Abotsholme’s Football teams have had a busy start to the season, which see’s many new faces involved in the teams. The 1st XI has a very different looking squad after losing ten of last years squad players. The U15’s have a new coach with Mr Anders now in charge, and the U13’s have another Australian coach who has taken on the role left by Sam Bullen.
The 1st XI started the season with a home game to Royal Wolves, the team made a bright start with captain Rupert Sanderson leading them well from the centre of midfield. Lone striker Felix Prince looked dangerous every time he got the ball and his two first half goals saw Abbotsholme go in at the break with a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately they did not play with the same composure in the second half and Royal Wolves managed to score three goals with no reply. The team can take many positives from the game and look forward to a promising season. 'Man of the Match' was Felix Prince. The U15’s had a high scoring opening game away to Royal Wolves which saw them just lose their narrow lead in a game that ended 4-4; Tom Benjamin was 'Man of the Match' with two goals. The U13’s had a tough opening game at Royal Wolves in which they sadly lost 10-0.
All three teams then travelled to Denstone College on Wednesday 25 January, sadly the U13’s opposition were too big and physical and Abbotsholme suffered another heavy defeat, this time losing 8-0. The U15’s also came up against a very strong team with some good individual players, an 10-0 defeat was a bitter blow for the boys. The 1st XI travelled to play Denstone College 3rd XI and from kick off it was evident it would be a tough match. Abbotsholme started the brighter of the two teams. James Hudson and Sam Barton won everything that was thrown at them, with good support from full backs Jeremy Clark and Jack Sanderson. Rupert Sanderson led the physical battle in centre midfield, with Tom Bailey and Lewis Fraser offering good support and linking up well with those around them. Josh Sulin and James Porter played wide and linked up well in attack. The deadlock was broken by Felix Prince with a stunning left foot strike into the top corner from 18 yards. Abbotsholme continued to put on the pressure but could not find a breakthrough for a second. Half time came and Abbotsholme knew they were in control but the game was far from over. That control was quickly lost in the second half. Within the opening minutes of the half a defensive mix up saw Denstone pull level, Abbotsholme lost their shape and heads for a few minutes and Denstone quickly scored a second. Changes were made and Abbotsholme looked like they may get back into the game, Lewis Fraser saw a long range effort destined for the top corner well saved, crosses were drilled across the goal but no players there to pounce. Denstone still pushed forward and through another defensive mix up the were able to score their third with just over ten minutes to go. Abbotsholme continued to put the pressure on with subs Dmitry Vladimirov, Henry James and Matt Kuster troubling the defence but could not find the result they needed. 'Man of the Match' was Tom Bailey who in his first start for the 1st XI brought calmness and composure to the centre of midfield and gave good options in attack.