Carisbrooke College 1 vs 1 Lift Ryde
Thursday 25 September

It was a classic “we could’ve won it but also didn’t lose it” kind of evening as Carisbrooke College U15s clashed with Lift Ryde, ending in a 1-1 stalemate that left everyone scratching their heads and wondering if extra time would involve a dance-off instead of football.

Carisbrooke kicked off the match like a team who’d just found out their pizza was delivered early. The energy was electric, and it paid off early thanks to some quick thinking from Riley. Riley pounced like a ninja and calmly slotted home. Goal celebrations were modest but effective, high fives, fist bumps, and the obligatory “did you see that?” looks.

For a while, Carisbrooke looked comfortable, cruising like a car on a smooth highway. Then came the moment that tested goalkeeper Archie’s reflexes. A straightforward shot down low to his left decided to play its own game of “let’s confuse the goalie” by bobbling awkwardly and sneaking over him. 1-1 just before half-time. The crowd was torn between groans and sympathy and Archie promised to buy the ball a stern talking-to at half-time.

The second half was a tactical chess match, except both teams were playing football instead of moving knights around a board. Chances were few and far between thanks to solid defensive performances, with Jack and Taylor standing firm like human walls. Meanwhile, Josh was on lockdown duty, marking Lift Ryde’s top attacker so closely it was almost a personal space violation.

Riley was awarded Man of the Match, not just for his early goal but for constantly looking like a potential highlight reel. He even pulled off a silky run past three defenders only to be cruelly denied a second goal. 

In the end, Carisbrooke probably left the pitch feeling like they’d been robbed of a win but thankful they weren’t robbed of any dignity (or pizza). A 1-1 draw it was, and a match full of moments that made everyone laugh, cheer, and maybe question the physics of wobbling footballs.