5-Star Davenies Get the Season Off to a Flyer

The U13 football season kicked-off in style, as Davenies travelled to Belmont School in Mill Hill for a block of away fixtures and despite a heavy pitch, the U13A team produced a memorable 5-0 victory, a scoreline that belied the competitiveness of the match…

The early stages saw both teams battling for dominance, with goalkeeper Joshua G keeping Davenies in the game with a series of excellent saves at 0-0. Gradually, Davenies began to exploit the counter-attack, turning defence into attack with blistering pace, which unsettled the Belmont defence. The breakthrough came on 25 minutes. Josh R held the ball up superbly on the halfway line before setting Oliver B free down the left flank. Cutting inside, Oliver played a clever one-two with Ashwin M before unleashing a powerful shot towards the bottom corner. Although the Belmont keeper made a fine save, Aaron R was quickest to react, slotting the rebound home to put Davenies 1-0 up. Minutes after the restart, Davenies struck again. Josh R broke clear and, after his initial effort was saved, kept his composure to finish at the second attempt, doubling the lead before half-time.

Belmont came out strongly in the second half, piling on the pressure. However, the Davenies back three of Callum R, Sean C, and Jan S stood resolute, repelling wave after wave of attacks. The hosts were handed a lifeline in the 35th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but Joshua F rose to the occasion once more, diving low to his right to make a crucial save and preserve the 2-0 advantage. Buoyed by their keeper’s heroics, Davenies grew in confidence, and moments later, Ben R produced a moment of magic. Spotting the keeper off his line, he unleashed an audacious strike from inside his own half. The ball bounced kindly and nestled into the net to make it 3-0, leaving the opposition stunned.

Davenies were not done yet. Ben R added a second, capitalising on a scramble in the box following a corner, and Josh R completed the scoring with his second of the game, lashing home after a long Harris L throw caused chaos in the Belmont defence. There was even time for a near-miss, as Will L’s effort fizzed just over the bar. It was a performance to savour, with every player contributing to a disciplined and determined display. The 5-0 result was a testament to the team’s hard work, adherence to their game plan, and unwavering support for one another.

Elsewhere, the U13B team suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to a last-minute Belmont winner, with Rory R scoring and celebrating in style. Meanwhile, the U13C team fell just short in a thrilling 5-4 contest, with Luke W scoring the pick of the goals.

The U13s now turn their attention to their next fixtures, when they face The Beacon.

Mr Burrell, Head of Sport