fire home past the impressive Camden keeper and level the scores.
The see-saw nature of the game continued however as Camden once again got their
noses in front, drilling home a free kick into the corner of the net via a
deflection and then stretching the lead to a two goal advantage when a quick
break saw them release their centre forward for a run on goal, albeit looking
suspiciously in an offside position, before sliding the ball home.
Shortly before
the break Bermondsey reduced the deficit back to a single goal when Michael
Uanseru (
The second
period saw both defences tighten up and the game adopt more shape. However the
pace of the Bermondsey forwards continued to proved a threat and after a
sustained period of pressure Dennis Adeniran rose unopposed to head home a
cross from the right and once again level the scores. It looked as if
Bermondsey may be able to kick on and win the game from this point but Camden
got themselves in front yet again – having received a let off when an offside
decision saved them and saw a Camden goal chalked off Bermondsey failed to
reorganise and from the restart
immediately lost possession and following confusion in trying to clear allowed
the ball to arrive at the feet of a Camden forward to shoot home from twelve
yards.
Having worked
so hard to get back into the game Bermondsey could have dropped their heads but Jordan Akpangni’s
direct running continued to pose problems for the hosts and escaping down the
right flank he was able to cut into the box and stab the ball into the goal at the second attempt after his initial effort
had been well saved by the keeper.
Both sides
sought to find a winner and the last five minutes saw some breathless end to
end football with both sides having good chances to find a winner – Camden rasping
the ball against the upright being the closest but the final whistle saw the
match end at five all.
Team: Jacob
Phillips (Grange) Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Jordan Govind (
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe were made to fight hard for their victory in this friendly
match at
The home side started the second half as strongly as they finished the first
and began to control the game resulting in going two goals up inside seven
minutes of the restart. Michael Uanseru's (
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe will face stronger opposition as the season
progresses, but have made an excellent start. Their next test is a visit to
Regent's Park next Saturday to play Camden Primary Schools, and with the
players vying for a place in the final squad, another good performance is
anticipated.
Team: Jacob
Phillips (Grange) Ademile Bakray (Redriff) Jordan Govind (Peter
Hills) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) Danny McManus (Boutcher) Billy Amor
(Alfred Salter) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) Zak Snelgrove (St. James)
Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) Michael
Uanseru (St. John's) Joseph Quigley (Townsend) Harrison Neto (St.
James) Jefferson Eghobamien (Grange) Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Dennis
Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd)
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association have been proud to
follow the progress of former District Team player Matthias Fanimo, who tonight
won his second England cap when playing for England Under 16s against Wales at
Yeovil Town FC. Matthias, now at West Ham United’s academy, also had the honour
of being given the man of the match award as
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe made an excellent start to the season with a lively display
against Tower Hamlets at
The players showed an excellent attitude and approach to their first ever
district match, getting off to a bright and lively start, with some fine
attacking play. With left back Joe Quigley (Townsend) linking up well with
Billy Amor (Alfred Salter) on the left, Tower Hamlets found themselves under
early pressure. Billy Amor played a fine through ball for Dennis Adeniran (
Half time brought several changes to ensure that all the players played at
least half of this first match, but this didn't seem to affect the home side's
continuity. Callum Howe (
Team: Billy Amor
(Alfred Salter) Danny McManus (Boutcher) Jacob Phillips (Grange) Jefferson
Eghobamien (Grange) Jordan Govind (Peter Hills) Ademile Bakray (Redriff)
Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) Harrison Neto (St.
James) Callum Howe (St John’s) Michael Uanseru (St. John's) Kevin Mockey (St.
Joseph's Gomm Rd) Dennis Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Archie Clowes
(Southwark Park) Ben Johnstone (Tower Bridge) Ethan Braggington (Townsend)
Joseph Quigley (Townsend)
After yesterday’s
final trial, which involved 27 year six pupils taking part in a 11 a side match
at Dulwich Park, the following sixteen players have been selected for the
opening fixture of the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association District team for the 2009/2010 season.
Billy Amor
(Alfred Salter) Danny McManus (Boutcher) Jacob Phillips (Grange) Jefferson
Eghobamien (Grange) Jordan Govind (Peter Hills) Ademile Bakray (Redriff)
Jordan Akpangni (Redriff) Ifeayin David (Rotherhithe) Harrison Neto (St.
James) Michael Uanseru (St. John's) Kevin Mockey (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Dennis
Adeniran (St. Joseph's Gomm Rd) Archie Clowes (Southwark Park) Ben Johnstone
(Tower Bridge) Ethan Braggington (Townsend) and Joseph Quigley
(Townsend)
The following
two players, Zak Snelgrove (St. James) and Callum Howe (St John’s) will be
called in should any of the above sixteen players be unavailable and will
definitely be selected for the fixture the following weekend,
Full details
of the match will be sent to the player’s school but should they not have been
received them by Wednesday or in the event of unavailability then please
contact Bob James on 0208 926 3865 or 07802 428724
The selected
players should assemble at the
Twenty eight
players have been selected to attend the final trial for the Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District team for the
2009/2010 season. The trial will take place at
The final
trialists are:
Billy Amor (Alfred Salter)
The trials for
the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District
team got underway on Friday evening with the first of five local trials taking
place at
Full details
of this year’s trail process for the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association District team have been sent to the primary
schools within the Association. In order to make the organisation of each trial
easier, each primary school has been allocated ONE day on which to send players
to trial. Interested year six pupils should check with their school that they
have received the information and that they are intending to take/send children
to the trials. If your school is unable to, then please contact Bob
James (0208 926 3865 or 07802 428724) to arrange an alternative trial to
attend. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND A TRIAL ON A DIFFERENT DAY FROM THE ONE THAT YOUR
SCHOOL HAS BEEN ALLOCATED WITHOUT CHECKING WITH BOB JAMES FIRST!!! Players will
only need to attend ONE of these preliminary trials!!!
PRELIMINARY
TRIALS DATE
Friday 25th September:
St Joseph’s,
Gomm Rd. Redriff, Alfred Salter, Rotherhithe, St James,
Saturday 26th September:
St George's,
St Jude's, Friars, Charles Dickens, Cathedral, St Joseph's Borough, Ilderton,
Pilgrims Way
Monday 28th September:
Riverside, St
Joseph's Dockhead, Boutcher, Peter Hills, Southwark Park, Albion, Alma, Eveline
Lowe
Tuesday 29th September:
Grange,
Snowsfields, Townsend,
Wednesday 30th September:
TBA – spare
date
With the new
school year now underway the search is on for the Year Six pupils within the
Association’s boundaries to represent the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary
Schools Football Association in their District team. Trials will be held during September with
details being sent to schools in the next few days. Should you wish to trial
for the side talk to the teacher in charge of football at your school and ask
them to contact Bob James on 0208 926 3865 or 07802 428724 if they have not
already received the details.
The quality of
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District
team’s battling semi final performance in the narrow 1-0 loss to Lewisham was
put in perspective today when the final was played at the Douglas Eyre Sports
Ground in Walthamstow with Lewisham emerging 7-0 winners against Hackney. With
the South London side also in the final of the prestigious Crisp Shield the
Bermondsey players can reflect on just how hard they have pushed such a strong
side in the matches between the teams -
only missing out by the narrowest of margins.
Five
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District
team players featured in today’s goalless draw between Inner London County Schools
representative side and Surrey Schools at the Roan Schools ground. Luke Elkin
(Redriff), Kai Rowe (Redriff) Melvin Adesida (St Georges), Melvyne Bertie (St
Josephs Gomm Road) and Callum Thomas(Alfred Salter) all featured in the match
which saw the county side maintain their unbeaten season with one further game
against Kent still to play.
Two goals from
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District team
midfielder, Luke Elkin of Redriff Primary School, helped the Inner London
Schools County representative side to a terrific 5-1 victory against Kent at
the Roan School ground tonight. Also
representing Bermondsey in the London team were Melvin Adesida (St Georges),
Melvyne Bertie (St Josephs Gomm Road) and making his debut, Kai Rowe (Redriff).
Lewisham Primary Schools 1 Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe PSFA 0
Inner London County Schools FA Kay
Trophy Semi Final
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District team suffered
a Kay Trophy semi final defeat for the fourth consecutive year, but
went out of this season's competition defiantly against a strong
and in-form Lewisham team. It was a confident and fresh looking Bermondsey
team that took the field at Lewisham's
Just when it looked as if Bermondsey’s five man midfield were controlling the
game, the semi final curse struck twice in the space of a few minutes! A
speculative shot swerved and then dipped over keeper Callum Thomas' (Alfred
Salter) head to give Lewisham the lead against the run of play and Abraham
Konteh had to leave the field following a leg injury. Bermondsey
responded very well to these two setbacks, finishing the half with some strong
running and attacking play which produced a series of corners. Unfortunately
Bermondsey couldn't convert the pressure into a clear scoring opportunity,
despite the home 'keeper spilling a shot with no visiting player able to follow
up.
