Harrow faced their toughest physical test of the tour against a well-drilled and energetic St Anthony’s High School side.
After an intense week of football and a 2 hour drive from the hotel, we arrived at our destination and faced the longest football pitch the boys will ever play on – a full 120 yards long! That is (and correct me if I’m wrong) 8 yards longer than the maximum length permitted by the laws of football. To make matters even worse the match lasted a full 90 minutes and was played in scorching conditions compared to the horrendous weather of the past few days.
St Anthony’s was one of the top high schools in the area and had recently been crowned state champions at their level. Their coach, Don, was even sporting a Super Bowl style winners ring to celebrate this title.
Harrow started poorly. Perhaps they weren’t awake after a long coach journey, perhaps they were fatigued after all the football of the past week. Passes weren’t going to feet, concentration was lacking and we were giving the ball away too easily. St Anthony’s were able to break through our defence and create a host of chances and Harrow were indebted to Lawrence Dale for a series of top class saves.
It took half an hour for Harrow to have a period of possession in the opposition half and they offered a few shots at goal that were easily gathered up by the goalkeeper. It had been a sloppy first half from the Harrow side and they were lucky to go in level at the break at 0-0.
Harrow could only improve in the second half and were spurred on by George Gould’s energy in midfield. On the huge pitch, space was opening up and Harrow started to take advantage of it. They held the ball up well and Will Glover and Zack Adebayo-Oke were finding space in behind the St Anthony’s defence.
The breakthrough came after good, simple passing football out from the back. Gould picked the ball up and fed Samuel Shashoua who put a sumptuous ball over the top for Ody Alfa to run onto. Alfa accelerated away from the defender and slotted past the onrushing keeper.
St Anthony’s were still causing Harrow problems in attack and they got a deserved goal back after a defensive mix up for Harrow left the St Anthony’s striker with an open goal to level the scores.
Harrow continued to create chances and came close after Glover went through and had a shot saved and Shashoua attempted an audacious volley from 30 yards out that the keeper had to tip over the bar. Tristan David also made an excellent goal line clearance after a header from a corner.
Tired legs in the last 20 minutes meant that the game became even more stretched but it was Harrow who took advantage. Once again, Shashoua was the provider, taking on a defender out wide before putting a low cross into the box for Will Glover to smash home after a darting run into the 6 yard box.
The game finished 2-1 and Harrow can consider themselves lucky to have got the win as they were given a stern workout by St Anthony’s.
After the match, another treat from our incredibly hospitable American hosts. What seemed like a banquet was laid on for boys, coaches and parents who were all able to eat, chat and socialise together. The food really was delicious.
Once again, a big thank you to St Anthony’s school, their coaches and parents for being such kind hosts and for being so generous after the match.
1st XI Soccer Tour to New York 