This week’s football opponents were local rivals St John’s and the OLI crowd were out in force as lots of parents came to see both girls and boys teams in action.

The girls encounter was a league fixture, with 3 huge points at stake. After falling behind to a single goal, the OLI girls rallied back with two of their own to lead 2-1, Alexis Crieta showing off some silky skills to score a ‘Messi-esque’ goal, continuing her goalscoring heroics from last week against Wellesbourne Primary.

It could be argued that OLI’s main threat throughout the game was Akasha, and that her unfortunate early departure from the game resulted in St John’s scoring two more goals in reply to win a tight match 3-2, as Akasha’s passion and aggression was causing problems for St John’s all game. A massive well done to all the girls, especially Yusra and Isabel, who took on the toughest task of all, playing in goal!

On the next pitch, the boys had a friendly match, as ourselves and St John’s find ourselves in different leagues for the first time in a few years. Both teams played brilliant pass and move football, but it was St John’s who took the early advantage. OLI found it hard to get going and were caught on the break on many occasions, having Callum, Aiden and Sean to thank for last minute saves and blocks. Despite, the well organised defence, St John’s scored an early goal, direct from a free kick to make it 1-0. A sleepy midfield allowed some excellent 1-2’s to be played, as St John’s slotted home a second from a tight angle, giving ‘keeper Callum no chance.

Into the second half, OLI found their rhythm and were much more comfortable on the ball. Eryk replaced Callum in goal and found very little to do, other than a few routine catches. Neat footwork ensued, and soon an OLI goal would come, from the swinging boot of Connor Powell, tucking home after a lovely interchange between OLI’s forward players.

Sean and Michee found themselves on the end of hopeful St John’s clearances, to bring the possession back to OLI on many occasions. The final minutes were end-to-end, but as a ball fell kindly to Michee on the edge of the box, he struck a sweet shot in to the top left hand corner of the goal, making the last minute equaliser feel like a winner!

The boys and girls can be very proud of themselves this weekend, as they kept spirits high throughout the game and ensured that their attitude towards each other, the opposition and the officials was outstanding.