Under 13 boys reach ISFA quarters

The undefeated Lower School Under 13A team last week played in the 3rd round of the ISFA Rensberg Sheppard U13 Cup against Highfield School in Hamsphire, beating them 2-1.

The Haileybury boys played some intelligent football in some extremely testing weather conditions and took the lead after just two minutes, working the ball at speed from right to left and through for Callum Scutt who finished emphatically into the far side netting. Highfield then proceeded to place 10 players behind the ball as they played up the slope and into the wind and rain. This made it difficult to break down the defence and deadlock remained, despite Christian Scales again showing his class as he dominated his opposite number (s) before setting up opportunities for Michael Antonetti, Freddie Walker, Joe Newton, Jarvis Nutt and Callum Scutt, all without reward. The score seemed destined to remain 1 – 0, until a handball resulted in a penalty being awarded to Haileybury. Joe Newton stepped up from left back but unfortunately drove the ball straight at the keeper who held on tightly.

Highfield rarely managed to put the Haileybury defence under any pressure due to the tiger-like performance of Jarvis Nutt and the intelligent distribution of James Brooking.

Half time arrived and Haileybury made a tactical substitution, bringing Will Vooght out of goal to right back and inserting Kieran Gale between the posts. This paid immediate dividends when Will Vooght linked up with Michael Antonetti to put Callum Scutt through on goal. Callum chipped the approaching keeper to make it two goals to nil.

Haileybury dominated play for the rest of the half but, with ten minutes remaining, Haileybury conceded a sloppy goal from a huge wind-assisted punt downfield by the Highfield keeper. The ball bobbled loose for the Highfield striker to slot home from the edge of the area. This left a tense final ten minutes but, despite the high pitch shrill of the Highfield girls and parents supporting, Haileybury regained their composure to keep the ball and play the game in the Highfield half.

The score line did not reflect the difference in ability between the two teams, but you only need to score one more than the opponents to march on. Please check out the ISFA website for more details.

The Quarter Final draw takes place next week, with the fixture having to be played before 12 December. Well done to the team!