With the breeze slightly in their favour in the second half Bermondsey started
brightly again, but the 'curse' was about to strike once more as the
industrious Matthew Ruiz - now playing at centre back - suffered an injury to
his foot and he too had to leave the field. Another reorganisation saw
Tommy Bartholomew slot into the back four, with earlier substitute Tinashe
Fugede (Redriff) and the newly introduced Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road)
forming a completely new partnership in the centre of midfield. With Kai Rowe
(Redriff) and Luke Elkin (Redriff) trying to push on in support of Melvin
Adesida, it was a resolute Lewisham back four that protected their goalkeeper.
At the other end, Callum Thomas showed his quality in dealing with everything
that came his way, particularly when diving bravely at the feet of the oncoming
big centre forward. Late substitutes Donte Rowe (
WELL DONE BOYS - you've done Bermondsey & Rotherhithe proud!!!
Team: Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St
James) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne
Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy
Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St
Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Donte Rowe (St Johns) Abraham
Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) Chris O’Shea (St Josephs
Gomm Road)
Four
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association players
represented Inner London Schools tonight in the first county fixture of the
season against Surrey Schools at
South London Primary Schools 3
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 2
Lester Finch Trophy Group Match
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District team’s feint
hopes of qualification in the Lester Finch Trophy ended when they slipped to a
defeat by the odd goal in five to an energetic South London side at the South
Bank University Ground, having looked for two thirds of the game to be in total
control and cruising for victory.
An inspired
first half performance saw Bermondsey play some of their most impressive
football of the season with the passing and moving of the ball a joy to watch.
Kai Rowe (Redriff) set the tone with some terrific well weighted passing to
keep a constant threat going on the right flank. Time and again he was able to
slip the ball in behind the
Bermondsey
finally got the reward their enterprising opening deserved when Kai Rowe picked
up a loose clearance and skipped past his marker to race to the byline before
sweeping the ball across the face of the goal where Luke Elkin (Redriff) was on
hand to turn the ball into the net from two yards out. With the back four looking capable of
absorbing the
Bermondsey
began the second half in the same vein, Kai Rowe on the right was again at the
heart of most attacking play and battling hard to gain possession he pulled the
ball inside to switch play and carefully picked out Tinashe Fugede (Redriff)
running into the left hand side of the penalty area from where he calmly
chipped the ball past the South London keeper to create a two goal lead.
At this stage
there was little to suggest the remarkable change in momentum the game was to
see, Tinashe Fugede almost added a third when Kai Rowe again set him free but
the keeper blocked bravely. However, like a tailed off runner in the Grand
National later that day, Bermondsey seemed to suddenly run out of steam
immediately after making that chance and South London suddenly found an extra
yard in their stride. Going more direct and pushing three up front South London
simply surged forward – pulling a goal back with twelve minutes to play when
Bermondsey were slow to attack a loose ball in the penalty area and the ball
was rifled into the roof of the net by a grateful South London forward. Minutes
later South London had equalised when pushing too far
forward Bermondsey were caught down their right side and having swept into the
box the
There was
little time for Bermondsey to reply and despite Tommy Bartholomew (
Team: Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St
James) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne
Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy
Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St
Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Donte Rowe (St Johns)
Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) Chris O’Shea (St
Josephs Gomm Road)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 1
Lester Finch Trophy Group Match
Hopes of an appearance in the final of
the Lester Finch Trophy all but disappeared for the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association’s District team at Dulwich Park today after they were stung by a
second half comeback from Woolwich in yet another close match.
A fierce wind
blowing down the slope saw Bermondsey face a tough first half playing up the
hill but some disciplined defending supported by hard work from the midfield
saw them stop Woolwich from gaining the upper hand. Indeed the home side could
even have snatched a lead after good play on the right from Melvin Adesida (St
Georges) saw him break free on the right with Connor Lucas just failing to
convert the parry from the initial shot by the keeper. With Luke Elkin
(Redriff) pulling all the strings in midfield with some clever distribution
Bermondsey were making light work of the slope. Ronald Kemokai (
Having reached
the half time break without conceding despite the conditions, Bermondsey looked
to have completed the harder part of the game and with the wind and slope now
in their favour looked set to push on for victory when in the opening minutes of
the second half Tommy Bartholomew (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) drilled over a corner
which the Woolwich defence allowed to bounce across the face of goal where
Melvin Adesida stooped at the far post to nod home before treating the crowd to
an exhibition of acrobatics in celebration.
However rather
than capitulate after conceding the goal appeared to galvanise
Woolwich who immediately took the game by the scruff of the neck and pushed Bermondsey
deep into their own half. The warning bells sounded when a switch of play found
a free Woolwich forward who drilled the ball home only to be brought back by a
narrow offside decision but minutes later they had a legitimate equaliser when
a long clearance from their keeper was missed by the Bermondsey midfield
allowing the ball to be nudged on to their centre forward who sprinted clear
taking the ball deep into the Bermondsey penalty are before rifling the ball
into the roof of the net. Another disallowed effort quickly followed as
Woolwich’s left winger strayed more obviously offside and the same player was
denied again when Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) saved bravely at his feet when
he once again found the space and pace to burst through onto the impressive
supply of balls from his midfield.
The
reintroduction of Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) into the midfield helped Bermondsey
quieten down the Woolwich attacks and from this base
Bermondsey were able to launch some attacks of their own Ronald Kemokai saw a
well struck effort pass narrowly wide after Hadley Barton (St James) had teed him up on the edge of the box and Kai Rowe saw his
snapshot squirm just outside the post, but just as Bermondsey were looking to
regroup and push on again they were rocked by a Woolwich goal as an innocuous
looking ball came into the box but was allowed to bounce and from the resulting
melee the eager Woolwich forwards bundled the ball home. In truth the goal was
no more than Woolwich deserved for their spirited fight back and having gained
the lead they defended resolutely to ensure there would be no way back for
Bermondsey,
The defeat
leaves Bermondsey with only a feint chance of qualification with a convincing
win next week against
Team: Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St
James) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne
Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy
Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St
Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Donte Rowe (St Johns) Abraham
Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe Fugede (Redriff)
Bermondsey and
Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association would like to send the best of
luck to former player Danny Maguire, who today signed on loan for Coca Cola
League One side,
Bermondsey and
Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District team will face
Lewisham Schools in the semi final of the Inner London County Schools FA Kay
Trophy. Having come runners up in their qualifying group Bermondsey must travel
to face the winners of the other group in the semi final and that spot was
secured by Lewisham with a match to spare after their 4-0 win against nearest
rivals Tower Hamlets on Saturday. Tower Hamlets will also qualify for the semi
finals baring a mathematical improbability and will travel to Hackney, as long
as Camden do not beat Lewisham in the final game by a cricket score.
Bermondsey
have not met Lewisham in eleven a side football this season but there was very
little to chose between the sides when they met in the Inner London seven a
side competition with a goalless draw in the group stages followed by the
narrowest of victories in extra time for Lewisham in the final after Bermondsey
had hit the underside of the cross bar in the last seconds of normal time.
The match
which promises to be an exciting encounter will be staged on Saturday 25th
April with the venue to be announced.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 0
Lester Finch
Trophy Group Match
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District
team met Croydon Primary Schools in a top of the table clash in their Lester Finch
Trophy qualifying group in the Spring sunshine at Dulwich Park. With both sides
having won their opening game and Croydon a large and traditionally strong
district this was always going to be tight affair and whilst the match ended
without goals that was not to detract from the quality of the game which was
played at an amazing pace and full of excitement.
Defending the
slope in the first half Bermondsey looked organised and secure in the early
exchanges, with a crunching tackle from centre back Matthew Ruiz (St Georges)
stopping Croydon’s rangy forward in his stride and setting the tone for a hard
working half from the home team. Connor Lucas (Townsend) looked lively in
midfield, not allowing Croydon time to settle and with Luke Elkin (Redriff)
distributing and recycling the ball to good effect, Bermondsey were able to
stop the visitors making effective use of the slope. On one of the few
occasions Croydon managed to exert pressure behind the Bermondsey defence, with
their tall front man taking advantage of an awkward bouncing ball on a hard
surface, Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) was bravely out to block - picking up a
knock in the process. At the other end
Melvin Adesida (St Georges) was able to power through the Croydon defence but
his cross was cleared. With Bermondsey spending long periods in the Croydon
half the danger was being caught on the counter, but Ronnie Quick (St James)
was able to avert the danger using strength and pace to guide the ball to
safety and Matthew Ruiz put in his best performance in a red and white shirt to
successfully compete with the powerful centre forward.
With the first
half passing in a blur, such was the pace of the football, it would have been
no surprise if the second half saw a slower pace, yet incredibly the game moved
up a gear as the sides both moved the ball with speed and accuracy. Croydon
were able to make use of their tricky left winger, but with Kai Rowe (Redriff)
working tirelessly in a disciplined performance to support Ronald Kemokai (St
Joseph’s Gomm Road) at full back, they were able to blunt the threat.
