Abingdonian 2020

36 The Abingdonian Football The 2019-20 football season saw competitive football played in the Michaelmas Term for the first time in the School’s history, as the 1st XI competed in the prestigious Boodles ISFA Cup. After a 2-1 away win in the first round at Lingfield College, a convincing 3-1 win at home against Merchant Taylors’ Crosby helped the 1st XI into the third round. A tough draw against Hampton brought our first year in the cup to an end, however a lot of positives could be drawn from the experience, despite the 1-4 defeat to the national champions. As we moved to the Lent Term the U12 As and Bs beat Hampton Bs and Cs, 5-0 and 3-2 respectively, before also securing victories over Cokethorpe, Wellingborough and The Dragon. The U13s started their season with excellent wins over Caldicott, 2-1 and 1-0 respectively, with the U13 As going on to win four of their five games played. Most important however was their positive approach to football, as we look to develop our playing philosophy from the very youngest of age groups. The U14 age group was again packed with enthusiasm and competition for places. A 1-0 win over Shiplake got the U14 A’s season underway with a 3-2 win over Aylesbury Grammar to follow. The Bs earned a hard fought 1-1 draw with Hampton and had a real highlight in their 4-0 win over Marlborough. The U14 Cs scored 23 goals, winning four and drawing one of their five games played, whilst the U14 Ds won all of their four matches including victories against Berkhamsted and Wellingborough Bs. The U15 As put in a huge shift against Hampton, 2-1 the final score, with further victories to follow against Shiplake, Radley and Aylesbury Grammar to name a few. The Bs also played some great football, including a 5-1 victory over Radley. The U15 Cs earned an excellent 1-1 draw against Aylesbury Grammar whilst the U15 Ds put in some promising displays including victory over Haileybury early in the season. The U16 As played some entertaining football and secured well-earned victories over Marlborough and Berkhamsted, but will also feel they could have got more from draws with MCS and Haileybury. The U16 Bs secured a 2-0 win against Radley, with a 2-0 win over Haileybury another highlight. The U16 Cs started positively against Haileybury, going on to win two and draw two of their five games played. As we move into the senior sides the 5th XI secured a terrific win against Radley College 6th XI whilst the 4th XI secured victories over Marlborough and Shiplake. The 3rd XI won three, and lost three of their six games played including a 4-0 win against Wellingborough. The 2nd XI also put four past Wellingborough before beating Radley 2-1 and Shiplake 4-1. Unfortunately bad weather, frozen and waterlogged pitches, as well as the early closure of schools meant that the 2020 football season was not as eventful as