Match Report: The Churchill School vs Folkestone Primary Academy

Final Score: The Churchill School 5-1 Folkestone Primary Academy

With the rain looming in the distance and the winter chill beginning to set in, we arrived at Folkestone Primary Academy ready for another tough fixture. We didn't have quite as long as we would have liked to warm up, but the team were ready to go and eager to get started.

We began the game slightly on the back foot, with Folkestone Primary moving the ball around well and looking noticeably bigger and more physical than they had last season. However, it didn't take long for us to settle into our rhythm.

The game plan was the same as last week: press high, make it difficult for the opposition to play out from the back, win the ball high up the pitch and take our chances. We wanted to make it as uncomfortable as possible for Folkestone to settle into the game.

It wasn't long before that pressure paid off. A shot was saved by the Folkestone goalkeeper, but the rebound fell perfectly to Josh, and he was never going to miss. Excellent positioning and a confident finish saw us take a 1–0 lead.

We knew we had to keep pushing and continue putting Folkestone under pressure. Freddie was outstanding in the middle of the park, fighting hard to win the ball and then driving the team forward. His skill and flair were a delight to watch, and he worked tirelessly to keep moving us up the pitch.

Toby and Henry were equally impressive at the back, making tackle after tackle to keep Folkestone at bay and ensuring they had very little opportunity to threaten our goal.

It wasn't long before Leon got himself on the scoresheet with a neat finish. He then quickly followed it up with his second of the game and his fifth goal of the tournament! Once again, his positioning was excellent, reacting quickest to another rebound from the goalkeeper and calmly putting the ball away.

The whole team were working incredibly hard and sticking to the principles we reiterate time and time again.

Freddie decided he wanted to get his name on the scoresheet too. A long-range effort flew towards the bottom corner, nestling perfectly into the net with the goalkeeper unable to reach it. It was a fantastic finish and thoroughly deserved after the performance Freddie had put in.

At the other end of the pitch, Louie was absolutely outstanding in goal. I'm not sure that I have the words to describe just how solid he was. Everything that came his way was dealt with calmly and confidently. He marshalled his defence expertly and gave the team enormous confidence behind them.

Franky worked incredibly hard, pressing alongside Leon and Josh and making intelligent runs to help link up our play.

As we made changes to keep the team fresh and solidify our shape, Austin worked tirelessly, making countless defensive challenges and then driving forward whenever he won the ball. Harlow and Parker kept us high up the pitch, driving forward and helping to maintain the pressure on Folkestone. Harley worked hard to link the midfield with our attackers and was equally impressive with his work off the ball.

We went into half-time 4–0 up and felt that we were firmly in control. However, we knew it was important that we didn't become complacent. We needed to stick to our principles, keep working together and continue playing the way we had throughout the first half.

We returned to the team that started the game and were ready to go again.

We picked up exactly where we had left off, putting dangerous balls into the box and working hard as a team to keep things tight. Our defensive work meant Louie had very little to do, but whenever he was called upon, he was once again faultless.

We continued to fight, pushing forward and making it difficult for Folkestone to settle into the second half. Further changes were made, and the players continued to work incredibly hard, looking for another goal while making sure we remained disciplined at the back.

Parker worked tirelessly to press the Folkestone backline and make it difficult for them to play out from the back. Freddie continued his relentless work in midfield, pushing us up the pitch and making some vital tackles. Austin was once again excellent defensively, keeping things tight alongside Toby.

Unfortunately, a good piece of play from Folkestone saw them work the ball into the box before a well-taken finish gave them a goal. 4–1.

We knew we had to respond positively and work hard through the final few minutes to make sure we didn't concede another.

And respond we did.

A brilliant dribble from Freddie saw him ride several challenges before playing the ball into the middle of the pitch. Harley took it around the defender and smashed it into the bottom corner.

A true striker's finish and a thoroughly deserved goal after Harley's hard work throughout the game.

As Harley came off the pitch, he was absolutely beaming. He immediately came over to tell me that his mum had told him he needed to score today...

And he had!

He was very excited to make sure she knew!

The final whistle soon followed, confirming a 5–1 Churchill victory and our second win of the season.

This was another brilliant team performance. The goals were shared around this time, and we worked incredibly well as a team, pressing high up the pitch, winning the ball back and playing some excellent passes to create opportunities for one another.

I couldn't be happier with both the result and the performance. There is still plenty of hard work ahead, but this team is showing week after week exactly what they are capable of.

Next week we welcome Cheriton Primary to Churchill. It is another game we can look forward to and another opportunity to show just how far this team can go.

We need as many of you as possible behind the team, supporting the players and helping create the fantastic atmosphere that has followed us throughout the season.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. It is hugely appreciated.

Come on, Churchill!