FOOTBALL COMES HOME!

On Friday 15 March fifteen young Footballers from Walton High travelled to Arbour Park, the home of Slough Town FC to compete in the Year 8 Bucks Schools FA County Cup Final.

Walton High ran out 3-2 winners over perennial rivals Dr Challoner’s Grammar School. In a game of attack and counterattack, ebb and flow, fantastic goals and artful defending, the ultimate winner on the day was football itself.

Walton High fielded an exceptional number of physically dominant players on the day, and this dominance showed in the first half as they built pressure on the opposition’s box. With barnstorming runs from Nana and captain Philip.

With excellent link up play coming from Malakai and Jamal who terrorised the Dr Challoner’s left back. This pressure paid off when a precise ball through from deep by Kai led to a swift break from Jamal where it was gathered by Lucas who tucked the ball into the net. 1-0.

Halfway through the second period, disaster struck as the ever-present Nana, who had been the source of so much good play, was forced off injured. He was replaced by Ben who made an immediate defensive impact by preventing several Dr Challoner break aways.

Walton High equalised with a phenomenal, whipped cross from Malakai which was met at the near post by Nathaniel.

The breakthrough came with around 10 minutes to spare, with some brilliant passing and footwork through the middle from Valonzo and Kwaku leading to a wonderful goal for Jamal. He might have made it four but an effort on goal was saved tidily by the goalkeeper close to full time. Jamal was justifiably awarded Player of the Match.

Charlie took to the field with around 10 minutes to spare and wasted no time ending some promising Dr Challoner’s attacks. The Walton High boys were galvanised and with fresh impetus they held firm to deny Dr Challoner’s a late equaliser.

Mr Brittain and Mr Cowie would like to thank all the players and their families for their fantastic commitment to the County Cup dream throughout the year. With some fantastic results along the way this really has been a memorable journey. It was delightful to see so many travelling supporters turning out to support the team and this was vital in those last few tense minutes to help the boys over the line. Mr Cowie and Mrs Paice are both counting a few extra grey hairs after the nail-biting finish.

TEAM – Walton High