Our boys’ football team played their 3rd KMC Sports league game of the season today against local friends/rivals Faith Primary School. The boys had won both their first 2 games and knew that a win would put them in a strong league position, but they also knew that teams from Faith are always loaded with talent.

The match began with a bang; the boys were passing the ball in midfield very well with captain Dan Smith linking brilliantly with Jack Traynor and Gradi Nkongolo. The breakthrough goal came after 10 minutes when Gradi broke free in the box and attempted a Wijnaldum-esque chip! The ball soared over the keeper, looked headed for the top corner… when striker Luke Buckley slammed it in to the top corner from extreme close range to make sure of the goal! VAR was consulted (in the form of Mr. Cotton) and the goal was given as Luke’s!

Faith equalised soon after with a one-on-one finish but OLI didn’t get down-hearted. What followed was a goal of the season contender. Jack, Gradi and league debutante Lucas Parkinson linked up with stunning passing before Jack slotted in a goal with his weaker foot to send the fans into raptures! OLI used this momentum to score a 3rd when Lucas rifled a shot into the roof of the net from the edge of the area. Lucas became the first year 4 child to score a goal in a league match this year! The half ended 3-1. In spite of keeper Ayman falling over the ball as he attempted to clear it, spirits were high!

Faith began the second half with renewed energy and scored very early into it. At 3-2, the match was on a knife-edge when Gradi produced a moment of magic. He turned a defender and curled his effort into the top corner from 25 yards out! A crucial goal against his old school!

At 4-2, the game became even more tense at Faith scored again! At 4-3, Dan, Lennon, Jonny and JP showed why their defensive skills make them keystones of the team. Tackling was excellent, with Oscar Kwasny sliding in repeatedly to save keeper Ayman from difficult situations. With one last attacking run from regular striker Tom Farrell, the final whistle blew and OLI ran out very tight winners. Big thanks to KMC sports for the organisation as well as to Faith for producing a great game.

MOTM: Oscar Kwasny – Excellent tackling and passing, showing a huge improvement over the last 12 months.