Weston-Super-Mare was the destination for the Year 11s fixture in the FA Schools Cup. Park faced Priory Community College and only a win would take them through to the next round. Extra time and penalties loomed if the two teams could not be separated after normal time.

Park approached the game confident that they could take home a win but cautious that an unknown side could have the potential to upset this if underestimated. They set out in a tried and tested 3-5-2 formation with the aim to expose Priory to overloads in wide areas.

Intelligent runs beyond the Priory centre-backs by Ollie Fosberry started the Park attacks. Charlie Roach and Akram Mokni linked well in the central areas but were equalled by two of Priory’s combative midfield players. Approaching half time, Priory took advantage of some lazy Park forward passing and strung together a few chances that worked Max Moore, the Park goalkeeper. 

Park eventually, against the run of play, scored the opening goal. Oscar Rogers’ free kick was saved and spilt by the Priory keeper and Charlie Roach pounced on the loose ball. Shortly after Priory levelled, a dubious free kick was given 25 yards out from the Park goal. A textbook training-ground free kick was dispatched with ease to level the game. 

The second half was plagued by bad weather; heavy rain bogged the pitch and the game became a scrap for territory. With no goal in sight after extra time, it went to penalties to decide a winner. Towards the last few penalties the score was 3-2 Priory, majestic saves by Max Moore and a cool finish by Akram Mokni kept Park in the shootout. Adam Rashid stepped up to level the game…. a great strike kept rising and hit the crossbar and bounced out. 

Despite the result, a great performance from the boys.

>Full Time Result: Priory 1 – 1 Park

                    Penalties (3 -2)

Man of the Match: James Harley

Written by Mr G King (PE Technician)