The match today started with Pride Park Under 11s and Stanton Under 11s players, coaches and parents coming together for a one minute applause for young grassroots football player Rhya, who recently passed away.

Every player on the team was eager to get onto the pitch today to show what they could bring to the team. A great show of commitment.

Stanton Under 11s brought the game to us, from the start, and with this they soon went 1-0 up. However, the team organised themselves, worked together and soon pulled it back to 1-1 with a well worked goal. After this equalizer, the girls applied there usual pressure and broke through to take the lead at 2-1 lead.

The team displayed there relentless commitment especially Leah on the left and Amy H commanding the middle of the pitch as well as relentless runs and crosses from Abbi. Stanton Under 11s then changed there attacking tactics: by playing four in attack against our two in defense. Our goalkeeper, Lucy played magnificently, only letting one goal slip pass her, making it 2-2.

A near full team substitution (5 players) took place before half time. Fresh legs made a difference and I was especially pleased to see the development of Terri, who challenged and won the ball on many occasions, helping to set up fresh attacks.

In the second half, the eagerness of the new additions to the team: Louse and Amy S and the loyal commitment of Lailah with the push from Terri and superb attacking defending of Riley took the game to Stanton and the girls took control of the game from this point.

Through intelligent passing and movement as well as superb tackling and winning the ball: and it has to be said from two magnificent long range goals from Abbi and a beautifully finished goal from centre forward Amy S.
As usual the girls showed their examplary spirit for girls football, for working as a team and raising their teammates up as well as for the commitment that they show to Pride Park.

Great admiration to Stanton Under 11s today, who brought a team of very talented and skilled football players with them, and made it a great game of football for all who watched.

A special thanks goes out to John Woolley, who kindly stepped in and refereed the game and Fred, Lee and Russ, who helped to set up the nets and the pitch at the last minute.

Todays match makes me very proud to be part of and witness, the growing standard of girls football at grassroots level.