The Year 8 Boys' Football Team travelled to Wellington High School in Altrincham for the first round of the Trafford Schools Cup. Wellington were in the league above Stretford Grammar and the boys started the game with speed, control, and eagerness to score. Led by Ethan Gilchrist in the midfield, Stretford opened the scoring, but shortly after, we conceded a penalty and another goal, heading into half-time 2-1.

The game finished 5-2, but the scoreline doesn’t accurately reflect how close the game was. Stretford Grammar played excellent football throughout the two halves of twenty minutes. It was when Joe Pope came on to the pitch that we noticed a shift in our attack, with more shots testing the Wellington goalkeeper, pinpoint corners, and a relentless effort to win the ball back when Wellington defenders were passing the ball around the back. That given, Joe Pope was our well-deserved Man/Attacker of the Match, and Aaron Owen earned himself Defender of the Match for covering the defensive third with control and determination.

Knocked out of the cup, but heads should be held high after a strong performance.