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Two Harrodian boys football teams from opposite ends of the age spectrum produced outstanding performances this month to reach the final of regional cup competitions.
On Wednesday afternoon, Harrodian’s Boys’ U18s First XI Football team produced an imperious performance to defeat a shellshocked ACS Cobham team 3-0 and to progress to the final of the Independent London Schools Cup competition for the first time. This matched the achievement of our U11s boys who defeated Whitgift 2-0 in a thrilling away performance that took them to the final of the Surrey Cup.
The U18s team was full of confidence on the back of a cup run that had seen them defeat highly-rated opponents including Hampton and Dulwich College to reach the semi-final and it showed in the start they made. Cobham simply weren’t ready for the relentless press applied by Harrodian’s all-action midfield or the ball-playing skills of our speedy wingers.
Cobham quickly conceded twice – an opportunistic strike by centre forward, Hugh and an own goal – and, when Francesco made it 3-0 with a superb long-range rocket, Harrodian looked unstoppable and set to run away with the tie in the second half.
Thanks to a combination of some spirited last-ditch Cobham defending of Harrodian's constant second-half attacks and some lucky escapes, it didn’t quite turn out that way. But with our own well-marshalled defence looking rock solid, there was never any danger of Cobham threatening a comeback.
Remarkably, the U18s’ win was matched by an equally outstanding cup achievement by Harrodian boys U11s footballers. The youngsters produced a brave and resilient defensive performance against mighty Whitgift in the Semi Final of the Surrey Cup, striking on the break to lead by a goal and then defending bravely until Sami settled a 2-0 victory with a brilliant late solo effort.
It all makes for exciting times for Harrodian’s footballers. Mr Soleimani and his U18s Deputy Tommy Williams deserve huge credit for the progress they have made. Both teams can look forward to their respective finals with real confidence and we will be sure to keep you up to date with the venue and the arrangements for the game in due course.