The Year 7, 8 and 9 football teams were all back in action this week playing at home against Eden Boys’ School. Year 7 were unlucky to lose their game 2-1 but put in a fantastic performance in their first game. Sharples started the game well but were caught out on the counter attack twice in the first half. Masen Bridge was fantastic in goal and kept the team in the game. In the second half, Sharples were much more composed on the ball and by far the better team. With 5 minutes to go, Sharples scored the goal they deserved after an excellent free kick from Liam Payne that was headed in by Josh. It was a tense last 5 minutes but (unfortunately) Sharples couldn’t find an equaliser.
The first game of the season for Y8 was a very damp affair which did affect both sides ability to get the ball down and play. Sharples did start the stronger side, but were unable to capitalise on their early chances. As the first half wore on, Eden began to have more and more possession and eventually the pressure told with two goals in quick succession. Having said this, just before half time, we put the pressure on for what was going to be a difficult second half. Early in the second half, Cole Bridge broke through and slotted home to bring the game back to 3-1, closely followed by another Eden goal and then a great solo effort from Sharples full back brought the game back to 4-2. As the Sharples team tired, Eden added a fifth from the penalty spot and then a sixth to seal Year 8’s first defeat. There were plenty of positives from the game and a ‘Man of the Match’ performance from goalkeeper, Rio Fish, was very encouraging.
The Year 9 team started the year were they left off in Year 8 with another very impressive performance to get through to the next round of the Bolton Cup. Sharples dominated from the start with Will Scarbrough scoring 4 times and Josh Crompton adding another 2 goals to secure their place in the next round of the cup. Sam Fullarton put in a ‘Man of the Match’ performance in midfield.