Byron Primary School seal victory in tense shootout at Priestfield
When the Gills faced Oldham at the weekend Game Two of our half-time shoot-out took place between Byron Primary School and St Peters’ COE Primary School.
The players had just seven seconds to score from the edge of the D and can choose to dribble and shoot or simply fire one at goal. The keepers are allowed to move off their line as soon as the whistle sounds and put the striker under pressure meaning that both have to think and act fast.
As the half-time whistle blew both teams were eager to walk out in front of the Gillingham faithful and secure their place in the Quarter finals of the competition starting in the New Year.
As the GFC Gems performed the teams warmed up and you could see that all the takers and both keepers had been working hard over the summer on their penalty taking and were ready to score at the Rainham End.
A stunning first penalty from Byron put the pressure on St Peters’ from the start, then a great save from the Byron goalkeeper gave them the advantage.
Following this it seemed to be a battle of the keepers with both sides each making two brilliant saves and keeping the competition extremely close. St Peters’ found their way back into the game when a powerful strike rebounded under the keeper meaning the scores were level at 1-1.
A brilliant strike from Byron saw them edge in front straight with only two spot kicks remaining. Another great save from St Peters’ keeper meant they had to score their final penalty to take the game into deadlock.
As the final penalty was struck the Byron keeper managed to get down low and prevent the ball from crossing the line and see them through to the quarter finals.
A huge thank you to both teams for their outstanding efforts and congratulations to Byron Primary School on progressing to the next stage.
Our next fixture will take place on Saturday 24th October when the Gills face Southend United at MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
Pictures courtesy of Sports Images.