Football Match Report: Uplands Academy v Priory School

On Friday 7 March, our Year 11 football team, supported by some talented Year 10 recruits, took to the field for our second game of the season against Priory School, who this time made the long journey to Wadhurst from Lewes.

Uplands set up in a well balanced 4-1-2-3 formation, perfectly suited to the strengths of our players. A key tactical change saw Raghav move into central midfield, where his height and physical presence proved invaluable in breaking up play and regaining possession. Meanwhile, captain Mylo moved into centre back, a decision that paid off fantastically as he glided around the field like a young Paolo Maldini.

From the first whistle, Uplands set the tempo, launching wave after wave of attacks in the opening 15 minutes. Fin and Austin were relentless, stretching the Priory full-backs with their pace and skill, frequently breaking into dangerous positions to whip in crosses or play clever through balls to Tyler upfront. 

As ever, Tyler was impressive, pressing tirelessly and keeping Priory centre-backs under constant pressure. His relentless work, movement and anticipation made life difficult for the opposition defenders, who were always looking over their shoulders. In midfield, Raghav, Owen, and Sam provided the grit and tenacity needed to dominate the battle in the centre of the park. Even when  Uplands lost possession, it never took long for one of them to win it back.

Defensively, Josh made powerful long runs to support Austin in attack as well as excellent recovery runs to support the defence. Will, in his first appearance at left-back, played with strength and composure, while Arthur and Mylo marshalled the backline superbly. Mylo, in particular, put in his best performance of the season - calm and composed, timing his tackles to perfection, and distributing the ball with precision. Some of his deep deliveries into the box were weighted so perfectly that they deserved goals of their own.

The first half belonged to Tyler, who took the game by the scruff of the neck and netted a stunning hat-trick inside 25 minutes. His first came from a perfectly timed run in behind, shrugging off a defender before coolly slotting the ball past the on rushing keeper. His second followed a high turnover  - after winning possession, he skipped past a defender and rifled a sharp shot inside the near post. The third was a demonstration of pure finishing ability, placing a composed effort into the bottom corner from just inside the box. Priory were lucky to keep at just three - on another day, he could have had five.

As the second half got underway, Uplands introduced Alfie and Edward into midfield, with super-sub Will rotating between defence and midfield. Sebby, despite his reluctance to admit it, was outstanding at right-back earning cheeky shouts of 'Dani Alves' from the supporters on the sidelines.

Late in the game, Will and Raghav formed a formidable midfield duo, breaking up play and keeping Uplands in control. Alfie and Edward, as always drove the team forward with their dynamic, gliding runs into opposition territory.

It seemed as though Fin was destined for frustration. He had already endured some heavy tackles from Priory's defenders and saw a well-taken goal ruled out for offside. Lesser players might have dropped their head, but not Fin. He kept battling and, in the dying minutes, got his reward. Latching onto a late chance, he finished by sealing a dominant 4-0 victory for Uplands.

A phenomenal performance from every player involved, with immense energy, skill and teamwork on display. A special thank you goes to the teaching and support staff who came out to support the team, it meant the world to the boys and made the occasion even more special.