Defeat in Round Three

The boys' football team were defeated 3 – 1 in Round three of the Oxfordshire Schools league by our neighbours Cherwell. Shi Yang Zhang started the match in the full back position and Federico Pileri replaced Arjaldo Karaj in midfield. Daniel Galalae was the team's only replacement.

Cherwell took the lead in seventh minute with a header from a corner kick. St. Clare's responded well with some inventive play on the right side of midfield involving Federico Pileri. This has been the pattern of play from the St. Clare's side over the last few matches. The team concede an early goal and then decide to play their style of football until the half time break. St. Clare's did try to bring width into their attacking play with Milivoje Sestovic and Federico staying wide on the side lines. In theory this would allow Marco Ferrari, Niklas Rehm and Remigiusz Manko an opportunity to play some long passes out of the centre midfield area. However in practice both Marco and Nik found midfield quite congested and thus found it difficult to pass with quality and speed.

Cherwell scored their second goal four minutes into the second half. St. Clare's did score in the 50 minute but Rezo Makalatiya was ruled off-side. Daniel Galalae replaced Rezo in the 55 minute. Cherwell scored a third goal from a free kick. The last 20 minutes saw Federico score a goal for St. Clare's and have four more shots on target. The Cherwell defence did very well to close down shots from Daniel, Marco and Janez.

Cherwell deserved the victory. There were a few minor off the ball incidents and these seem to frustrate some of our players.

The team on duty was:
Chung Yin (Nicolas) Fan; Janez Kosec; Shi Yang Zhang; Arved Pohlabeln; Ridi Kotja; (Captain), Remigiusz Manko Federico Pileri; Niklas Rehm; Marco Ferrari; Rezo Makalatiya; Milivoje Sestovic.
Replacement: Daniel Galalae

February