PUBLISHED 10 September 2024
The AKS hockey season got off to an early start with 4 teams playing away against the traditionally strong Kings School, Macclesfield and the new Year 7 enjoying training at AKS.
AKS U15 started off well with some excellent passing and moving the ball around to work the ball to our forwards and create scoring opportunities. Camilla W played exceptionally up front and was a constant threat to the Kings defence. The match was end to end with shots on target from both teams but special mention to AKS goal keeper, Emily B, making her debut game for AKS who made some outstanding saves to keep the scores level. Anna V played superbly in the middle of the pitch constantly winning the ball back and driving forwards to create opportunities but it was Kings that found the net first with a well struck corner. AKS didn’t back down and continued to tackle well and distribute the ball and did have the ball in the net but the whistle had blown for a corner. Despite the loss AKS came away with lots of positives and some areas for development. There were great performances from Anna and Emily but player of the match award went to Amelie C.
The large U14 squad were playing their first ever 11 a side match and the more experienced Kings School took advantage of this as we started tentatively and they scored in the first 5 minutes of the match. This put us on a back foot and with players still getting used to positions and with some slack defending Kings capitalised again scoring two more quick goals. As the game progressed however, we started to gain in confidence and work together more effectively to keep possession. Better marking in the circle limited Kings scoring opportunities and we went into the break having not conceded any further goals. The second half saw us enjoy more possession and start to play some great passing hockey with Lauren M controlling the centre of the pitch and Annie L and Esme M linking well on the right. Closer marking in the circle and some great saves from Jena G thwarted the Kings attacks and we created scoring opportunities’ of our own with Gabby H-S going close late on in the game. Although not able to start the season with a win the 0-0 score in the second half demonstrated how much we improved through the game and bodes well for the rest of the season. Player of the match was Lauren M.
The Under-13 A and B teams enjoyed two closely contested matches. The A team started slowly and improved as the game progressed. The standout midfield performance came from Sadie A who dominated and was key, with her precise passing linking up well with Alyssa W and Charlotte R up front. The team played brilliantly securing a 3-2 victory with two goals from Charlotte and one from Alyssa. Player of the Match was Evie Mae C who made some superb saves in goal.
The B team showed continuous improvement throughout their match. Sienna K led a strong defensive effort, while Bella A excelled in midfield. The match ended in a well-deserved 2-2 draw with Hattie W and Amelia G scoring the AKS goals. Both games were thrilling displays of skill and teamwork. Player of the match: Bella A.