The Apes knew this would be a hard game with Hutton top of the table. From the start the Apes showed some great control on the ball with passing and movement which allowed them to create a number of early chances. With only a couple of minutes on the clock Luke was played through down the middle with a great ball and taking his time coolly shot past an outrushing goalkeeper. With this encouragement the boys pressed home this early advantage and within a few more minutes found themselves 2-0 up when following another well worked passing move down the right Luke was put through and after a save from the goalkeeper found Drew at the far post from where he was able to score. All the boys were playing well with Harry and Joe P starting attacking moves from the back and Hayden setting Beau and Drew free on either wing from where they were able to shoot or cross. However, Hutton showed good character and slowly worked their way back into the game and as the half went on started to create a number of chances for themselves but with a combination of a bit of luck and some fine saves from Ayaan the score remained 2-0 at half time.

In the second half the match followed much the same pattern with Hutton pressing forward to get back into the game. The Apes were working hard in defence, with Joe A providing some telling last ditch tackles, and in attack, through Toby and others, the boys went close to extending their lead on a number of occasions. However, the final score stayed at 2-0 for a well deserved win. Well done to the boys on a great team performance.

Following an extended Christmas break the Apes returned to action against Hannakins Farm. The Apes were keen to get back to winning ways following a defeat in their last League game. Signs were good from the start with the team working hard with and without the ball. In defence Harry, Joe P, Ayaan and Joe A were proving hard to pass breaking up the Hannakins’ attack when needed. It wasn’t long before Toby, Hayden, Drew and Beau started to create a number of chances for the Apes. The game flowed back and forward with both sides working hard to gain the upper hand. Finally as the first half came to an end a quick corner from Drew to Joe P finally caught the Hannakins’ defence unprepared and a well placed cross was forced home at the far post by Hayden at the second attempt.

The second half continued to be a close affair with both teams going near with a series of chances. With the Apes having to adapt to losing their goalkeeper at half time, and Hayden stepping in and providing a great performance for the team, the game could have gone either way. It looked like the match was going to go down to the wire when finally, with only a couple of minutes left, following a run down the left wing a shot from Drew found the net at the near post. With the clock ticking down and Hannakins pushing to get back into the game the Apes broke again and Toby was able to grab a well desired goal for his efforts making the final score 3-0.