Facing the same opponents as last week, our girls approached the match with a mix of familiarity and focus. However, seven of our nine players were feeling the effects of a three-day residential, having only returned to their own beds last night. Despite their evident fatigue, the girls stepped onto the pitch with determination, ready to give everything they had.
The starting lineup saw Ava in goal, with Poppy and Millie forming a cool and calm defensive pairing. Seren took her place on the left, Paige controlled the midfield, Ebony operated on the right, and Annabella led the attack up front. From the first whistle, Ava stood tall between the posts, making critical saves and confidently distributing the ball to start attacks. Millie made daring runs from defence, pushing forward to test the opposition's keeper while holding firm at the back when called upon. Poppy’s positional awareness was outstanding, as she read the game, knowing when to stay back and when to press forward with the ball.
On the left, Seren worked hard, putting in strong tackles and supporting the team wherever she was needed. Ebony was a constant threat on the right, using her pace and determination to break through the defence. Her efforts were rewarded with a well-taken goal: after a run down the right, her initial shot was saved, but she stayed composed to slot home on a second attempt. Paige, orchestrating from midfield, nearly scored with a beautifully taken free kick that narrowly missed the target. She also disrupted the opposition’s rhythm and moved the ball forward with skill and precision.
Up front, Annabella led the line with relentless energy, pressing the defenders and testing the keeper. Her work rate was exceptional as she frequently dropped back to support the midfield, running tirelessly for her team.
As the game progressed, substitutions brought fresh energy. Emily entered the fray with a calm and composed performance, making vital last-ditch tackles and distributing the ball effectively from the back to launch attacks. Jessica added grit to the midfield, breaking up opposition play with good tackles and linking up with teammates through precise passes.
The second half saw some changes in roles, with Ebony stepping into goal and immediately proving her fearlessness. She made a series of brave saves, showing no hesitation as the opposition pressed forward. Paige continued to dictate play in midfield, threading clever passes that opened up opportunities for her teammates.
Annabella remained a menace all over the pitch, constantly pushing the ball forward and keeping the opposition defence under pressure. Ava, now playing on the right, displayed her versatility with strong tackles and dangerous crosses from the byline.
The highlight of the half came from Millie. Picking up the ball from a distance, she unleashed a spectacular looping shot that soared over the keeper and into the net, leaving everyone in awe.
Despite the obvious fatigue from their recent adventures, the team displayed incredible resilience and teamwork throughout the match. Each player stepped up, contributing in their own way to a hard-fought contest filled with moments of skill, determination, and heart. Ebony’s skilful runs, defensive contributions, beautiful goal, and fearless performance in the goal in the second half earned her the well-deserved title of Player of the Match. Well done girls!
⚽️🖤💛⚽️
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