The opening game for the Middlesex Schools’ FA U15 Representative Team saw them earn a 1-1 draw at home to a good Kent side.
In relatively poor conditions, the game started with both teams finding their feet early on and a lot of the play in the middle of the pitch. It was Kent who made the opening break through with an excellent strike, giving keeper Rhys Jones no chance at all. However, the lead was short lived as Middlesex fought their way back into the game. Not long after conceding, Middlesex won a free kick on the right hand side of the box. With Kent caught napping, a quick free kick was taken and Henry Histon beat the keeper from 16 yards with a great curling effort.
The second half saw Middlesex grow in strength, despite the pitch and conditions worsening. The team had a number of chances to take the lead with Michael Panford and Robbie Joseph coming very close on. Despite all the Middlesex pressure and a couple of counter attacks from Kent’s attacking corners, the game finished 1-1. The match represents a solid start to the season with lots of positives. Standout performances were from Rawn Seale, Michael Panford and Ryan Kirwan.
Middlesex: Rhys Jones (Bishopshalt), Nathan Bishop (The Harefield Academy), Dylan Singh (Queens Park CS), Ryan Kirwan (the Harefield Academy), Jordan Green (Jewish Free School), Josh Bennai (Gunnersbury), Rawn Seale (Ruislip High), Ryan Corr (Cardinal Wiseman), Jack Raines (Abbotsfield), Henry Histon (Gunnersbury), Michael Panford (Preston Manor High School), Remy Beckford (Highgate Wood Arts College), Shaquille Ishmael (Kingsbury high School), Robbie Joseph (Feltham), Harry Russell (Jewish Free School) and Ashleigh Hibbert (Kingsbury High School).