On Tuesday 11^th February, our Y5/6 football team went to St Paul’s Primary in a top of the league clash, both teams were still unbeaten. It was a freezing cold afternoon, on a small and very muddy pitch but the game started fast. St Paul’s got off to a great start scoring first from a good goal from a corner and could have scored more if it wasn’t for some great saves from Robin.

We went in at Half Time 1-0 down. After the break, we came out looking for the equaliser and it wasn’t long before Harlee made it 1-1 with his 14^th goal in only 6 games. ACE then turned on the style and if it wasn’t for St Paul’s incredible goal keeper, we would have scored 4 or 5 more goals. Instead, St Paul’s soaked up all the pressure and then scored from another corner to make it 2-1. Robin then saved a penalty to top off another incredible performance from him. 

This leaves us 2nd in the table. I am immensely proud of the group of players who conduct themselves magnificently on and off the field at these matches and they really are a credit to the school.  

Special mention to Benjamin who was absolutely incredible in defence. 

On Wednesday two of our KS2 children, Erin and Ben travelled to Temple Newsam to take part in the Leeds School Games Cross Country Final. Both children earned their place by qualifying through the first round which took place before Christmas at Roundhay.

Erin and Ben competed against some of the best runners in Leeds. Ben placed 20th and Erin placed 33rd, both amazing standings, with over 100 children in each race.

We are so proud of both children representing ACE at a top level competition. A big thanks to Mrs Reehal who went with them and to Mr Chambers who came and cheered from the sideline.

On Thursday, February 6th, ACE played St Paul’s at home.

The sun was shining and ground conditions were very perfect. 

From kick off the game displayed lots of tense moments. St Paul’s scored first and within minutes William scored with a great shot to the corner of the net . 

At Half time and after a team chat, ACE came out with the intent of pressuring the St Paul’s team. It appeared St Paul’s had shared a similar chat. 

The game was moving end to end with pace. St Paul’s scored and shortly after Josiah picked up the ball on the left wing and stormed forward. He placed a perfect ball through to William who score again. 

ACE worked so hard in the last moments of the game. On the final whistle, both teams had to be happy with a 2-2 draw. 

Players of the game were William, Gryff, Gustas and Josiah. Ava made her debut, well done Ava! 

On Thursday we visited Carr Manor for our league fixture. We had 5 children playing their first ever game for the Y5/6 school team.

We started well against another good team and went 1-0 up quite early on thanks to a lovely team goal from Harlee. It got better from there as Harlee scored a free kick and his second goal of the game to make it 2-0 at half time. Carr Manor grew into the game in the second half and got a goal back despite Oscar making some great saves. In the last few minutes, Carr Manor were awarded a penalty and scored to make it 2-2 and that’s the way the game finished.

Special mention to Robin who had a great game on his first game for the team and also Zaim who was superb in midfield. We are now 2^nd in the league with a game in hand that could take us top. 

Carr Manor 2-2 ACE 

Goalscorers – Harlee x 2 

Alizah, Year 5, scored a great goal against Rothwell Juniors FC on Sunday and was awarded player of the match despite sustaining a knee injury.

Well done and get well soon.

ACE girls played St Urbans at home on Thursday, January 30th.

ACE were a little sluggish during the first 10 minutes of the game but settled just before half time. St Urbans scored and ACE were working hard at the half time mark. 

In the second half of the game Erin , Amy and Alizah were exploring every opportunity presented and after a short while Erin scored.

It was a game of end to end play,  and in the latter half of the game as a result of a goalmouth flurry of shots and blocks,  St Urbans hit the back of the net.

Well done to Erin, Amy, Bella and Alizah for great efforts.

Score 1-2 to St Urbans.

On Tuesday our Y5/6 school football team took part in the Falkingham Cup against Woodlesford Primary School. This was the toughest fixture so far this year as Woodlesford are known for being a very strong team. The match did not disappoint.

The game started very end to end with chances for both teams. Harlee going close for us and Robin making some super saves in our net. Woodlesford took the lead with a great finish and we went into half time 1-0 down. Woodlesford started the second half strong and went 2-0 up but then ACE flew into action. Ben delivering a great cross and Harlee headed home to make it 2-1. Harlee then broke free again and took the keeper on to make it 2-2 and ACE’s tails were up. With only 2 mins left, ACE were awarded a penalty and Harlee completed his hat trick. 3-2 ACE. In the last second, Woodlesford got a controversial equaliser to send the game to penalties at 3-3.

After 3 penalties per team, we ended up losing 2-1 and were eliminated. However, in my opinion this was the best all round performance I’ve seen from our u11’s. Not only with their skill on the pitch but also the way they encouraged each other, their gamesmanship and the way the whole team consoled the players missed their penalties. We now continue our league games where we are top of the league.

MOM – Huw Heaton for a near flawless defensive display making tackle after tackle, block after block and his leadership skills on the pitch.

On Tuesday, the U9s team played Immaculate Heart of Mary, at their school. 

It was a very narrow and small pitch and ACE struggled with it being used to
lots of space. In the first half Immaculate Heart scored first , followed by the second goal.

ACE continued to pressure. As Josiah’s foot struck the ball from a corner it curved and in a blink of an eye it was in the net. It was a spectacular goal and even Immaculate Hearts parents responded with claps and cheers.

Unfortunately, we could not score again despite strong efforts and Immaculate Heart hit the back of the net.

It was our first loss in 7 months , but we are ready to fight back next week.

Josiah, William, Gryff and Matthew played really well. Matthew was voted man of the match by the opposition.

Score 3-1 to Immaculate Heart.

On a very pleasant Tuesday afternoon ACE hosted Whitkirk Primary in the Datacable Cup second round. 

In the first half ACE were looking strong with a 1-0 lead thanks to Gryff.

The second half was a battle with both teams really playing for a win. Whitkirk scored and from that moment in was a very intense situation. There were shots, blocks, speedy attacks and strong defence.

William made a perfect pass, with precision to Yasa, and ACE took the lead again. 

The final whistle finally came with an ACE win, and we are on our way to the quarter finals. 

Special mentions to William, Josiah, Gryff and Matthew maximum effort but have to say everyone played well.

Score 2-1.

Children from ACE were invited to attend a game at the Horsfall Stadium, on Saturday, November 30th. 

At half time our children took to the field in attempts to score penalties. It’s a nerve racking situation and look at the concentration on the faces of Liam and Nivan both Year 3. Matthew Poole Year 4 and Ben Chambers Year 5 with Bernat Year 4 also took penalties. We are so proud you all and that you were brave enough to take part! 

I would like to say a huge thank you to all the parents who supported the event, and brought their children along.

With a 4-1 win against Sherwood Collieries and a great performance from Dan Francis, who is  one of our ACE coaches, it was a nice afternoon.