Woodmansterne Title Winning Season
The road to the title was a long but very enjoyable one. The Lambeth & Southwark Primary Schools Football leagues, are contested by many teams from the boroughs. Games are contested at two grounds in the Dulwich area; Rosendale Playing Fields and Dulwich Sports Ground. Each and every member of our squad played their part throughout the course of the 11 game season. Parental support and teacher support, most notably Mr Rigby and Mr Dinsmore did not go unnoticed by the coaching staff or players.
Our season began with a well fought 4-2 win against St. Andrews, in the 1st round of the Magazine Cup. This was followed up by our cup exit and only loss of the season against Holy Trinity (who are currently still in the competition). Over our 2 cup games we managed to score 6 goals (4 for Darren; 2 for Noah).
Having dusted ourselves off, focus was put into doing our best in the league we’ve done ok in, in the 3 years prior. This year we opted for a bigger squad of 18 players, which in hindsight worked in our favour (so props to Mr Jasper). We kicked off our league campaign with a 5-1 against Vauxhall Wyvil, who were the reigning champions. Goals from Krystian, Ewan, Noah and 2 for Darren. After a few weeks, we were back in action. Again coming up against St. Andrews. This time round we walked away 10-1 winners. Darren going home with 4 goals to his name, Noah with 3 and one each for Hashim, Enzo and Ashlee. We saw out 2018 with 4-0 against Camelot, with goals from Cameron, Mehdi, Enzo and another goal for Darren.
Following the festivities of Christmas and a New Year, a month had now passed since the boys were in action. Our next opponents were Telferscot. A 3-3 draw was the result, conceding 2 late goals after taking a 3-1 lead. A lead created thanks to goals from Enzo and another 2 for Darren. At this half wat stage of our season, 2 teams had pulled away from the rest as the title challengers; ourselves and Crawford Primary. As the universe would have it, they were our next opponents. A top of the table clash. The game proved to be just that, neither team wanting to be beaten. The game finishing 1-1, with a coolly taken freekick by Ewan to bring Woodmansterne back level. Coach Chris demanded a response from the boys after two highly contested draws. The response, a 4-0 win over Crown Lane. Goals from Hayden, Cameron and 2 for Noah. This was followed up by a 4-1 win over Fenstanton, showing great character after going 1-0 down. Scorers on the day were Cameron, Enzo and Mehdi who got himself 2 goals.
The penultimate game of the season, saw a change of location as our game was moved Alleyn’s School due to weather conditions. We came up against Rosendale B, who happen to have a team in the top division. A nervy game, knowing a win would leave us in touching distance of dominance of the league. A hard fought game, saw Louie claim a late winner as we came from behind to win 3-2. Our first two goals were scored by Darren and Jaaziah. Our final game of the 2018/19 season saw us come up against Judith Kerr. Knowing a win would have us crowned as CHAMPIONS! Unfortunately, coach Chris overslept meaning the boys had to kick off without a kit. Luckily Coaches Nathaniel and Sen were in attendance to guide the boys through. Chris finally showed up in the 2nd half with the score already 3-0 to Woodmansterne. A quick change of kit and the goals continued to come. Woodmansterne boys football team signed off in style, winning 7-0. Scorers on the day were: Joshua, Jaaziah, Woody, Dylan, Darren and Enzo who got 2.
All in all a very fruitful season in the league. Playing 9 games, winning 7, drawing 2 and losing 0. In the process scoring a massive 41 goals and conceding just 9. Red Division Champions.
Congratulations to all the boys.
Chris Awodele (Head Coach of Escalate Inc.