Football Match Report – CADE Tournament Review

On a bright Thursday afternoon, Park Grove took to the field in the CADE Cup held at Clifton Green Primary School. This competition pitted Park Grove against Clifton With Rawcliffe, St George’s, Hempland and of course Clifton Green. In front of a packed crowd, Park Grove opening fixture was against Hempland. The match started off slowly with both defences dominating the first half possession. Chances were few and far between in the second half, despite an improved attacking showing from Park Grove, allowing Harry Metcalf a comfortable first clean sheet of the season.

The next match was against hosts Clifton Green. Like the first match, the match was keenly contested, with the trickery and pace of Reuben Pugh proving a real handful for the Clifton Green defence in particular. Despite Park Grove enjoying most of the possession, Clifton Green took the lead just before the half time whistle. Slowly but surely, Park Grove started to dominate and although Louie Powell hit the bar with a well struck pile driver, eventually Park Grove equalised with a well-placed Reuben Pugh finish, his first for the school, ensuring the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

The penultimate match was against a very strong St George’s side. From the start, St George’s dominated the possession and quickly raced into a 2-0 lead. Louie Powell’s excellent finish just before the break gave Park Grove hope but another goal for St George’s early in the second half gave them a well-deserved 3-1 victory.

After a quick break, Park Grove took to the field for the final match of the afternoon against Clifton With Rawcliffe Primary School. Whilst knowing that top spot was beyond them, Park Grove showed they were more than there to make up the numbers with some well worked passes in the first half. Against the run of play, Clifton with Rawcliffe got a fortunate penalty but luckily for Park Grove the resulting effort went wide of Harry’s goal. No goals were forthcoming in spite of the great fight and determination from the boys in blue to score that winning goal. Alas another goalless draw was accumulated but with a much improved performance. At the end of the tournament, Park Grove finished in a more than respectable third place.

Star players were Chelsea Haskins, whose lively performances galvanized many of Park Grove’s excellent attacks. Reuben Pugh’s debut goal was well deserved and his never-say-die attitude rubbed off on the whole team. Tom Carter was rock solid at the back and was very composed in all of the matches.

A huge well done to all the children who represented our school and the excellent parental support we had throughout the afternoon!

Mr Mastrelli