The team arrived at Reepham quickly after the short drive from Dereham. After a toilet break, and a warm-up we were ready to go. Juliette (Captain) won the toss and decided to kick downhill in the first half.
The team was had Year 9's, a Year 8 and also many Year 7's. They thankfully helped out at short notice due to many of the older girls calling off.
A good start to the game saw neatherd passing the ball well, but it was Reepham who had the first shot on goal. A Reepham striker struck the ball with venom, fortunatley it rebounded off the bar, and Zoe cleared to safety. Then Julieete fed Rianna who ran on, her shot went just wide.
Then Juliette broke clear, only to see the ball run through to the keeper. The Rianna passed through to Hannah, she ran on and shot low and hard into the far corner, a great goal.
Danni was then flattened by a much bigger Reepham player, but bravely got up to continue passing well. Sophie and Leah at full back, making their debut for the U14's were exceptional, quick with super timing to win the ball time and time again. Not only that both Leah and Sophie would look to pass the ball through midfield after winning posession. Charlotte shot just wide after Danni played the ball through, and things were looking good, until Reepham drew level with a fanastic shot into the roof of the goal.
From a Neatherd the ball was cleared, Sian cleverly played it back to Juliette, who shot first time to beat the keeper at the near post. Chelsie, Sian and Laura in the centre back positions were playing well, and we went in at half time leading 2-1.
In the second half Reepham won a penalty to level at 2-2. The Reepham keeper cleared the ball high and long, Sophie managed to play the ball with her nose and knee at the same time...not an easy skill! We were still playing good football, Ashleigh was linking up play well, with some clever passes, Zoe was saving many Reepham shots. Leah played the ball calmly to Jules who ran on and had a shot blocked. Rianna controlled the ball well with her head, then played an exquisite reverse pass to Juliette, who ran on and shot wide...in doing so strained her hamstring, and came off injured.
Reepham clattered the bar again, but this time the striker was on hand to score to give Reppham the lead. Near the end Reepham scored two more goals, for a deserved win.
Neatherd played really well, with five players making their debut the team has lots to be proud of after a good display. Thanks to all those who helped out at the last minute, to Mr Hood for driving & running the line, to Mrs Sinclair for washing the shirts (they are now properly clean!!) and to all the players for a great performance.
A few contenders in this game, but Player of the Match goes to Leah for fantastic tackling, super covering and excellent passing, Well Done. Next match Wednesday 7th Feb, away at Earlham...playing on the astro-turf. Leaving at 2.25pm. Look for the team sheet on the board...and tick your names.
