MATCH REPORT BY MR RAYNOR
After victory in the previous round over Brownedge St Mary's, Priory's Year 10 boys football team were in South Ribble Cup semi-final action on Wednesday (20 May).
Drawn at home against Hutton Grammar, the boys took to the field in a confident mood against their local rivals. Playing against a strong wind blowing down the pitch in the first half meant Priory had to weather a Hutton storm for large parts of the first period.
Dixon, in goal, produced some excellent saves to prevent Priory falling behind, and was ably supported by the back three of Lomax, McClure and Igho.
With only a couple of minutes to go before the break, Priory managed to work the ball upfield, where Mapstone took advantage of the chance to shoot. His crisp right foot shot giving Priory a 1-0 lead at half-time.
After a formation change at the break, and with the wind now at their backs, Priory raced ahead in the opening minutes of the second half.
Tayburn doubled Priory's lead with a follow up shot from close range, almost straight from the kick-off. Just four minutes later and Priory made it 3-0 with Mapstone adding his second of the game after a good team build up. The lead grew to 4-0, ten minutes later, when tireless midfielder Hyde struck a low shot into the bottom corner.
With a comfortable lead achieved, team coach and Maths teacher, Mr Raynor made a few changes to the team, giving opportunities to Horton, Tanchev and Sutton. This perhaps gave Hutton fresh hope, and to their credit, they pulled two goals back.
With only a couple of minutes remaining, Ajibosin raced after a through ball into the Hutton penalty area. With a calm left footed effort he finished from a tight angle, closing the door on any faint comeback hopes that Hutton may have had.
Mr Raynor said afterwards, "I'm really proud of the lads for their efforts in reaching the final. They had to battle against the wind in a tough first half, but got their rewards in the second half. They're all looking forward to a Cup Final after the half-term break."