Up front
Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) and Melvin Adesida were starting to cause Croydon some
problems of their own and a neat switch of play between the two saw Melvin
Adesida power into the box but his shot was blocked for the first of a series
of corners as Bermondsey camped in the Croydon half. The pressure almost paid
off when following a long Tommy
Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) throw the ball fell to Connor Lucas who
sublimely dinked the ball over the crowded penalty area in front of him only to
see the ball pass inches wide of the corner of bar and post. Kai Rowe supported the attack at every
opportunity and having seen one long range effort go wide saw a second cause
the keeper to parry and a defender scrambled to ball away with Melvin Adesida
inches from nudging the ball over the line. The resulting corner saw yet
another six yard box scramble with a Croydon defender almost turning the ball
into his own net as the drama heightened.
Whilst Bermondsey
looked the likelier at this stage to score Croydon showed they were more than
capable of pinching a winner on the break and having outpaced the defence for
the only time of the game their centre forward was forced wide by Callum Thomas
diving at his feet on the edge of the box and saw his effort hit the side
netting. Cutting in from the right the Croydon winger also sent in a powerful
shot inches over the bar and in the dying moments Callum Thomas again had to
throw his body on the line to avert danger as Croydon swept the ball into an
unmarked striker in the six yard box, but a combination of this brave save and
good defensive covering from Hadley Barton (St James) denied Croydon a winner
in what would have been a cruel end to the game for Bermondsey.
As the final
whistle blew the expression on the faces of both sides showed the boys knew
they had been in some game with each side clearly acknowledging the performance
of the other in an outstanding game of football.
Team: Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St
James) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne
Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy
Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St
Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Donte Rowe (St Johns) Abraham
Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road)
Whilst playing
this morning’s Lester Finch Trophy match with Croydon at Dulwich Park,
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools FA also had interest in a match
being played a long goal kick away, as Hackney travelled to meet South London
at nearby Turney Road in a Kay Trophy fixture that
would decide whether Bermondsey & Rotherhithe’s District team qualified for
the Inner London County Schools FA Kay Trophy semi final. As the side got
changed following the exciting goalless draw with Croydon, news came through
that Hackney had won their fixture with South London 3-1, a result that allowed
Bermondsey and Rotherhithe to progress along with Hackney into the semi final
where they will travel to meet either Lewisham or Tower Hamlets.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 1
Once again the quality of schools
district football was evident in this highly competitive match which saw the
Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District team come from
behind to earn a draw against Tower Hamlets in a friendly fixture at Dulwich
Park.
With a stiff
breeze blowing down the pitch Bermondsey had their work cut out in the first
half to contain their visitors who were straight into their stride, impressively
switching play to change the point the attack from the outset. It was no
surprise therefore when the first chance of the game came it fell to Tower
Hamlets with a slick interchange of passes
releasing their tricky forward only for him to be foiled by a first
class save from Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) in the Bermondsey goal. Almost immediately Bermondsey created their
best chance of the half when Melvin Adesida (St Georges) jinked
into the box from the right and found space to shoot but his effort passed wide
of the far post, With Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) and Melvyne Bertie
(St Josephs Gomm Road) both pushing on from their fullback positions and Donte
Rowe (St Johns) carrying the ball strongly through
the midfield, Bermondsey were able to combat the wind and take the game back to
Tower Hamlets and finished the half with a spell of pressure around the
visitors penalty area although were not bale to
unduly trouble the Tower Hamlets keeper.
Once again, as
with so many of the district teams matches this season it was clear as the
teams went into the break goalless that the match would be decided by a very
small margin and with five minutes of the second period played it looked as if
Tower Hamlets may have turned the momentum of the game when they made the most
of a free kick at the edge of the area by firing high into the roof of the net
to open the scoring.
The goal
opened the game up and Bermondsey almost got a quick equaliser when Kai Rowe
(Redriff) burst down the right saw the ball just cross the dead ball line
before he pulled it back for Chris O’Shea (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) to turn the
ball into the net, Back up the other end Tower Hamlets also had a goal chalked
off as their forward stroked home only to realise he
had been in an offside position when receiving the through pass. His
frustration was furthered when his intelligent running once more saw him evade
the Bermondsey back line only be thwarted by a brave smothering save from
Callum Thomas.
With ten
minutes remaining Bermondsey pushed forward in search of the equaliser and
anticipating Tower Hamlets playing across their back line both Hadley Barton
(St James) and Connor Lucas (Townsend) were able to stop Hamlets building from
the back. The continual harrying of the full backs paid off as from a loose
clearance Ronald Kemokai was able to feed Hadley Barton on the right and he
lifted his shot over the keeper for his first goal of the seasons to haul the
side level,
The equaliser
saw the tempo of the game go up a notch as both sides went all out for a
winner. Bermondsey were forced to defend a number of free kicks around their
area after some clumsy tackles brought down the quick running Tower Hamlets
front pair and at the other end Bermondsey forced a couple of corners that were
scrambled clear. Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) and Melvin Adesida
both saw curled efforts pass outside the post but at the final whistle the
sides had to settle for sharing the spoils in what had been a hard fought
encounter.
Team: Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley Barton (St
James) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald Kemokai (
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 3
Some clinical finishing following
breathtaking counter attacking was the difference between the sides when Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association’s District team met Islington Schools in a very high quality inter
district friendly fixture at Dulwich Park, with Bermondsey once again managing
to edge a tight encounter and notch their ninth victory of the season.
Both sides
made light of the difficult bumpy surface in the opening exchanges with
Islington, the slope in their favour, straight on the attack and putting their
hosts under severe pressure. Moving the ball out wide with breathtaking speed
and control Islington would have blown many teams away but Bermondsey’s back
line has looked a tight unit all season and even with Abraham Konteh (St
Josephs Gomm Rd) having to deputise between the
sticks, the versatility of the squad came to the fore as Matthew Ruiz (St
Georges) slipped in at centre back as if he had played there all season with a
near faultless display to contain the Islington pressure.
After an early
scare when Abraham Konteh had to furiously back pedal to tip over a snap shot
after a goal kick was intercepted, Bermondsey finally got to grips with the
Islington midfield and denied them the space they had been taking advantage of.
With Islington playing with a high back line Bermondsey looked for the ball
over the top and Kai Rowe (Redriff) must
only have been inches the wrong side when adjudged offside from a Tommy
Bartholomew (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) free kick as he bore down on the Islington
goal with just the keeper in his way. Melvin Adesida (St Georges) also showed
the pace needed to spring the defence and cutting in from the right saw two
trademark lobbed shots only miss by inches,
However the
quality of the visitors passing and moving always spelt danger for Bermondsey
and having freed their right winger his powerful shot brought about a first
class diving save from Abraham Konteh only for an Islington forward to arrive
in the penalty area and sweep home the rebound.
On the balance of play the lead was no more than Islington deserved for
their bright start, but was also the cue for Bermondsey to start moving through
the gears with their own game. With the game still being played at a blistering
pace Bermondsey were on level terms before the break when Ronnie Quick (St
James) calmly passed his way out of danger at the back and Melvin Adesida
combined to release Connor Lucas (Townsend) from just inside his own half,
where his pace saw him out sprint the back four and just get the vital touch
before he was closed down by the keeper to slip the ball home.
With the slope
to their advantage for the second period Bermondsey were confident they could
get the ball behind the Islington defence again but found themselves once more
on the back foot as Islington started the half showing no signs of letting up
on their speed of movement and Abraham Konteh was forced to field a number of
long range efforts as the match was played on the edge of the Bermondsey area.
However with Islington pushing up Bermondsey were able to use their pace to
break at speed on the counter. Ronald Kemokai (
The goal
signaled Bermondsey’s best period of the game as they won a number of corners
from which Melvynne Bertie (St Josephs Gomm Road) almost scored as he sent in a
powerful drive from a loose clearance and with Hadley Barton (St James) pushing
on from right midfield were able to get over series of dangerous balls into the
area which Islington were relieved to clear.
At the back
Bermondsey were looking like a side that had kept five clean sheets already
this season and with Matthew Ruiz working tirelessly to intercept and close
down any threat they were able to keep Islington at bay. With seconds remaining
Bermondsey were able to cement the win when Tommy Bartholomew had his corner
headed back to him and his second delivery was inch perfect for Kai Rowe to
slot home from six yards.
The 3-1
scoreline did not reflect the magnificent football displayed by the visitors
but with the speed of their counter attacking and the ever reliable defensive
set up Bermondsey were once again able to show they can emerge victorious from
a close match.
Team: Abraham Konteh (
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District team’s hopes
of a semi final appearance in the Inner London County Schools Football Association
Kay Trophy now rest on the final game of what has proved to be a very tight
group. In the penultimate game
The
possibilities are:
Any South London win by a single goal:
South London win 2-0:
South London win 3-1:
South London win by any other two goal margin:
South London win by any three goal margin or more:
Any draw or Hackney win: Hackney win group with Bermondsey runners up.
We await
details of the date for the deciding fixture.
