It was a busy and exciting week of high level sport at AKS with football and hockey National Quarter Final Cup matches, the junior hockey team playing in North West Hockey finals as well as block fixtures and AIJS competitions for our junior pupils.
Pride of place goes to the Senior football team who failed to progress to the semi-finals of Cup by the narrowest of margins, losing on penalties!
The 1st team football’s fairytale run in the ISFA bowl came to an end last Wednesday after another Herculean effort by the boys.
In horrendous conditions, the boys battled the wind to dominate the first half against a well organised and strong Stamford outfit. After having the ball cleared off the line and hitting the bar whilst keeping Stamford quiet in attack, AKS felt extremely hard done by to be tied at 0-0 at the half time break.
It seemed like it wasn’t our day, chance after chance either hitting the frame of the goal or being saved by the Stamford goalkeeper who was fantastic on the day. With 30 minutes left, it seemed this was a the case as Stamford scored two quick goals to take a 2-0 lead. However AKS fought back admirably, scoring two quick goals of their own through a fantastic Harley H header, and Tommy McG bundling the ball over the line from a set piece. As the game fizzled out at 2-2 and looking like extra time, Rory U curled a strike from 25 yards out - once again the Stamford keeper got fingertips to the strike and onto the post. Once again with the last kick in extra time, AKS hit the post and the game was heading to penalties.
Unfortunately AKS couldn’t make it three penalty shootout wins this season, however the boys carried themselves excellently in what was a heartbreaking loss. We are very proud of the run they have been on in this competition, and how brilliantly they have represented the school. Now we move onto the Lancashire Cup QF vs Ormskirk as we look to pick up some silverware.
Also playing on the higher stage were the U15 Hockey team who had progressed into the last 8 of the National Independent Schools Cup competition, a massive achievement in itself.
We faced a very strong Royal Grammar School, Newcastle side in the national quarter-final, knowing they were up against tough opposition. From the opening whistle, the intensity was high, with both teams battling hard across the pitch and playing some high level hockey.
Despite the pressure, the team stayed together throughout the match, showing great resilience and commitment. They continued to work for each other right until the final whistle, never giving up and competing with real determination.
RGS deserved their win and to progress into the semis but although the result didn’t go our way, the performance was full of positives. The players can be extremely proud of their effort, teamwork, and attitude on such a big stage, and there is plenty to build on going forward.
On a cold and blustery day, the top six Junior Independent Schools from across the North West gathered for the eagerly anticipated AJIS U11 Girls’ Hockey Cup Finals, hosted at AKS.
AKS began the competition against Stockport in a strong opening fixture. Using the game to settle nerves and find their rhythm, the girls secured a positive 1–0 victory, with the goal scored by super-sub Daisy A-D. Our second match was against the eventual winners Manchester High School for Girls, a very strong and well-organised side and undoubtedly the toughest opposition faced this season. Excellent teamwork and effort from all players resulted in a hard-fought contest, but unfortunately AKS fell to a 3–1 defeat. The goal was scored by Alexa T.
With no break, the third game saw AKS take on Kirkham. The team went 1–0 down within seconds of the start, but showed great resilience to get back into the game. Outstanding defensive work from Bea C, Alena K and Tabitha J helped create multiple attacking opportunities, which were converted by Alexa and Libby J. Despite the comeback, Kirkham scored in the final second of the game, resulting in a narrow 3–2 loss.
The fourth match was against The King’s School, Macclesfield. After a rest, the girls came out refreshed and confident, producing a dominant performance. Their efforts were rewarded with a comfortable 3–0 victory, with goals from Alexa T(2) and Isla G.
The final match against Newcastle-under-Lyme was an exciting, high-scoring encounter. AKS edged the contest with a thrilling 5–4 win. Goals were scored by Alexa (2), Libby and Daisy A-D. A special mention must go to Sophia A-D in goal, who worked tirelessly throughout the tournament and finished with a series of outstanding saves from short corners.
Overall, AKS finished 3rd out of 18 Independent Junior Schools, an outstanding achievement and one the girls should be extremely proud of.
The week concluded with superb closely fought block football and hockey fixtures against strong opposition in Bury Grammar and Kirkham grammar respectively.
All the hockey matches against Kirkham saw closely fought games in all age groups with both sets of players producing some excellent hockey.
The U13A team produced a superb all-round performance to secure a convincing 5–1 victory against Kirkham. From the opening whistle, the squad played with energy, confidence, and togetherness, setting the tone for an excellent team display. Linking play across the pitch was outstanding, with quick passing and intelligent movement allowing the team to control possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. Defensively, the effort was just as impressive; disciplined positioning, strong tackling, and excellent communication ensured that Kirkham were restricted to very few chances, with their single goal coming against the run of play. Every player contributed fully, resulting in a dominant and well-deserved win that reflected the quality and commitment of the entire squad. POM Harriet B with goals from Ella B ( 3) and Penny A ( 2). The U13 B team also came out on top with a superb 3 – 0 win.
The U14 match was a closely fought one which could have gone either way. The team played some superb passing hockey and deserved to get something out of the game but a superb display by the Kirkham GK thwarted our many efforts and unfortunately we were on the wrong side of the 1 – 2 score line.
Kirkham also won the U15 , U12A & U12B games but all were great matches with both sets of players playing some superb hockey.
The boys football fixtures saw a similar outcome with the U13As winning 3 – 0 with Dexter N scoring two and Joe L the other. The U13B team enjoyed a thrilling 5 – 5 draw. Bury came out on top with wins in the U14, U12 & U12B matches but a great morning of football was enjoyed by all.
For individual match reports look on SOCS.