MGS hosts ISFA Northern 8s
Posted on: March 24th 2023School News
On Wednesday 22 March 2023, MGS hosted the ISFA Barry Burns Northern 8s Competition which brought together 18 schools from across the region.
MGS won two and lost one of their initial matches during the Group stages which saw them knocked out of the Cup, but were through to the matches for the Plate.
Year 13 pupil and Captain of the MGS 1st football team Joe spoke about his experiences of the tournament: "An exciting day awaited MGS as we hosted the illustrious ISFA 8-a-side tournament. A downpour of rain the night preceding the event put worries into the minds of the MGS but to our delight, the ground staff had done a terrific job at keeping the facilities in a playable condition. In the morning, the sun was beaming down and as the other schools arrived the suspense began to build. However, the first group game was somewhat of a ‘shock to the system’ as we took on underdogs RGS Newcastle who convincingly beat us 2-0 in a less than ideal start to the tournament. Fortunately, in the next two group games, we picked ourselves up and kept our composure with a pair of 1-0 victories against Birkdale and local rivals Bolton School leaving us in a more favourable position than we were initially in.
"Next up was the lunch break. A delicious pasta with tomato sauce served in the Memorial Hall; the catering staff refuelled the squad to give us the energy to compete in the second half of the tournament. Next up was the toughest test of the tournament – Repton. However, MGS were not fazed starting explosively startling the Repton players managing to clinically put away two chances to take a compelling 2-0 lead at the half time break. However, in attempt to absorb pressure, the MGS team cracked and allowed Repton to frustratingly grab two goals of their own meaning the points were shared at full time with a 2-2 draw. The last game of the group stage was a must-win against Oldham Hulme. In the first half, we had huge chances to put the ball in the back of the net but just couldn’t seem to get it across the line which left the doubt of whether it may just be ‘one of those games’. However, knowing that it was now or never, we came out firing in the second half blasting five past the Oldham Hulme defence to wrap the game up with a 5-0 win.
"Unfortunately, despite the comprehensive victory in the last game of the group stage, we placed second in the group and were not able to qualify for the cup semi-final and instead were placed into the plate. Next up was Stockport Grammar. Two quick goals for the Owls were enough to see off closely located opponent with a 2-0 win leading the team to the plate final and a chance to play for some silverware. King’s Chester were the opponent standing in the way of capping off a successful day. With cautious play from both sides in the beginning of the game, MGS were able to find a break through allowing them to take a 1-0 lead into the break at the half. As the game continued, we were able to demonstrate great chemistry putting another into the challengers’ net. This gave the team 2-0 win meaning MGS were able to finish the season on a high with a trophy in hand."
Well done to the MGS team who won the Plate and to Rossall School who were eventual winners of the Cup, winning on penalties against Repton School!
