Milton Abbey School 2–8 The Purbeck School
Tuesday 29th September | First Round | Dorset County Cup
The Year 10 boys from The Purbeck School made an excellent start to their Dorset County Cup campaign on Tuesday, producing an impressive 8–2 victory away at Milton Abbey School.
Played on an outstanding playing surface at Milton Abbey, the match provided the perfect setting for an entertaining afternoon of school football. From the opening whistle, Purbeck looked determined to take control of the contest and made a blistering start, racing into a 3–0 lead inside the opening ten minutes.
The early goals gave Purbeck confidence and, importantly, allowed the boys to settle into their style of play. Throughout the game, they showed excellent composure in possession, moving the ball intelligently and making good use of the space available to them. There were some excellent passages of football, with the team demonstrating a real willingness to play through the thirds rather than simply relying on direct football.
One of the major highlights of the match came with Purbeck's third goal. It was a superb team move which began with the goalkeeper playing calmly through the lines. The ball was worked down the right-hand side before a dangerous cross was delivered into the box. Alfie Hunt then produced a moment of real individual quality, finishing the move with an acrobatic scissor/bicycle kick that flew into the net.
It was the sort of goal that summed up the confidence and quality Purbeck were showing, combining patient build-up play with an excellent final product.
Purbeck continued to control large periods of the match and created numerous opportunities through their movement and passing. The boys were excellent in possession, constantly looking to support the player on the ball and move the opposition around the pitch.
Although Milton Abbey managed to score twice, Purbeck remained focused and continued to play their football. The final score of 8–2 reflected an excellent attacking performance, but perhaps more importantly, the match demonstrated the team's ability to work together, move the ball effectively and maintain their standards throughout the game.
There were plenty of positives to take from the fixture, not only from the result but from the manner in which it was achieved. The boys showed confidence, creativity and a real desire to play attractive football.
With the victory, Purbeck progress through to the second round of the Dorset County Cup, where they will face either Ferndown School or Avonbourne.
Final score: Milton Abbey 2–8 The Purbeck School
Purbeck goals: Alfie Smith, Alfie Hunt (2), Fabio Streams, Ollie Connor, Kellan Roberts, Szymon Nowosad, and Tom Barstow.