The winners of
the group will have a home semi final against the runner up form
the other qualification group whist the runners up will travel t face the
winners of the other group – likely to be Lewisham or Tower Hamlets.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 1
Lester Finch Trophy Group Match
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association’s District team opened
their Lester Finch Trophy campaign with a narrow single goal victory against
Bexley at
A bumpy
surface caused problems for both sides and with passing along the ground
difficult the ball spent longer periods of the game than usual airborne as both
sides looked to catch each other out with the extra erratic bounce. The Bexley
side showed their eagerness to avenge the earlier defeat by winning the
fifty-fifty headers in the early exchanges of the match. Playing up the slope,
Bermondsey sat deep and were able to absorb the Bexley pressure with Ronald
Kemokai (
The second
period saw Bermondsey kicking down the slope and almost immediately they upped
the tempo of the game. Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) jinked
his way into the area but was unable to get his shot off and Melvin Adesida (St
Georges) was likewise thwarted after a strong run almost saw him break through
the Bexley back line. Kai Rowe (Redriff) on the right wing showed good pace
down the left flank and on more than one occasion was able to beat his marker
and force corner kicks when his crosses were intercepted, However the Bexley
defence were able to clear the resulting corner kicks and with their keeper
looking assured in goal it started to look like it would take an individual
moment of brilliance to break the deadlock.
As if on cue,
that moment arrived for Bermondsey, when Melvin Adesida picked the ball up on half
way and neatly turned his marker before running towards goal. The covering
defenders were able to force him wide but his determined run took him out to
the right flank from where he out sprinted the full back and after almost
reaching the byline fired a shot, from an angle so tight it would have made
Pythagoras proud, which flew over the keeper into the roof of the net.
Bermondsey
almost added a second shortly after following a good passing move but Tinashe
Fugede was denied by a brave save from the keeper. The second goal would have
possibly killed off the game but without it Bermondsey were forced to repel a
strong Bexley fight back as the visitors searched for an equaliser. Callum
Thomas showed terrific positional sense to be quick out his box as Bexley
looked to play the ball over the top on several occasions and when Bexley got
the pace of delivery correct for their forward to sprint through onto the loose
ball he dived bravely to pick the ball of the centre forwards feet. With
Abraham Konteh (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) looking calm and collected at the back
and Ronnie Quick (St James) reading the game well to intercept the high balls,
Bermondsey looked to be capable of holding out, but caused their supporters
some heart flutters when conceding a series of free kicks in dangerous areas
and were grateful to see the efforts fired wide.
The final
whistle secured the three points and sees Bermondsey join Croydon at the top of
the group. Bexley’s performance showed how
competitive this competition is going to be and with South London and Woolwich
also in the mix, every point will be crucial. Bermondsey were due to play
Croydon next week in their second group game, but with Croydon in action in the
regional round of the ESFA seven a side competition this match has been
postponed although it is hoped a friendly fixture will be arranged in its
place.
Team: Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter)
Hadley Barton (St James) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) Ronnie Quick (St
James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm
Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs
Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St
Georges) Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) Donte
Rowe (St Johns)
There are more
possibilities than in a Rubic’s Cube puzzle in the final
stages of the three way fight for qualification from the Kay Trophy group that
the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District
team find themselves in. With Bermondsey having competed
their programme it is results in the group’s final two matches that will
determine their fate, but it will take a mathematicians mind to work out the
possible events.
Two
qualification places are up for grabs and depend on the matches between South
London and Woolwich and
Simply; should
However a
And you
thought working out SATS questions was difficult!
Hackney Primary Schools 2 Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe PSFA 0
Inner London Kay Trophy Group Match
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District team face an
anxious wait to see if they have dine enough to
qualify for the semi final of the Inner London Kay trophy after they missed out
on the chance to secure their place with a two nil defeat at Hackney in
Walthamstow.
On a perfect
morning for football Bermondsey went into the game knowing a single point would
be sufficient to ensure qualification with a win guaranteeing top spot and a
home semi final, but came up against a home side on top of their game. A high
tempo start to the match form both sides saw some magnificent football with
many on the touchlines noting it as some of the finest Under 11 football they
had seen for a while. Both teams used the width of the pitch sensibly and broke
at speed but found each others back four well
organised and clear cut chances were few and far between. The closest attempt cam courtesy of a sweeping move by Bermondsey with Connor
Lucas (Townsend) feeding Luke Elkin (Redriff) from the left and his clever
switch opened the way for Kai Rowe (Redriff) to lob narrowly over the bar. At
the other end Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) looked confident in handling the
long range shots Hackney’s industrious midfield created. As the half closed Kai
Rowe again went close when his determined running down the right flank created
space for himself and his cross come shot flew narrowly past the upright.
At half time
with the game deadlocked it was clear that only small margins would separate
the teams and that concentration and attitude would be the only difference
between the two sides evenly matched for skill. So it proved as Hackney edged
their noses in front when Bermondsey switched off rather than covering each
other appeared to rely on individuals making challenges resulting in Hackney
getting a cross in from the left by line and an
unopposed forward touching home the rebound after the cross was only partly
blocked.
Bermondsey
quickly shuffled their pack and the introduction of Matthew Ruiz (St Georges)
saw renewed industry in the centre of the pitch. It almost paid immediate
dividends as he played delightful one
two with Kai Rowe outside the box only to see his swept shot pass inches wide.
Kai Rowe continued to cause a constant
threat to Hackney as Bermondsey pushed for an equaliser and a clever short
corner routine with Ronald Kemokai (
The game was
up for Bermondsey when once again Hackney took advantage of some sluggish
reactions from the Bermondsey players , who failed to get goal side of the ball
quickly enough after conceding a throw in on half way and Hackney’ s quick
intelligent recycling of the ball freed their forward to round Callum Thomas
and convert as Bermondsey’s players
tried in vain to recover.
Bermondsey
continued to push, but lacked their normal zip and could not get the ball
behind the Hackney back four who were well marshaled by their very impressive
centre back.
The defeat
leaves Bermondsey facing elimination should South London record victories in
their remaining two matches – although Hackney have proved they will certainly
provide South London with astern test in one of those games.
Team: Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter)
Hadley Barton (St James) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) Ronnie Quick (St
James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm
Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs
Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St
Georges) Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) Donte
Rowe (St Johns)
The Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District team, have once
again been frustrated by the weather with tomorrow’s Lester Finch trophy game
against Croydon called off due a waterlogged pitch. With the snow that caused
last week’s postponement melting compounded by heavy rain earlier in the week
the
Although some of the snow has started to melt the
pitches at Dulwich Park – in line with those across London – are still in no
fit state for hosting football with some frozen snow still lying and flooded
patches where snow had melted. Therefore this Saturday’s friendly fixture with
Tower Hamlets for the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association District team has been postponed. It is of course hoped the teams
may meet later in the season in the later stages of the Inner
Saturday 31st
January 2009
Woolwich Primary Schools 0 Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe PSFA 4
Kay Trophy Group Match
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District team turned on
the style to notch their second victory in their qualifying group for the Inner
From the
outset Bermondsey looked eager to pass the ball around and the first period saw
the side produce some breathtaking free flowing football with Hadley Barton (St
James) putting in an outstanding display of attacking full back play as time
and time again he surged forward down the right as Bermondsey took the game
their hosts. However the opening goal, when it duly arrived after a sustained spell
of pressure from Bermondsey, came from the opposite flank with Luke Elkin
(Redriff) feeding Connor Lucas (Townsend whose pace saw him surge into the
penalty area and although his progress was halted by a block tackle Melvin
Adesida (St Georges) was on hand to tuck the loose ball home. The next five
minutes saw Bermondsey look to extend the lead and both Tinashe Fugede
(Redriff) and Melvin Adesida caused Woolwich problems with their pace and only
some impressive and brave goalkeeping from the Woolwich custodian kept the lead
to one as Bermondsey created a number of good chances. Despite playing uphill,
a second always looked likely before the break and when it came it was of
highest quality as Kai Rowe (Redriff) brought the ball out of his half and fed Melvin
Adesida down the right from where he showed his marker a clean pair of heels
before rifling an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net from twenty
yards out.
The second
half saw Bermondsey continue where they left off. Almost from the restart
Tinashe Fugede showed pace and power to bustle into the penalty area from the
right and when his shot was only parried Luke Elkin was rewarded for his
decision to follow up the shot with a chance to stab the rebound into the net
which he gleefully accepted. A fourth arrived shortly after and was again due
to the pace and power of Tinashe Fugede who this time popped up on the left and
having shrugged off his marker and reached the by line
pulled the ball back for Melvin Adesida to fire home his hat trick from eight
yards out.
With the game
in the bag Bermondsey shuffled their pack to ensure all the players got a run
out, but their was no let up in the quality of the
football with the ball being moved at breathtaking speed courtesy of the simple
one touch football the players adopted.
Woolwich came
back strongly for the final quarter of the game and were able to create some
pressure of their own, but unfortunately for them found the Bermondsey back
line in no mood to concede. Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) saved smartly to his
right from a well struck free kick and Woolwich struck a post late on but for
all their endeavour could not find the net and the
match ended with Bermondsey once again on the attack where a slick passing move
involving seven players saw Luke Elkin just adjudged to have taken the ball out
of the keepers hands as he rolled the ball home – the correct decision denying
Bermondsey a fifth.
