Football News

Despite the cancellation of 12 out of 14 scheduled matches, two games went ahead on Saturday 11 January on the 3G pitch; both provided thrilling contests and showcased exceptional performances from SPS.

The U15A team took an early lead with a goal in the first minute but Epsom responded strongly, and the game turned into a closely-contested affair. With just five minutes remaining, SPS were trailing 2-3, but a crucial goal from Josh Guttman levelled the scores. The match looked destined to end in a draw, but Ridhmeet Puri scored a sensational winner in the dying seconds to secure a 4-3 victory.

1st XI team followed with an assured display against a talented Epsom side, highlighted by a strong performance from Epsom’s QPR academy player. Goals from Moyo Lawani, Chris Leaver and Alessandro Salford gave SPS the lead but the pivotal moment came late in the game when goalkeeper Nikhil Malik made a vital save to deny Epsom’s star player a hat-trick. The save proved decisive as the 1st XI held on to secure a well-earned 3-2 victory.

The 1st XI travelled to Milton Abbey for the national quarter final of the U18 ISFA Trophy. They were hosted generously by the opposition school, who offered lunch beforehand which made the three-and-a-half-hour journey a little easier. After conceding early in the game, Kam Baghai equalised with an excellent free kick that left the goal-keeper stunned as the ball sailed into the top corner, before St Paul’s dominated possession, moving the ball well on a big, heavy pitch. A second goal was scored after an attacking run from Oscar Suarez resulted in a chance for Moyo Lawani that was saved, but quick thinking resulted in a follow up goal by Kam to double his tally. In the second half, Oscar delivered a fantastic corner to the back post which was headed into the back of the net by Moyo Lawani to put the team 3-1 up. However, momentum changed when a counter attack goal was scored by Milton Abbey and a nervy final few minutes prevailed. St Paul’s held onto the ball and absorbed the pressure, finishing 3-2 winners and progress into the Semi-Final.