Football
1st XI
by
Luke GavinA
t the start of our first season
in the Mercian League,
anticipation was high in the
1st XI as we undertook our
debut competitive season.
Although not knowing what
to expect, we were confident that we could
challenge even the strongest teams in the
league, and this we did with a very successful
opening season.
The defence improved massively throughout the
season, and their hard work and patience paid
off especially towards the end with great
performances against strong offensive teams.
The back four mainly consisted of Luke Gavin
and Matt Bray in the centre, combined with
Nick Evans and Finn Spencer on the wings.
It was here that the solidity of our defence was
founded and fittingly they were awarded player
of the year and young player of the year
respectively.
Our midfield saw a lot of changes throughout
the season, but despite this always remained
consistent and fluid. Matt Griffiths, Jos Buttler
and Alex Barrow were the pick of the players,
but were ably supported with massive
contributions from players such as Elliott
Chambers, Ed Nash, Archie Berrow, Shane
Scott, Jason Gonultas and James Gonultas.
Although not the largest of midfields, they more
than made up for it with their vision and skill.
This became especially evident as the weather
improved which allowed our midfield to show
their true potential.
Up front was an area where we struggled to
find consistent goalscoring form. However this
was not due to a lack of talent in this area, and
there were some great performances
throughout the season from many players.
Jos Buttler, Shane Scott, Elliott Chambers and
Ed Nash all contributed massively to the
attack, and it was a wonder more goals were
not scored.
The season got underway with the long journey
to a wet Monmouth, and although there were
plenty of positives, we were let down by a
failure to adapt to the weather and finish the
chances that we created. The match acted as
a dose of reality as to the true standard of the
Mercian League and showed how hard we were
going to have to work.
The second match was again away to Mercian
League favourites Malvern. King's put up a
valiant fight and controlled the opening quarter
with Ed Nash hitting the post and Jos Buttler
playing a key role in linking the midfield.
Despite this we conceded two well-worked
goals and in the end lost to the stronger team.
The highlight of the season was a spectacular
6-1 win over Wycliffe; this was a solid team
performance where the midfield in particular
proved dominant in both attack and defence.
Ed Nash scored four whilst Elliott Chambers
scored twice, including a spectacular free kick
from well outside the area.
The most frustrating match was against Clifton;
King's fought hard throughout the game to
dominate determined opposition, and we took
the lead through Jos Buttler. After putting in
such a good performance it was extremely
disappointing to concede two late goals which
eventually cost us the match. Although it was
a disappointing result the team performed
exceptionally well, especially Shane Scott who
was awarded man of the match.
Overall it was a great season and the whole
team showed how strong King's football has
become. With solid positions in both the
Exeter and Mercian Leagues, it was a season
we should be proud of - there's a very positive
future for King's football!
Aluredian
80
Ed Nash rounds the Bristol
Grammar School defence