With no other
games played in the group today Bermondsey could find themselves assured of a
semi final place before a ball is kicked in their final group game against
Hackney, if South London fail to win both their upcoming matches with Woolwich
(next week) and Hackney (in a fortnight).
Team: Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter)
Hadley Barton (St James) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) Ronnie Quick (St
James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm
Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs
Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St
Georges) Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) Donte
Rowe (St Johns)
The Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District team were
frustrated by the midweek rain in their attempt to secure semi final
qualification from their Inner
Redriff
Primary School spent this morning representing the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
Primary Schools Football Association in the Inner London Davies Cup at the
Marathon Sports Ground in Charlton but could not repeat their success in the
district’s own Sid Harker Cup coming up against some strong schools from the
other Inner London districts. Six schools entered the event playing in a round
robin league with each school having five six minute each way matches of seven
a side football.
Redriff
however gave a terrific account of themselves and went into their final game
against St Bernadette’s with a chance of still winning the trophy. But a defeat
meant that St Bernadette’s from South
London became the tournament winners and therefore Inner London’s
representatives in the national rounds and Redriff were pipped
by Edward Waller School from Lewisham for the runner up spot.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 0
Gravesham PSFA 4
A depleted Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association District team took on Gravesham Primary
Schools in their first fixture of the New Year and were unable to extend their
unbeaten run stretching back to the start of the season against a fluent and
well drilled opposition. With three squad members on duty for their a school in
the Inner London Schools 7 a side this was always going to be a stern test but
with illness to a further player then injury to Melvin Bertie (St Josephs Gomm
Road) the side were forced to compete with ten players.
However for
much of the first half there appeared little difference between the sides.
Bermondsey passed the ball well and mixing up short and long passes they were
able to make advances into the Gravesham half with
some regularity despite playing up the slope. Melvin Adesida (St Georges)
playing in an unaccustomed midfield role was at the heart of much of the play
and almost broke free down the left but saw his shot blocked for a corner.
Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) working hard on the right epitomised
Bermondsey’s first half, chasing and harrying the Gravesham
left back and allowing Bermondsey to keep Gravesham
pegged back in their half.
When Gravesham did break, Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) provided
flawless technique to gather and other than a brief scramble in the Bermondsey
area and a flash shot past the upright from a Gravesham
midfield the half looked to be heading for a stalemate when with ten seconds
left Bermondsey failed to clear and Gravesham were
able to feed their centre forward who after making space in the area shot low
into the goal.
Heading out
for the second half a goal down was tough on the side who had deserved more for
their effort and they looked to have forced a deserved equaliser when Donte
Rowe (St Johns) and Melvin Adesida combined well to
slip a ball inside to Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) who spotting the
keeper advancing lofted his shot from twenty five yards goal wards and with the
whole park already applauding a masterful finish could only look on in horror
as it carried in the wind and struck the bar before bouncing clear,
Games can
swing on small pieces of fortune and within minutes of being on level terms
Bermondsey found themselves two down as Gravesham
switched their attacking intent to the right flank and having brought on a
silky skilled right winger at half time were able to slip him through to round
Callum Thomas and convert. From this point on there was only going to be one
winner. Gravesham used the ball intelligently and
whilst Bermondsey never stopped trying they were unable to make the progress
into the Gravesham half as they had managed in the
first period. Two further goals from Gravesham, again
created from their impressive right winger cemented their win and saw
Bermondsey’s colours lowered in 11 a side football for the first time this
season.
However, the
side can still gain positives from the experience. With many players out it
would have been easy to not have a fixture but by going ahead the squad have
had a useful workout after the Christmas break in readiness for the competition
games which recommence next week with a tough trip to Hackney for Kay Trophy
group match,
Team: Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter)
Hadley Barton (St James) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Abraham Konteh (
The new year
freeze has already forced the cancellation of the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
Primary Schools Football Association District team’s planned opening fixture of
2009, with the rock hard surface at Dulwich Park making the pitch unplayable
for Saturday’s proposed fixture with West Kent. So as to get a friendly run out
prior to the two key Kay Trophy games this month, a match with Gravesham Schools FA has been arranged for Saturday 17th
January at
Orpington Primary Schools FA 1 Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe PSFA 1
The Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District team managed to
successfully complete the first half of their season with their unbeaten record
intact despite being pegged back by a last minute equaliser against Orpington
in their final game before the Christmas break.
On a tight
pitch a pair of well organised defences ensured chances were few and far
between in the first period and apart from having to defend a short sequence of
corners and deal with a cross-come-shot, keeper Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter)
was relatively untroubled in the Bermondsey goal. At the other end Luke Elkin
(Redriff) saw his shot skim wide of the post having cut in from the right and
Melvin Bertie (St Josephs Gomm Road) had his effort, with the outside of his
left foot, from the edge of the penalty area well saved as nether side managed
to break the deadlock. Shortly after a speculative effort from Ronnie Quick (St
James) almost gave Bermondsey the lead but the back peddling keeper managed to
keep the ball from crossing the line.
After the low
key first half, Bermondsey came out for the second ready to take a grip on the
game and immediately upped the tempo. Donte Rowe (St John’s) powerful running
gave the visitors the initiative and with Connor Lucas (Townsend) also getting
into full flight down the flanks Bermondsey were able to send over a series of
threatening crosses with Matthew Ruiz
(St Georges) almost converting on two occasions after making well timed runs
into the penalty area.
Bermondsey
were rewarded for their extra effort when their pressure resulted in a corner
which after being swung over by Tommy Bartholomew (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) was
only cleared back to him and his run onto the box continued unchecked where
upon he swept the ball into the net to put Bermondsey ahead. With many of the
sides previous six consecutive wins coming by single goal margins Bermondsey
have become adept at seeing the game and withstanding late pressure and with
Callum Thomas superbly diving low to his right hand post to keep out Orpington’s best attempt during their late rally in the
closing five minutes, it looked as if they would once again secure the victory.
However a last minute free kick awarded fifteen yards outside the Bermondsey
area gave Orpington a glimmer of hope and with the visitors still organizing
their marking Orpington capitalised on an
uncharacteristic loss of concentration to fire home an equaliser which on
balance of play was probably deserved.
Despite the
late drama the Bermondsey side can reflect on a tremendous first half of the
season during which they have remained unbeaten in eleven a side football and
can look forward to the later stages of their competition fixtures in the New
Year.
Team: Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter)
Hadley Barton (St James) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs
Gomm Road) Ronnie Quick (St James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road)
Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Connor Lucas
(Townsend) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvin
Adesida (St Georges) Donte Rowe (St Johns) Chris
O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road)
Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association are proud to offer their
congratulations to former District Team player Matthias Fanimo who has recently
been awarded the highest honour in English football – an international cap.
Matthias, a former pupil of Redriff Primary School who played for the District
team in 2004/5, gained his cap when coming on as a late substitute for England
Under 16s in their recent win against Scotland in the Victory Shield at Lincoln
City’s Sincil Bank ground in front of a crowd of over
five thousand.
The Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District team will have
to wait until after Christmas to attempt to secure a semi final spot in the
Inner London County Schools FA Kay Trophy after
heavy overnight rain on an already muddy pitch caused the postponement
of their group fixture with Woolwich. A win in this game would have almost
guaranteed qualification for the semi final after the fine opening win against
Bexley Schools FA 0 Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe PSFA 1
The Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District team continued
their incredible unbeaten start to the season with a hard earned single goal
victory against a determined Bexley side on a heavy pitch at Crayford. Despite having already beaten their hosts earlier
in the season Bermondsey found themselves in a very close game and had to be
both patient to make the breakthrough and resilient in defence to secure the
victory.
The opening
stages of the game saw Bermondsey adapt well to playing up the slope, and force
Bexley back into their own half, yet were unable to create many clear cut
chances for all their pressure. On the break Bexley looked dangerous and Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter) needed to be alert to sprint outside his box on several
occasions to clear the danger. As the half wore on Bexley stepped up their
effort but found Matthew Ruiz (St Georges), deputising
at right back, in determined mood, continually blocking their progress with a
series of well judged tackles.
Midway through
the half Bermondsey almost took the lead, when after a series of throw ins down
the right flank, Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Rd) and Luke Elkin (Redriff)
swapped passes to create space for Melvin Adesida (St Georges), whose lofted
shot left the keeper stranded, only to hit the inside of the post and bounce
along the line back into his grateful hands.
Bermondsey may have started to feel luck would be deserting them in this
game when minutes later, in virtually the same position, Melvin Adesida saw a
similar shot canon of the crossbar and away to safety.
The double
escape spurred Bexley into their best spell of the game and the half ended with
Bermondsey forced to defend, with Callum Thomas punching clear a well flighted
free kick and a combination of luck from the bounce of the ball, a good save,
and some determined defending saw them clear their lines after a scramble in
the six yard box.
