On Saturday 24th April The Blyth School Under 19s beat Churchill Community College 1-0.
On Saturday the 24th Blyth faced Churchill in their final game of the season. Thanks to Blyth’s highly successful season a final league win would surely see them lift the league trophy and gain promotion. As the final game of the season, it was also the last game for many of Blyth’s senior players including team captain Daryl Pentleton and the likes of Patterson, Scott, Greenshields and Oates.
Apart from goalkeeper Musgrove, who was running late, preparations went well. Team managers Mr. Savory and Mr. Beecroft delivered an unforgettable and highly emotional speech which focused on what it would mean to not only the players but to themselves and the school to bring the league trophy to Blyth.
Both teams started the game offensively with clear ambitions of taking the fixture by the scruff of its neck. However as the first half continued Blyth became less efficient and at times appeared flat, this allowed Churchill more possession yet they failed to create any decent chances. As the interval approached Blyth began to grow frustrated and left the field at half time locked at 0-0 less than pleased by their overall performance.
Both teams returned to the field refreshed for the second half. Blyth lifted the tempo of their performance straight from kick off and managed to create a handful of chances and won a few corners, nonetheless Churchill defended well and pushed themselves hard. Unfortunately as time went by Blyth once again became frustrated and conceded a small number of corners and free kicks in worrying positions. But in typical Blyth fashion the lads defended well and pushed for the winner.
Blyth’s hard work soon paid dividends as the ball fell to Bariana in Churchill’s goalmouth, Bariana managed to get a strike at goal, where the keeper managed to block the strike, however was unable to hold onto the ball, fortunately for Blyth the shot from Bariana had enough momentum to carry the ball over the goal line. It wasn’t the sort of goal Blyth wanted to win the game with but at the end of the day, a goal is a goal.
When the final whistle blew Blyth erupted into cheers to claim a 1-0 victory and the league trophy, team manager Savory could not help showing his emotion as tears of joy glistened in his eyes.
All in all Blyth could not have dreamt of a better campaign and on behalf of all the lads I would like to say a huge thanks to both Mr. Savory and Mr. Beecroft, who made the season possible. Finally I would also like to add what an honour it has been for me and all the lads who played their last game for The Blyth School Community College on Saturday, to represent the college over the past two years.
Sincerely Steven Greenshields
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