Harrodian's U18 Football First XI has been setting new standards in recent years and last week saw them record another remarkable victory in the Surrey Cup.
In the last week of January 2025, Harrodian's U18s First XI was basking in the glory of their first ever victory over Hampton one of south west London's top schools for football. A year on, almost to the day, our First XI was busy repeating the trick, once again playing away and recording victory against much vaunted opposition this time in the form of 4-2 win over Whitgift school that takes them to the semi-finals of the Surrey Cup.
In a sense, Harrodian's first ever win against the South London school's U18 team is an even more remarkable result than last year's Hampton triumph. Whitgift - alma mater of footballers including Victor Moses and Callum Hudson Odoi - has long been considered a titan across a range of school sports and its football teams have been regular winners of national titles at all age group levels down the years.
So how did our First XI, led by Captain and midfielder, Francesco (left) pull off their giantkilling act? According to Ben Proudfoot, Head of Sport, the team's great start was a crucial factor. As they often have in recent years, Harrodian surprised the opposition by scoring early. A goal by Aidan after two minutes immediately left Whitgift chasing the game. Thanks to an equaliser in the 30th minute honours were even at half time but just as they had in the first, Harrodian started the second half with a goal, albeit a fortunate one, when goalkeeper Archie caught out Whitgift's defence in the 50th minute with a long clearance that somehow ended up in the back of the net.
A goal behind once again, Whitgift struggled to impose their slick, passing game on Harrodian's tight and gritty defence and, after 60 minutes the lead stretched to two with athletic Harrodian centre forward Hugh chalking up another goal. Whitgift pulled one back with 15 minutes left but their desperate push for an equaliser ended when Marcus scored the clincher with an ecstatic strike in the 90th minute.
Naturally, Head of Football and his Deputy, Tommy Williams were delighted with the result. 'I can't pick anyone out as man of the the match,' said Mr Soleiman. 'It was a magnificent all-round performance and they were all superb.' The Under 18s will continue their Surrey Cup campaign in the Semi Final on 4th February and this time the game against Godalming College will be played at home at 2.30pm on Weds 4th February.
The U18s aren't the only Harrodian team enjoying a successful cup run. The U13s boys, below, cruised into the Semis of the ISFA Trophy with a 6-0 victory over Elstree. Their tie against Royal Russell is also at home and takes place on Tuesday 10th February at 2.30pm.