With the slope
in their favour for the second period, Bermondsey looked to play further up the
pitch and make better use of the wide areas – where they had great success in
the teams’ previous encounter. With some sensible distribution from Callum
Thomas and Matthew Ruiz developing his confidence in the full back role, they
were able to make good progress down the right hand flank and from one such move
almost released Melvin Adesida for a shot at goal.
When the
deadlock was finally broken, it was again engineered through similar
circumstances. Having played their way out from the back by using the right
flank the ball eventually worked its way to Luke Elkin who picked out Tinashe
Fugede (Redriff) and he powerfully burst into the area shrugging off two
defenders before planting his shot low into the corner of the net.
Bexley fought
back well in search of an equaliser and again Callum Thomas had to be quick off
his line on a number of occasions to smoother at the feet of Bexley’s forwards, yet he was ably protected from any
serious danger by another faultless performance from centre back pairing Ronnie
Quick (St James) and Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road).
In the later
stages of the match Bermondsey continued to use the slope well and Tinashe
Fugede and Melvin Adesida both went close to adding to the lead before Matthew
Ruiz almost found a way to goal from thirty yards as his flighted cross into
the box evaded all the players jumping to get a head to the ball and almost
deceived the Bexley keeper who snatched it his arms at the last moment.
With only a
single goal advantage Bermondsey had to soak up some late pressure as Bexley
searched in vain for a breakthrough – but seeing out close games appears to
have become a well practiced art for the Bermondsey side, with Tommy
Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) holding the midfield together
effectively. Having cleared a succession
of Bexley corners in the dying seconds, the final whistle blew to extend
Bermondsey’s winning run. The victory was all the more pleasing as the team
were missing three of the squad through illness and school tests and the
performance was worthy of the effort that the Association went to in order to
find a fixture for this weekend with Bexley kindly offering the match at short
notice after the search had looked to be in vain earlier in the week, The squad
return to competition football next week looking to build on their opening
group victory in the Kay Trophy when they take on neighbours Woolwich.
Team: Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter)
Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Abraham Konteh (
A date of
Saturday 17th January 2009 has been set has the rearranged date for the Inner
London County Schools Football Association Davies Cup tournament in which
Redriff will fly the flag for the Bermondsey And Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association courtesy of their victory in the Sid Harker Cup. Redriff will take
on schools from Hackney, Lewisham, Tower Hamlets, Islington, Woolwich and South
London for the right to become Inner
After making
enquiries with virtually every district association in the Greater
The match will
be the perfect warm up for the next Kay Trophy competition game which takes
place on December 13th against Woolwich, with the team concluding
their first half of the season the following week with an away trip to
Orpington on Saturday 20th December.
Selected
payers for this weekend’s fixture should meet at the car park in
Redriff
Primary School will have to wait a little longer before they can test their footballing skills against the county’s other district
champions after the Inner London County Schools FA Davies Cup fell fowl to the
heavy rain on Saturday and was postponed. Redriff qualified for the competition
as representatives of the Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association courtesy of their victory in the Sid Harker Cup. The new date is
currently being arranged for the event where Redriff will take on schools from
Hackney, Lewisham, Tower Hamlets, Islington, Woolwich and South London for the
right to become Inner
After an
afternoon of thrilling football at Millwall’s Lions
Centre,
Eight teams
had started the afternoon hoping to put their names on the cup having been
split into two groups of four. From group one, St Josephs (with a 100% record)
and St James took the top two spots to book semi final places whilst in group
two Redriff also managed a 100&% record and were followed into the semi
finals by Grange. Both semi finals were tight affairs with Grange pipping St Josephs by a single goal and Redriff overcoming
St James in the last seconds of extra time by three goals to two, after St
James had pegged them back from 2-0 down.
A goal in each
half saw Redriff overcome Grange in the final to win the competition and in
doing so secure a place in Saturday’s Inner
Full results:
Group One
St Josephs 4
Charles Dickens 0
St Josephs 2
Charles
Dickens 1 St James 5
St Josephs 2
St James 1
Charles
Dickens
Group Two
Grange 1
Alfred Salter 0
Redriff 3
Rotherhithe 0
Grange 0
Redriff 2
Alfred Salter
3 Rotherhithe 0
Grange 1
Rotherhithe 0
Alfred Salter
1 Redriff 2
Semi Finals
St Josephs 0
Grange 1
Redriff 3 St
James 2 (aet)
7th/8th
Play Off
Charles
Dickens 1 Rotherhithe 1
5th/6th
Play Off
Alfred Salter
3rd/4th
Play Off
St James 1 St
Josephs 2
Sid Harker Cup
Final
Redriff 2
Grange 0
Thanks are due
to Millwall’s Football in the Community department for
allowing the event to be staged at The Lions Centre.
Eight schools
will compete for the Sid Harker Cup at Millwall FC’s Lions Centre on Tuesday afternoon. The teams
will be placed in two groups with the top two sides in each group entering the
semi final playoffs in the 6 a side competition. The winner of the event earn
the right to represent Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association in the Inner London Davies Cup on Saturday at the Marathon Sports
Ground in Charlton where they will meet the champion schools form the other
Inner London Districts to find the county champions as the competition links up
with the English Schools FA and sees the top two primary schools teams in the
country meet at Wembley Stadium.
Tuesday’s
event starts promptly at 2.00 p.m. with the final set for 4.00 p.m. The eight
schools hoping to claim the cup are:
Redriff
(Holders), Alfred Salter, Rotherhithe, St Josephs (
The draw for
the groups will be made on Monday evening and teams will be given their
fixtures on arrival on Tuesday.
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 2
South
Inner London Kay Trophy Group Match
The Bermondsey
& Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District team opened
their Kay Trophy programme with a tremendous comeback to secure all three
points in a tight local derby against South London Schools at
Bermondsey had
started brightly, with clever interplay between Connor Lucas (Townsend) and Luke
Elkin (Redriff) freeing Melvin Adesida (
Almost
immediately Bermondsey were nearly back on level terms as Kai Rowe (Redriff)
saw his snapshot fly past the post after being fed by more clever midfield play
from Luke Elkin. As Bermondsey pushed forward in search of a quick reply,
despite forcing a number of corners, they left themselves exposed to quick
counter attacks and South London’s impressive front pairing almost stole in on
more than occasion, but were thwarted by some smart goalkeeping by Callum
Thomas (Alfred Salter). As the half wore on it started to look as though
Bermondsey would have little to show for the advantage of the slope, but the
introduction of Donte Rowe (St John’s) saw a change if fortune as he carried
the ball forward and having drawn the defender neatly slipped in Connor Lucas
on the left, who was sent tumbling after having his ankle clipped to earn
Bermondsey a penalty. Skipper Tommy Bartholomew (
The second
half saw Bermondsey quickly out the blocks. Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) showed
good pace to round his defender and fire narrowly wide and linking up well with
Donte Rowe sent over a high cross that just evaded Connor Lucas as Bermondsey
adjusted well to playing up the slope. At the back Melvyne Bertie was always
quick to mop up any danger and Callum Thomas showed good bravery to smoother a
couple of scrambles in the six yard box after South London forced a couple of
corners,
The
introduction of Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) gave Bermondsey some fresh legs just
as it looked like
As Bermondsey
had shown in previous games, maintaining a narrow lead has become a speciality of the side and by keeping possession well and
defending across all areas of the pitch with great determination they made it
hard for South London to get any momentum into their final attacks. No one
encapsulated this spirit more than Ronald Kemokai (
Once again the
side have shown a new dimension to their play – the ability to bounce back in a
match after an early setback and the win, that extends the sides unbeaten start
in eleven a side football this season, can be seen an excellent team effort –
with every member of the fifteen player squad playing an important part and
sticking to their role magnificently.
Team: Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) Hadley
Barton (St James) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) Ronnie Quick (St James)
Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road)
Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm
Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St
Georges) Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) Donte
Rowe (St Johns)
Final
arrangements have been made for the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association’s premier event for schools – the Sid Harker Cup.
This year, the
6 a side event is being staged as a one off tournament on Tuesday 25th November
2008 at The Lions Centre, Zampa Road (next to The New
Den). Schools are allowed to enter one team, who will play in a round of group
matches to qualify for a place in the knockout rounds. The action starts at
2.00 p.m. and the final should be finished by 4.30 p.m.
The winning
school will represent Bermondsey & Rotherhithe in the Davies Cup on
Saturday 29th November – at this event they will compete with the champion
schools from all the districts across Inner
Details have
been sent to all schools, but any teachers wanting further details of the event
should contact Bob James on 07802 428724.
Pupils and
parents should check with their year six teacher, PE co-ordinator
or teacher in charge of football whether their school is going to be there!
Inner London
County Schools FA 7-A-Side Tournament
Only a layer
of paint on a crossbar stopped the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools
Football Association District team becoming Inner London Champions and picking
up the Tower Hamlets Cup in the Inner London County Schools FA 7-A-Side
tournament at the Marathon Sports Ground in Charlton as they were beaten in
extra time in the final against last season national champions Lewisham.
