The year 11 Calday ‘B’ team had their first game since they first came together 4 years ago on Tuesday afternoon in Liverpool. Featuring some newer players making their first starts, as well as Dancey from year 10, the men in maroon looked an established outfit on the ball and arguably should have won the game.
Calday did most of the attacking in the first half, with Russell causing problems for the home defence down the left, and Hill looking solid in the middle.
Cardinal Heenan made a substitute midway through the half, bringing on a tall centre-forward who was a handful all afternoon. Befittingly, their game plan changed, as they focused on getting the ball to their target man as quickly as possible.
As the half-time whistle was blown, the game was goalless, as both teams had struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities.
As the second period progressed, Calday’s additions of Brocklehurst and Lane to the field had good impact, as the away side showed more potential in midfield and out wide
It was the home side, however, who took the lead, after the ball was bundled home in a scramble which could easily have resulted in a free kick for a foul on Calday keeper, Withe.
This wasn’t to dishearten the visitors, as they created several huge chances. Indeed, Calday were unfortunate to have a goal disallowed for a foul on the keeper. Poe (captain), Dancey and Brocklehurst were all involved in a dominant attack in the final 10 minutes, but sadly, Calday couldn’t find the net and the game ended 1-0 to Cardinal Heenan. We wish them luck in the next round in their game against St Ambrose College.
All players who represented the school should be proud of their performances: they did everything right except for scoring that elusive goal. Amongst many very good individual performances, Sterry’s influence on the team was evident to all, standing strong at left-back and finding some excellent passes moving forward. Well done to him for his MOTM performance.
The first team return to action next week as they take on West Derby in the second round of the National Cup (date TBC).
