U14 Girls Football (October 2006)

Tuesday 18^th October

Neatherd V Wayland

On a warm but very, very windy spring day Wayland were the visiting team. After the warm-up Neatherd won the toss, and decided to kick with the wind in the first half; a good choice Sarah.

To begin with the game was amazingly scrappy. The wind didn’t help, but there was very little football being played; just a lot of booting the ball anywhere!! Fortunately things improved as amongst others, Holly and Sarah started to pass the ball. Neatherd had an early chance; a long throw from Holly led to Laura running on, but shooting just wide. Marika kept a clean sheet in goal and then played outfield, and also tried passing the ball, which was pleasing to see.

Yet another throw in led to Holly battling for a ball that broke to Sarah. She ran on and finished superbly low into the far corner; a great finish.

Neatherd had a awful lot of pressure, Danielle had a strong run through the middle, Marika set up Laura, but her shot unfortunately went just over the bar. Wayland threatened very little, but did get through 1 on 1 with the keeper. That was until Emily came running across to tackle and get the ball away. On the whole the defense were looking very strong, Sophie, Harriet, Chelsea, Zoe and Collete were all in good form. Neatherd had more chances, but no more goals.

At half time the coach wasn’t happy with the first half, and also stressed the importance of being aware of the wind. In the first 10 mins of the second half they scored 2 wind assisted goals! Faye did well in goal and Nicole and Laura were winning a lot of balls in the middle of the park, but despite our effort, we weren’t quite on our game today, Urgency came from Holly, Sarah, Laura and Danielle who all had half chances. Zoe in particular was is excellent form in defense. If we didn’t have that 10mins where our defense fell asleep slightly, and is we had a little bit more luck in front of goal; then I am sure we would have won the game comfortably. Saying that, we probably didn’t deserve to win. Today was not our finest 60mins of football. Thanks to all of the six players who were brave enough to spend 10 minutes in goal, much appreciated. Don’t forget training every Wednesday.

Neatherd 1 – 2 Wayland

Player of the Match – Only a few candidates today, Zoe in defense did really well. Up front Holly, Sarah and Danielle were very determined. But the prize goes to Marika for keeping a clean sheet and playing some good football outfield. Well Done to Marika.

Scorer – Sarah Thurgill