PUBLISHED 12 September 2022
The AKS hockey season got off to a superb start with 5 teams winning against the traditionally strong Kings School, Macclesfield.
It was, however, a sombre start to the morning as all players and staff from both schools showed their respect for the late Queen with a superbly observed 2 minutes silence and the wearing of black armbands by all the players
The AKS U15 team got off to the perfect start when just five minutes into the game Kirtika S set up a goal, which Eleanor J scored from left post. Kings School were always dangerous and only a brilliant save at a penalty corner by AKS goalkeeper, Carrera M- M maintained our lead. Halfway through the half we extended our lead when a great pass from Lucy T found Kirtika S by the left post and she found the net to make it 2 – 0. We continued to enjoy a lot of possession and Eleanor J was on the scorsheet again before half time to make it 3 – 0 at the break.
We started the second half as we had the first with Charlotte L scoring two minutes into the half and went 5 – 0 up when Kirtika S scored her second from a well worked corner. Kings did have chances to score but great defending ensured we maintained our clean sheet and a goal late on by Lucy W made the final score 6-0. Players of the match were Eleanor J and Kirtika S.
The U14 team played their first ever 11 a side fixture and adapted well attacking from the first whistle and taking the game to their opposition. Great play down the right saw Charlotte L put in a superb cross and Lucy W was in the perfect place on the left post to fire the ball in the net and take us in to the lead. We continued to dominate possession with Amelia H dominating the centre of the pitch and we created a number of chances but at the break the score was 1 – 0.
The second half saw us again attack at pace with Amelia H and Esther T linking well and we went further ahead in 4th minute when Lucy W was again on hand to find the net after good work from Amelia and Poppy M. Kings enjoyed possession of their own and only solid defending from Amelie B, Ellie S, Lilly G and Sophia M thwarted their attacks and despite creating more scoring opportunities the score remained at 2 – 0 to the final whistle. Esther T and Lucy W were the players of the match.
The U13 B team made a nervous start which gave King's the majority of possession and they were unlucky not to score in the first 10 minutes. However, AKS scored against the run of play which seemed to boost the girls’ confidence and almost led to another goal moments later. Unfortunately, confusion in the AKS defence allowed King's back into the game with their first goal as possession began to even out. However, on the stroke of half time AKS were able to regain their lead and go into the break 2-1 up. It wasn't long before the score was even again as King's got another early goal in the second half and a real battle between both teams began. The play went from end to end with both sides having plenty of opportunities however King's were able to capitalise first to lead 3-2.
With better organisation and ability to find space, AKS went on to to score a further two goals, winning the match 4-3. This is a great example for the team to learn from which can only help to develop their play in the future. Players of the match were Gracie G and Anika R with Izzy H (2), Gracie G and Isabel A scoring.
The U13A team was a more one sided affair with AKS scoring 3 times in the first half. Despite continuing to dominate possession and creating lots of scoring opportunities the score remained at 3- 0 at the final whistle.
The U12A team started their season in a tremendous fashion with a 6-0 win over a strong Kings Macclesfield team. The game started very evenly with scoring opportunities for both teams but Jenay G in goal for AKS produced some outstanding and confident saves. The deadlock was broken halfway through the first half after some excellent interlinking play down the right resulting in a well taken goal from Camilla W. Further goals in the game were scored by Camilla, Olivia W and Lauren M as AKS began to dominate the game and grow in confidence. Congratulations to Olivia W who was voted as the opposition's player of the game and a huge well done to the entire squad. They have a lot of potential and we are very excited to see how they progress throughout the season!
Most of the U12 B team were making their AKS debuts and it was a very promising first game for the team. The first half saw AKS gain in both confidence and game understanding and they started to play some great hockey putting into practice the skills that they have learnt during the week. We enjoyed 70% of possession with forwards Isla C, Kathryn S, Maya B and Gabby H—S making some positive runs upfront and we were unlucky not to score. Against the run of play Kings got on to the scoresheet first after a breakaway goal .
There were solid performances in defence from Annie L, Cerys H, Hamna A, Georgina W and Natalie H, with them all improving as the game went on. Special mention to Natalie H making her debut game in hockey as a goalkeeper, who put out a fine performance and saved over 10 shots. Players of the Match were Annie L and Natalie H but all the players gave 110% and it was a great start to their hockey season.