Monday 2^nd October

Today our girls football team played their first round match in the Hampshire Cup at home to a very strong Hook with Warsash side. The match started well for Fair Oak who defended with composure and looked lively on the break. However, mid-way through the half, the visitors took the lead with a well taken goal from an accurate pull back from the by-line. Unfortunately our girls fell further behind with a goal similar to the first and at half time the score stood at two nil to Hook with Warsash. No further goals were added in the second half. Despite the result, Fair Oak should feel proud of the way they performed throughout the match today. Well done!

Wednesday 4^th October

Our Year 5 and 6 boys’ football team recently played in the first round of the Hampshire Cup against Sarisbury Junior School at home. It was a closely fought match that was played in two 25 minute halves. The start was a bit scrappy as both teams tried to find their rhythm. Sarisbury started well and created a few good chances but it was Fair Oak who took the lead. The ball was bouncing around the Sarisbury area and fell to Leo who was able to finish from close range. Sarisbury reacted well to going a goal down and scored an instant equaliser with some good play on the wing setting up their striker. The rest of the first half was evenly matched but Fair Oak came out strongly in the second. They started to dominate and were linking up well across the pitch. The excellent passing led to some good opportunities but Fair Oak were unable to take the lead. Eventually, Jake was played in by Odhran and finished well with a powerful drive into the corner. With Fair Oak looking to seal the result, Sarisbury again showed great resilience and were rewarded with an even quicker equaliser. This goal boosted their confidence and for the last 5 minutes, they went in search of the winner. Unfortunately with a minute to play they scored the decisive third goal and won the match. The boys were disappointed with the result but they showed there is a lot to build on with their performance and will now enter the Hampshire Plate; giving them another chance of success which they will be determined to take.  

Tuesday 17^th October

Fair Oak entered four teams into an upper school boys football tournament held at Wyvern. The competition took a league format where every team played every other team. The side with the most points at the end of the tournament would be crowned champions! After all of the fixtures had been played, the final league table stood as follows:

Well done to all of our fantastic footballers. There really were some outstanding performances today!

Tuesday 31^st October

Our girls football team travelled to Swanmore College to compete against schools from the local area. You could tell it was Halloween night because there were plenty of tricks and treats on display! The girls played some excellent football in horrendously wet and cold conditions to win the tournament, conceding just one goal the whole afternoon!

The girls played in a number of positions and gave their all to any role asked of them. We had a rotation of three different goalkeepers, brave and robust defenders, midfielders who worked tirelessly to use the width of a very large pitch and strikers who took their chances brilliantly. A few moments to note were some incredible reflex saves from Rayah in goal, an amazing long-range free kick from Megan and a composed finish from a tight angle by Mia.

But what was most pleasing was the team play; all girls passed the ball intently and constantly put their opponents under pressure by pressing together with intensity.

The team will now go through to the next round to be held at Stoneham Lane Football Complex in March. Well done girls!