Last night, our Year 11 boys' football team played a fixture against Dene Academy. It was an intense start with the Dene Academy team applying lots of pressure, with numerous corners and shots on target. Shotton Hall weathered the early storm and went ahead with a smart finish from Armstrong from the edge of the box. The first half finished 1-0.
Early in the second half, Dene Academy grabbed a goal back after a very competitive start to the half, with chances at both ends.
Monaghan delivered a clever threaded pass between Dene Academy's two central defenders ready for Armstrong to score his second goal of the game. At this point, our team were in total control of the game, with more chances on goal through Armstrong, Moody and Selby.
Our boys managed to add a third goal, after Armstrong reacted quickly in the box to poke the ball home passed the diving goalkeeper. Late into the game, a defensive header from Dene Academy landed kindly to Monaghan who side footed the ball into the top left corner from 14 yards. The game ended Shotton Hall 4 - 1 Dene Academy. Dene Academy's players were a credit to their school, and we look forward to the return fixture in the coming weeks.
Special mention to Davidson for making hist first appearance for the school team at right back giving a tireless performance both in defence and in attack.
Manager Mr Mann could have easily been given Davidson man of the match alongside hattrick hero Armstrong, however awarded it to Cockburn for some brilliant defending in the centre of Shotton Hall's back four, keeping chances of a Dene Academy goal at bay.