On Wednesday, the Taylors 1st XI football team hosted Birchwood High School in the semi-finals of the HSFA plate. This is the second time a Taylors team made it to a semi-final as the 2nd XI competed in the MSFA 2nd XI cup semi-final back in November. The 1st XI were able to go one better than their compatriots, securing a 3-1 victory over an exceptionally strong Birchwood side.
The game was far from comfortable, some early scares saw MTS thoroughly on the backfoot for the first 10 minutes. However, Ashton B, MOM, opened the scoring with a well taken strike to take the team into HT 1-0 up. The second half started well again, Rohan D and Jaimin B creating some good chances from midfield. A fortunate goal, unique in many ways, saw a Ludo T effort deflected high into the air with the opposition GK looking firm favourite to gather, however a loss of his bearings found the ball harmlessly bounce into an almost empty net, 2-0. Ashton B completed his brace with another fine finish. With 10 minutes to play Birchwood awoke from their slumber, scoring a good goal and beginning to create chances. Sam W and Henry W steadied the ship from the back and saw the game to it’s fair conclusion.
Taylors now play St Edmunds College, Ware in the HSFA plate final on 2nd April at Colney Heath FC.
