Reed’s 1 Charterhouse 2

For the second Saturday in succession, Charterhouse found themselves a goal behind early in the match on January 22nd. This time there was little they could do about a very well taken drag flick at a short corner, which came during a period of pressure from their hosts.

Charterhouse rode out the storm, however, and steadily began to impose themselves on their opposition. Certainly they had most of the play for the rest of the first half, but the equalising goal proved very elusive, either the shot was scuffed or the Reed’s goalkeeper made a good save. The visitors earned three short corners in the first period but, though they managed to get shots away on each occasion, they were all saved and they could not profit from the rebound. Charlie Kimmins, Tim Downes and Ali Church were all denied and, with no change in the score by half time it began to look as though it might not be Charterhouse’s day.

In the second period, Charterhouse redoubled their efforts, passing the ball with greater pace and precision and pressing the opposition high up the pitch. The tactic certainly brought rewards in terms of territory but no tangible reward on the scoreboard until Kimmins finally broke through and completed a slick move from a short corner.

Buoyed by this success, Charterhouse pressed still harder but the reed’s keeper was on excellent form and pulled off a series of fine saves. At the other end, Josh Doble was a virtual spectator as his team exerted more and more pressure. There was always the threat that the lively Reed’s forwards might break away and snatch a second goal but Sam Harris, in particular, was in commanding form and would not allow the opposition a sight of goal.

As the clock ran down, however, it looked as though Charterhouse would have to settle for a draw despite their dominance and then, with two minutes left on the clock, Downes burst along the by-line and pulled the ball back to Kimmins who grabbed it with both hands.

It had been a very tough match for Charterhouse and Reed’s played with real resistance, but our team is made of stern stuff and would not be denied. They have made an excellent start to the season with three wins out of three in school matches. Next Wednesday will see them face their sternest challenge yet when they visit Kingston GS.