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Our opposition had travelled from Brentwood in Essex and brought with them a reputation of consistent success both within their county and within the English Schools Competition to match our continued high standards within Kent and in the National Competition so far. They also brought with them players from Southend, West Ham and Arsenal Academies to match our Gillingham cohort and ensure that there would be no easy victory for either team.

The game started in a flurry of activity that reflected the blustery skies above with both teams seeking to gain dominance over the other. The opening chance of the game fell to Thajahn Yogendran whose muscular presence proved troublesome for the opposition throughout. An angled ball over the top of the Brentwood fullback fell to Thajahn who had one touch and drilled a daisycutter of a shot that was destined for the far corner only for the keeper to make an excellent one handed stop. This prompted a swift response from Brentwood who mounted a number of attacks down the left wing in a clear indication of where their threat lay. Their diminutive winger jinked past two of our players until he tumbled over Tom McGuirck's outstretched leg just inside 18 yard box, the ref pointed to the spot and the Brentwood penalty taker calmly sent Henry Tucker the wrong way for an early lead.

The loss of a goal is not seen as the end of the game by this unique group of young men however and their spirited response was no less than those looking on expected. Whilst seemingly the smaller of the two teams we consistently managed to win back possession in the midfield and from an opposition goal kick we restored equilibrium. Todd Jordan won the ball in midfield, his header was controlled by James Mileham, Paxman's diversionary run into the left hand channel gave Mileham the time to lay the ball back for Jordan whose first time half-volley flew towards the far post, the Brentwood keeper got two hands to it but could not hold and the ball nestled in the corner of the net. To a man the team came together in the centre of the pitch to celebrate and the game was back in the balance. At this stage, whilst the game ebbed and flowed, we were the team that presented the most potent goal threat. Alfie Paxman nipped in front of his marker but saw his first time effort deflected wide by the keeper, Alfie Foster's pirouette in the 'D' created the chance for a snap shot which sailed agonisingly over the bar. Meanwhile Henry Tucker did not have a save to make in the first half and our defence had got to grips with a robust attacking line. Dan Adams and Harry Holden continued their maturation as a central defensive partnership dealing with every step up in class that they have faced this year with equal skill, determination and desire to be better than those that they come up against. Jack Downer as always showed grace and composure in the face of one of the best players he will play against and was key in nullifying the threat from the left wing along with Yogendran. As the difficulty of the task became apparent for both teams tackles flew in, some firm but fair, some unfair, but all were in the desire to help their team win. 1-1 at half time and both teams would take positives from what had unfolded.

The second half began slowly and it seemed that both teams felt the weight of the occasion on them as passes were misplaced and possession squandered. Early pressure came from Dane Court though as angled balls by Foster and Tom McGuirck, who ran tirelessly throughout, put Yogendran and Paxman into wide areas to test the Brentwood full backs resolve. These chances came to nothing though and Brentwood began to force us further back as they took control of the midfield. Changes made to their midfield saw them control the tempo of the game and saw us pressured into giving the ball away. As has been the case all year our defence stood strong but football being what it is, one lapse could cost us dear and such was the case. A free kick from the left was lifted high into the box, one bounce and hesitancy from us saw the Brentwood midfielder meet the ball first to nod past Tucker. The celebrations of both players and their fans alike reflected the relief the visitors felt. This was indeed testament to the tenacity and doggedness of Dane Courts play as we gave them their hardest game in the competition to date.

With five minutes remaining there was still time for us to mount game saving attacks however a clear coal scoring opportunity did not present itself despite all of our activity around their goal. The final whistle bought two completely diverse reactions. One side ecstatic and mightily relieved, the other crestfallen and suddenly feeling the exhaustion the previous 70 minutes had induced. So ends a great adventure, brining some truly memorable experiences for the team, the parents, the coaches and the staff as a whole who have followed their exploits throughout the winter. What these young men have learnt in the last three months will stand them in good stead in every aspect of their future, their skill levels have increased, their determination is stronger, their teamwork is assuredly greater. So the chapter ends but the story goes on, Saturday 25 February, Dane Court School, 10.30 Kick Off against Welling School in the Kent Cup Semi Final is our next engagement we would love to see you there.