Football Match Report: Uplands Academy v Priory School

On 16 December, a mixed team of Uplands Academy Year 10 and Year 11 students travelled to take on the Year 11 Priory School football team in what turned out to be an exhilarating first fixture. The long journey to Lewes proved worthwhile as the Uplands boys showcased teamwork, determination, and skill to secure a resounding 5-2 victory.

The game began with Priory School on the front foot who kept us pinned back in our half for the opening ten minutes of the game. Uplands’ defence, led by Arthur and Raghav, we were doing well to prevent any clear-cut chances, however struggled to clear their lines. Uplands soon found their rhythm, with right-back Josh making surging runs down the flank. One such move paid off when Austin delivered a stunning cross-field pass to Finley, who coolly dinked the ball over the Priory goalkeeper to give Uplands an early 1-0 lead.

Encouraged by the opener, Uplands grew in confidence. Owen put on a tireless display in midfield, winning key battles and driving the team forward. His efforts created space for Ed who dazzled with a solo effort, evading a defender before unleashing a 25 yard rocket into the top corner to double Uplands’ advantage.

As half-time approached, Priory pulled one back in unfortunate circumstances. A deep corner to the back post ricocheted off the knee of a scrambling Uplands defender and into the net, leaving the score at 2-1.

At half-time, Uplands regrouped and introduced fresh legs in the form of Spencer, Alfie, Hayden, Will, and Sam. The substitutions had an immediate impact as Uplands came out firing. Tyler’s pace and power down the left caused havoc, and his shot rebounded to Spencer, who calmly slotted it home to restore the two-goal cushion.

Though Spencer later found the net again, it was ruled offside. Priory capitalised on a brief lapse in concentration to make it 3-2, with their number 9 curling a shot into the far corner. But Uplands goalkeeper, Jake was immense, making crucial one-on-one saves to deny Priory an equaliser.

Uplands responded in style, with Tyler leading the charge. After his initial shot was saved, he reacted quickly to tap in the rebound for his second goal of the game. With time running out, Tyler completed the scoring in dramatic fashion, smashing a half-volley into the bottom corner following a cleared corner.

The final whistle confirmed a 5-2 victory for Uplands Academy, making a superb start to the season. The boys’ collective effort, grit, and attacking flair were on full display, and their pride in the performance was well deserved.

A huge congratulations to the team for a fantastic result.

We are Uplands Academy!

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