U13A vs Caldicott
The Beacon 1st XI opened their season with a dominant 5-0 victory over Caldicott, showcasing both flair and determination. With limited preparation time on a full-sized pitch, the boys had honed their skills through small-sided games on the Astro, and their composure and decision-making on the ball were a joy to behold.
Despite being an U13 team bolstered by some talented U12 players, the younger boys stepped up brilliantly, blending seamlessly with their older teammates. Their effort, skill, and fearlessness were exceptional – you’d never have guessed they weren’t in the same year group.
At the back, Hugo C was outstanding; he worked his socks off up and down the pitch and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. Seb S thrived in the heart of midfield, relishing the physical battles against Year 8 opponents. Rocco G was a picture of consistency at left-back, making intelligent decisions and never putting a foot wrong.
The defensive unit was formidable, with Harry A imperious at centre-back, exuding calmness and authority reminiscent of a young Virgil van Dijk. Alongside him, Finlay F was equally solid, while Philip A provided a flawless display in goal. Jackson R added versatility and dependability, adapting to multiple positions with ease.
The midfield and attack were where The Beacon truly shone, producing some mesmerising football. Theo W was instrumental, dictating the tempo and linking brilliantly with Dylan J, who opened the scoring with a well-taken goal. Thor K was a constant threat, making excellent decisions every time he touched the ball.
The goals flowed from a combination of teamwork and individual brilliance. Oran O found the net and was unlucky not to add to his tally, while Charlie C led the line with boundless energy and intelligence. His hat-trick was richly deserved, capping a tireless display that set the tone for the entire team.
Overall, this was a performance to savour. The Beacon 1st XI played with style, discipline, and an unyielding work ethic. While it’s hard to judge the team’s long-term prospects after one game, their ability to look after the ball and make smart decisions is hugely promising. If this opening display is anything to go by, this team could be something special.
Reported by Mr D Robinson
U11A vs Caldicott

U11B2 vs Caldicott
A superb team performance saw the boys put 9 goals past Caldicott in the first match of the season. Nothing was going to get past the back three of Alex Y, Henry L and Alexander KG who played with great poise. Alex Z was also brilliant in goal, making some excellent saves.
Xander A played some lovely football and created a lot of chances, and we certainly made the most of them. Leon K showed his strength by scoring 4 goals from the left wing, including a diving header. Henry S was equally impressive with 2 great strikes, displaying great skill throughout the game. Kian V was instrumental upfront with 2 goals and Oscar F finished off a great afternoon with a fine effort making the score 9-0.
Well done boys on a great performance!
Reported by Mr S Winter
U11C2 vs Caldicott
In a stunning and wholly unexpected strategic move, manager Miles was temporarily benched for this fixture in favour of untried novice coach Walker (Classics). Unfazed, the team rallied around their new boss and showed him which direction they needed to kick the ball and where the goalposts were located. With the basics established, coach Walker immediately decided to lend two of our players to the opposition (well, they did only have five so it seemed fair). Chris D and Sahan D selflessly sacrificed their chances for glory to don Caldicott colours.
Seb W had brought gloves, so he was the natural choice for goalie. Campbell B, Milen S, William LS, Evan S, Zac K (striker) and Max M (Captain) entered the fray, as the coach exhorted them to adopt a flying wedge formation like the men of the XIV Gemina legion at the Battle of Watling Street. (Coach Walker was pretty sure they would know what he meant). The tactic was a stunning success – for Caldicott. After a pretty even first half, the home team slammed one into the back of our net. Undaunted, our boys rallied like Caesar’s cohorts at the Battle of Alesia and prepared for a counterattack as the coach yelled for them to “Unleash hell!”. But then the whistle. Half time.
More strategy. Zac K stepped in to replace Sahan D on the opposition, while Max M gamely took the goalie’s gloves. Coach Walker gave a stirring motivational speech, in which he urged them to remember Leonidas and the 300 Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae. “Breakfast well, lads,” he cried in a magnificent peroration, “for tonight we dine in Hades!”
Suitably fired up by this specimen of grand oratory, the team decided to adopt Militiades’ tactics from the Battle of Marathon, weakening their centre and strengthening their wings. Sandhu masterfully controlled the ball, sneaking it through to Sahan D, who took it home to even the score. Minutes later, Milen S himself broke through the ragged enemy lines to make it 2-1. Like Hannibal at the Battle of Zama or Abba at Eurovision, Caldicott were finally facing their Waterloo .
But they were not finished yet. Max M in goal was working harder than Herakles battling the Hydra – for every save another shot and then another – at the very last minute the opposition broke through. It was the Battle of the Teutoberg Forest all over again. The barbarians were at the gate! The enemy’s surprise attack caught us unprepared. Coach Walker’s pleas for them to form the testudo and lock shields went unheard. Moments before the final whistle, Caldicott equalised.
All told, a very fair game between two evenly-matched teams. Our Beacon boys acquitted themselves with honour. This was no Battle of Cannae, we could boast no annihilation, but we could reflect with pride that we had played our best and, most importantly, had lots of fun. “Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit” remarked coach Walker pithily as we headed off to tea. All the boys, instantly recognising the famous Virgilian sentiment of course, smiled sagely and nodded their assent as they munched their well-deserved hot dogs.
Reported by Mr Mr Walker