Bermondsey began
the tournament needing to finish in the top two in their qualifying group,
consisting of Lewisham, Tower Hamlets and Woolwich. With Bermondsey in fine
form leading up to the tournament having notched up four wins and a draw in
their opening five 11-a-side matches hopes were high, but they found it
difficult to adjust back to the 7-A-Side game and in their group games found it
hard to master the pacy passing and movement required for success in the mini
game. However their opening game saw them battle well and earn a 0-0 draw with
Lewisham, thanks to a coupe of brave stops from
keeper Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter).
With small goals and a very high standard of goalkeeping in the event
from all teams, goals were hard to come by and when in their second match they
went a goal down to Tower Hamlets there looked to be little hope of qualifying
for the knockout stages. With Woolwich their final group opponents, Bermondsey
knew only a commanding victory would give the any hope of qualification and led
by the industrious Luke Elkin (Redriff) they set about their task with a relish
and enthusiasm that had been lacking the earlier games, quickly getting a goal
in front after good work from Connor Lucas (Townsend) and Kai Rowe(Redriff)
forced the ball past Woolwich’s keeper for Hadley Barton (St James) to apply
the finishing touch. Bermondsey
continued to take the game to Woolwich but a second would not come and time
appeared to be running out before Melvin Adesida (St Georges) popped up to
shrug off the challenge of the keeper and covering defender and squeeze in a
shot at the second attempt which to the delight of his team mates nestled in
the far corner. Despite the win
qualification was not assured as a draw in the final group match between Tower
Hamlets and Lewisham would have sent both teams through at Bermondsey’s
expense, but after a nervous finale to the group Lewisham’s 1-0 victory ensured
a semi final place for the Bermondsey lads.
Whilst there
was a feeling Bermondsey may come through the tougher of the groups, Hackney,
their semi final opponents, came into the match with a 100% record – winning
all three of their previous matches. Bermondsey had the first opening when
Melvin Adesida was put through but found Hackney’s keeper’s high reputation was
deserved as he pulled off a terrific blocking save. At the other end Callum
Thomas was looking equally impressive between the sticks, commanding his area
and making several important saves to keep Bermondsey in the tie – helped by a
terrific defensive display from the composed Ronnie Quick (St James) and
dynamic Melvyne Bertie (St Josephs Gomm Road). With such solid defences on both
sides, it was no surprise when the game went into extra time still deadlocked.
Few chances fell to either side in the extra two periods and a place in the
final came down to penalty kicks. With Hadley Barton, Melvyne Bertie and Luke
Elkin all powerfully dispatching their kicks, two fine saves from Callum Thomas
ensured a place in the final.
Backing up the
feeling that theirs had been the stronger group – it was fellow qualifiers
Lewisham who Bermondsey faced in the final. After a cagey opening, Bermondsey
were once again thankful to keeper Callum Thomas who made two fine saves as
Lewisham stepped up a gear but the game was still goalless as the sides swapped
ends. The second half was a different affair as it became Bermondsey’s turn to
raise the tempo, driven on by skipper Tommy Bartholomew (
As the
smallest District in the Inner London county – both in numbers and geographically,
becoming county runners up is no mean feat and the boys can all be proud of the
improvement through the tournament they showed. Next week the team revert to
their usual 11 a side football with their opening match in the Kay Trophy
competition against South London at Dulwich Park
Team: Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter)
Hadley Barton (St James) Ronnie Quick (St James) Melvyne Bertie (
Final
arrangements are being made for the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association’s premier event for schools – the Sid Harker Cup. This year, the 6
a side event is being staged as a one off tournament with one team from each
school playing in a round of group matches to qualify for a place in the
knockout rounds. A provisional date for the event has been set for Tuesday 25th
November, indoors at the Lions Centre next to the New Den. Provisional details
have been sent to schools and more will be sent once the day has been
confirmed. The winning school will represent Bermondsey & Rotherhithe in
the Davies Cup on Saturday 29th November – at this event they will compete with
the champion schools from all the districts across Inner
For any
schools wishing to practice in 6 a side matches against other schools (or just
looking for the chance to play other schools) there is an opportunity on
Thursday 20th November at the SPARK centre in
Teachers
wanting further details of either event should contact Bob James on 07802
428724.
Pupils and
parents should check with their teacher in charge of football to ensure their
school is entered and they do not miss out on the chance to match their school
team against the other local schools within the Association.
Congratulations
are due to former Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football
Association District team player, Dominic Shimmin,
who has received the award of Irn-Bru Scottish First
Division Young Player of the Month for October for his impressive performances
in the heart of defence for
Dominic who
went to St Joseph’s (Dockhead) played for Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA in
the 1998/9 season and joined Arsenal’s academy before he went on to play
English league football for both Queens Park Rangers and AFC Bournemouth prior
to moving north of the border.
Next Saturday
sees the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association
District Team take a break from eleven a side football as they head down to the
Marathon Sports Ground in Charlton to take part in the Inner London County
Schools FA seven a side competition – known as the Tower Hamlets Cup. Here they
will compete with the seven other districts that make up the Inner
Saturday’s
competition will be played in two groups of four under mini soccer rules – with
the top two in each group competing in the semi final round. Bermondsey and
Rotherhithe have been drawn in a group alongside Lewisham, Tower Hamlets and
Woolwich.
Saturday 8th
November 2008
Bexley Schools FA 1 Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe PSFA 4
Having gone unbeaten through the first
half term of the season the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District Team had
to battle against more than just their opponents to claim a well earned victory
in North Kent where they faced Bexley schools, as after a run of matches on
good playing surfaces in sunny weather they encountered a wild, wet and windy
morning and a heavy rain soaked pitch. Knowing they could play their brand of
free flowing passing football on a good surface the side had as yet been
untested on a less forgiving surface or conditions, but rose to the task
magnificently with some terrific quick passing football.
With the slope
to their advantage in the first half it was vital Bermondsey made good use of
it and the early pressure they put their hosts under indicated they would be
able to create chances, as Luke Elkin (Redriff) saw his effort cleared off the
line from one of an early series of corners they forced. However Bexley showed
they would be more than able to compete playing up the hill with their powerful
centre forward always looking to stretch the Bermondsey defence out wide from
where they delivered some useful balls into the area that required Ronnie Quick
(St James) and Abraham Konteh (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) to clear under pressure.
Just has it
looked as if Bexley may start to settle into the game, Bermondsey took the lead
from the penalty spot as Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) was upended in the area and
Tommy Bartholomew (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) powerfully smashed home the resulting
spot kick. The goal appeared to deflate the hosts and the lead was quickly
doubled when Luke Elkin drove home having found space in the box to turn. By
this point Bermondsey had taken control. Hadley Barton (St James) and Melvyne
Bertie (St Josephs Gomm Road) both took every opportunity to join in attacks
from right and left back positions respectively, often as a result of magnificent
quick distribution from keeper Callum Thomas (Alfred Slater) allowing them to
launch a wave of attacks and from one such move Bexley were pressured into
playing a loose pass across their own area where Kai Rowe (Redriff) eagerly
awaited and calmly drive the ball into the corner of the net.
A three goal
advantage at the break was no more than Bermondsey deserved but having been
told of Bexley’s amazing comeback from 4-0 down in
last season’s fixture were minded that the second half would be a different
prospect with both the slope and wind against them. Any worries were soon
displaced however as every player demonstrated they could play intelligent
football using quick passing and interplay to keep possession and stop Bexley
from building any serious spell of pressure. Connor Lucas (Townsend) whose pace
and close control were a constant thorn for the Bexley defence almost added to
the score when from a lightening passing move he acrobatically volleyed Luke
Elkin’s centre just over the bar and Matthew Ruiz (St George’s), who
continually broke up play to stop Bexley breaking from midfield, saw his shot
pass inches by the post after he had arrived late in the box to meet Kai Rowe’s
cross.
Whilst Donte
Rowe (St John’s) and Chris O’Shea (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) both kept Bexley
pegged back in their half with a hard working display up front chasing down the
Bexley back four as they tried to launch the ball forward, it took a couple of
well timed interceptions from Ronnie Quick to take the ball away from Bexley’s forwards as the hosts tried once more to rally in
search of an opening.
However a
fourth goal finally arrived for the red and whites, to ensure there could be no
comeback this time, after a powerful run from Melvin Adesida (St George’s) saw
him slip the ball at the perfect moment to Tinashe Fugede who rounded the last
defender and smashed home a powerful shot.
Bexley did
finally get on the score sheet as their centre forward finally broke free from
the shackles of the Bermondsey defence and whilst Callum Thomas was able to
save to his right a Bexley forward was on hand to slam home the loose ball.
That forward was in fact none other than Bermondsey’s own Ronald Kemokai (St
Joseph’s Gomm Road) who had graciously volunteered to turn out for Bexley after
a couple of late player withdrawals had left them with only ten players at the
ground for kick off. His goal was no more than he deserved for a hard working
display in their colours.
The thoroughly
professional and well deserved victory has given Bermondsey their best start to
the season for several seasons with four wins and a draw under their belts from
the opening five games and they will go to next week’s Inner London County
Schools FA seven a side competition hoping they can replicate their tremendous
form in eleven a side football in the
mini version of the game.
