It was another action-packed week of football for Holmewood boys, with fixtures across all age groups showing great spirit, skill, and teamwork.
1st XI v St Ronan’s
The 1st XI hosted St Ronan’s in what turned into a dramatic contest. With only minutes left on the clock, the score was finely balanced at 2–2 after Holmewood had battled hard to stay in the game. A quick break in behind forced a desperate tackle inside the box and the visitors were awarded a penalty. Although the first effort was brilliantly saved, the rebound was converted. Chasing the game, Holmewood pushed forward but were caught in midfield and conceded a second penalty, leaving the final score 4–2 to St Ronan’s. The boys showed great resilience throughout, but superior fitness from the opposition told in the closing stages.
2nd XI v Skippers Hill
The 2nd XI faced a big challenge against the Skippers Hill 1st XI. Despite the gap in age and experience, this was an incredibly tight and well-fought contest. The first half was end-to-end, with both teams exchanging goals to reach 2–2 at the break. In the second half, Holmewood continued to battle bravely but Skippers seized on a loose ball to score what proved to be the winner. The final score of 3–2 reflected just how close the game was, and the boys took away valuable lessons from a spirited display.
3rd XI v St Ronan’s
The “Dream Team” travelled with confidence, keen to extend their unbeaten run. Facing St Ronan’s 2nd XI, they encountered stronger and quicker opposition but competed admirably throughout. Holmewood even rotated a player across to even up the numbers, a sporting gesture that reflected their character and sense of fair play. Despite some fine saves in goal and strong individual performances, St Ronan’s proved more clinical in the final third and came away winners. Although disappointed, the boys can take pride in remaining unbeaten against other 3rd XIs this season and will look to build on this going forward.
4th XI v St Ronan’s
The 4th XI secured their first victory of the season, a thoroughly deserved reward for their hard work and commitment. Every player contributed with relentless running, determined tackling, and positive play in possession. It was a performance full of energy and spirit, and the boys should be very proud of their achievement.
U11A v St Ronan’s
The U11A team put in a spirited display against a strong St Ronan’s side but fell to a 4–0 defeat. The first half was tightly contested, with Holmewood matching their opponents for long spells before conceding just before the break. In the second half, St Ronan’s began to dominate possession and added three further goals, two of which were excellent finishes. Despite the scoreline, Holmewood’s effort and attitude never wavered, and the boys can be proud of their resilience and commitment.
U11B v St Ronan’s
Following the excitement of last week’s success and a strong training session on Monday, the U11B boys were in good spirits for the much-anticipated “A21 Derby” against our friends from St Ronan’s. With a King’s Canterbury sixth former refereeing — who did a fantastic job of letting the game flow — the scene was set for a real contest.
And what a match it turned out to be. From the first whistle, it was end-to-end football, with chances coming and going for both sides. The referee, like a conductor, kept the game moving with excellent use of advantage, adding to the sense of drama. The crowd were treated to a real thriller, as Holmewood defended bravely, pressed high up the pitch, and looked dangerous on the counter.
St Ronan’s eventually broke the deadlock, but Holmewood’s resilience shone through level terms. The hosts struck again late on, and with time almost up, it looked as though the unbeaten run was over. But this team has character. With just seconds on the clock, Holmewood found one last moment of magic, lobbing the keeper with a composed finish to make it 2–2.
The equaliser sparked scenes of jubilation — players and supporters alike celebrating what felt like a victory. It was a fitting reward for the boys’ spirit, determination, and refusal to give in. The unbeaten season rolls on, and after sausage and chips at match tea, attention now turns to the next challenge against St Andrew’s.
U11C & U11D v St Ronan’s
Both the C and D teams travelled to St Ronan’s and delivered convincing victories. Controlling possession and playing with confidence, the boys attacked with creativity and defended with discipline. It was an excellent showing of depth at this age group and a great reflection of their progress in training.
U10A v St Ronan’s
The U10A team hosted a very capable St Ronan’s side in what proved to be a tense and exciting contest. Coming off the back of a run of draws and defeats, there were some nerves beforehand, but the boys responded superbly with a determined display.
In the opening ten minutes, Holmewood defended well and created chances, though they needed to show more composure in front of goal. As the game went on, they began to settle and grow in confidence. The turning point came with a substitution, as fresh legs added energy and positivity to the attack. Driving forward and unafraid to shoot, the boys were rewarded with the only goal of the game — a spectacular strike that sealed a deserved 1–0 victory.
It was a performance full of hard work, resilience, and moments of real quality, showing just how much progress the team has made.
U10B v St Ronan’s
The U10B team produced their strongest performance of the season so far, winning 4–1 at home. Holmewood started with great energy, moving the ball quickly and linking up play well. Four well-taken goals were the reward for their attacking play, supported by hard work in midfield and a solid defensive line. The boys combined composure with creativity and were clinical when opportunities arose. A commanding victory and a performance to be proud of.
U10C v St Ronan’s
The U10C boys hosted St Ronan’s in a very even and competitive match. Both sides created chances, but Holmewood proved more clinical, taking their opportunities when they came to secure a deserved victory. The match was played in excellent spirit, with the boys showing strong teamwork and determination throughout.
U9 v St Michael’s
It was an exciting afternoon for the U9s, who played three well-contested matches against St Michael’s. The A team produced a lively performance in a 2–2 draw, scoring two excellent goals from flowing moves and working hard in defence to hold on. The B team also earned a share of the spoils in a 1–1 draw, showing increasing confidence and composure on the ball. The C team faced a tougher test and, despite a 2–0 loss, they showed bravery in defence and worked tirelessly across the pitch. Across all three matches, the boys demonstrated great spirit and plenty of progress.
U8 v St Michael’s
The U8A team went into their match unbeaten but faced a very organised St Michael’s side. Despite some bright attacking play and a well-taken goal, they were put under pressure near their own goal line and were unable to maintain their record, eventually slipping to defeat. Lessons from this match will be valuable, particularly around moving the ball into space and working hard off the ball.
The U8B team travelled away for their very first fixture on the road, and it proved to be an excellent learning experience. After a competitive first half that ended 1–1, Holmewood pushed forward in search of a winner but were caught on the counter in the closing stages, eventually losing out to some excellent strikes. The boys showed real promise and plenty of determination, making this a valuable step in their development.
The U8C team also faced St Michael’s, working hard throughout but losing 2–0. Their commitment and effort were commendable, and the boys will look to build on this performance in their upcoming matches.