Team: Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter)
Hadley Barton (St James) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) Ronnie Quick (St
James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm
Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkin (Redriff) Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs
Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St
Georges) Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) Donte
Rowe (St Johns)
Following the
first four friendly fixtures of the season, during which the Bermondsey &
Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association District team has remained
unbeaten, the final squad for the 2008/9 season has been announced. As in
previous years, the games in the first half term have been used to trial
players and also give players opportunities in different positions in order to
give them their best chance of making the final squad. Once again too, there
have been surprises along the way and some players have found they can excel in
positions they had never thought about playing before.
The players selected
will remain in the squad for the season providing they maintain the high
standards they have met so far, both on at off the field. Being a schools
District footballer is so much more than just turning up each Saturday morning
to play a football match. Squad members have been selected to play for a
representative team and have responsibility to both their own schools and the
area they are representing. Other districts, their players, parents, teachers
and officials will get an impression of Bermondsey & Rotherhithe through
the conduct and attitude of our players. Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA are
proud of their reputation and look forward to seeing this years
squad continue to maintain enhance the associations standing in schools
football. The Association would also like to thank all the parents, teachers,
schools and pupils who have supported and taken part in the process to select
this year’s squad,
The players
selected for the District Team for the 2008/2009 season are:
|
Name |
School |
Position |
|
Abraham Konteh |
St Josephs ( |
Defence/Goalkeeper |
|
Callum Thomas |
Alfred Salter |
Goalkeeper |
|
Chris O’Shea |
St Josephs ( |
Forward |
|
Connor Lucas |
Townsend |
Midfield |
|
Donte Rowe |
|
Forward/Midfield |
|
Hadley Barton |
St James |
Defence |
|
Kai Rowe |
Redriff |
Midfield |
|
Luke Elkin |
Redriff |
Midfield |
|
Matthew Ruiz |
St Georges |
Midfield |
|
Melvin Adesida |
St Georges |
Forward |
|
Melvyne Bertie |
St Josephs ( |
Defence |
|
Ronald Kemokai |
St Josephs ( |
Defence/Midfield |
|
Ronnie Quick |
St James |
Defence |
|
Tinashe Fugede |
Redriff |
Forward |
|
Tommy Bartholomew |
St Josephs ( |
Midfield |
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 10
The Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Primary Schools Football Association
District Team cruised to victory at Dulwich Park against an inexperienced
Camden side, with no fewer than eight players getting on the score sheet as the
visitors had few answers to Bermondsey’s attacking prowess.
However for
the first twenty minutes there was little sign of the goal glut to follow with
Bermondsey failing to pass the ball effectively enough to open up their
visitors making individual runs at goal rather than linking with better placed
teammates and only having Donte Rowe’s (St Johns)
firm strike into the corner of the net to show for their superior possession.
Indeed
The let off
fired Bermondsey into life and with the introduction of Luke Elkins (Redriff) on
the right flank his interplay with right back Hadley Barton (St James) launched
countless attacks down the right hand side and saw Bermondsey take the game to
their visitors. The resulting pressure saw Connor Lucas (Townsend) latch on to
a loose ball in the area to fire home and double the lead and Chris O’Shea (St
Josephs Gomm Road) kept up his
impressive scoring record when he swept home from the left hand side of the
area. By the midway point Bermondsey had
added a fourth when Connor Lucas acrobatically hooked home Tommy Bartholomew’s
(
It was in the
last twenty minutes however that Bermondsey really put
By this point
Bermondsey were in total control and despite playing up the slope were penning
With five
minutes remaining
Scores of such
magnitude are a rarity in District football and it should be remembered this
was Camden’s first match of the season where they unluckily caught Bermondsey
in irresistible goal scoring mood and a sterner test will await in the team’s
next fixture in a fortnights time against Bexley.
Team: Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter)
Hadley Barton (St James) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) Ronnie Quick (St
James) Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm
Road) Kai Rowe (Redriff) Luke Elkins (Redriff) Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs
Gomm Road) Connor Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St
Georges) Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Tinashe Fugede (Redriff) Donte
Rowe (St Johns)
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe PSFA 3
After a draw
and win away from home in their last two matches, the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
Primary Schools Football Association District Team kept up their unbeaten start
to the season on Saturday with a battling victory against a determined Hackney
side in their opening home fixture of the season at Dulwich Park.
A combative
opening period saw neither side prepared to give away ground in midfield and
chances were few and far between, with a long range shot forcing some smart
handling from Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter) in the Bermondsey goal as near as
either side got to breaking the deadlock in the opening ten minutes.
However the
introduction of Kai Rowe (Redriff) to the left side allowed Bermondsey to get
some width into their play with Tommy Bartholomew (St
Josephs Gomm Road) from
central midfield and Melvyne Bertie (St Josephs Gomm Road) at left back combining well to free him down the left
flank, from where Bermondsey were able to get behind the Hackney defence and
apply some pressure. Eventually this pressure told, as in trying to clear a
Hackney defender handled, but Bermondsey were unable to take advantage as the
resulting penalty hit the post. Bermondsey did not have to wait long to make
amends – more clever passing down the left flank released Melvin Adesida (St
Georges) and when he
squared Chris O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) was on hand to force home from
three yards out.
Hackney always
looked lively on the break and their quick forward pairing forced centre back
Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) to be at his best to keep them at bay, using his
strength and power on a number of occasions to stop their forward getting a
clear run on goal. Shortly before the break Hackney won a free kick on the edge
of the penalty area that was struck with power but passed inches above the
crossbar, ensuring Bermondsey & Rotherhithe went into the break ahead.
Hackney may
have felt at half time that their hosts single goal did not represent a
sufficient reward for having had the slope in their favour and looked
immediately to take better advantage of it themselves, forcing Bermondsey into
their own half with Callum Thomas having to be alert to slide at an on rushing
forward’s feet in the opening minute. Bermondsey were able to relieve the
pressure by counter attacking at speed and when Tinashe Fugede (Redriff)
burst through from halfway he calmly rounded the keeper and then unselfishly
left the ball to the better placed Melvin Adesida who confidently lifted the
ball over the covering defenders into the net to double Bermondsey’s lead.
The second goal should have allowed
the red and whites to kill the game off, yet Hackney swept forward and were
awarded a penalty of their own following a clumsy challenge. Callum Thomas
guessed correctly to pull off a fine save low to his left but no sooner had the
celebrations died down than Hackney had recycled the ball to tee up a shot from
outside the box which flew high into the roof of the net to give the visitors a
glimmer of hope. As expected the goal saw Hackney push forward for an equaliser
and once again Bermondsey were able to counter attack at speed and with Luke
Elkins (Redriff) sweeping forward to join a quick break Bermondsey were able to
turn the Hackney defence where under heavy pressure one of their defenders
diverted the ball into his own goal to set up an unassailable lead.
However Hackney did almost manage to
pull a further goal back when a free kick sailed over a mass of players in the
penalty area and into the net, but having touched none of them was disallowed
as the kick had been awarded as indirect. Bermondsey stood strong to Hackney’s
final onslaught with Ronald Kemokai (St Josephs Gomm Road) growing in stature
deputising at centre half and whilst the final ten minutes became a scrappier
affair with Bermondsey not displaying their now customary passing football they
did prove they can hold a lead.
Next week the side have another home
game as they look to extend their unbeaten start to the season to a fourth
match with Camden Schools due to visit Dulwich Park.
Team: Callum Thomas (Alfred Salter)
Hadley Barton (St James) Abraham Konteh (St Josephs Gomm Road) Ronald Kemokai
(St Josephs Gomm Road) Melvyne Bertie (St Joseph’s Gomm Road) Kai Rowe
(Redriff) Luke Elkins (Redriff) Tommy Bartholomew (St Josephs Gomm Road) Connor
Lucas (Townsend) Melvin Adesida (St Georges) Matthew Ruiz (St Georges) Chris
O’Shea (St Josephs Gomm Road) Daniel Odoh (St Josephs
Gomm Road) Tinashe Fugede (Redriff)
A small selection of photos from
today’s fixture can be seen in the gallery section.
Schools
football is very fortunate to benefit from the generosity of referees. Both our
away matches so far this season have had qualified referees in the middle and for
today’s fixture with Hackney we are fortunate enough to have a qualified
referee who loves to take charge of our home matches whenever he is available
to do so – Mr David Bird. David is a very experienced referee who
continues to referee at a good standard of adult football, but always enjoys
refereeing our games. Most of the referees who officiate at this level of
schools football usually do so for free! Many do not even claim expenses. This
has been the custom and practice in schools football over the years and we are
extremely grateful to those referees, who kindly and generously make themselves
available to referee our matches,
If this were not enough, at the end of last season David offered to donate to our Association a set of corner flags for us to use at home matches. It is those flags – in the red and white colours of Bermondsey that will be used for the first time in today’s match. This was a wonderful gesture for which we are extremely grateful and is typical of the way in which David and his fellow referees support schools football. It goes without saying that we expect al our players, parents,