This was the first matchday for our new look under 8s, fielding two sides - Wildcats and Lionesses, for the first time. Both teams deserve praise for their excellent efforts. Thanks also to Paul for stepping in to referee both games!

u8 Wildcats
The Wildcats are a young team, made up for four u7 and two under 8 players, and they put in a brilliant effort against Melbourne. Georgia volunteered for goalkeeping duties, making some great saves and decision making in difficult conditions. Molly and Ruby managed to get some attacking runs in, testing Melbourne’s defence - and might have each got a goal on more than one occasion - especially well done to Ruby as it's only your second game.

Molly and Kara both covered a lot of ground today, helping in defence and attacking. Kara, Lucy and Freya all positioning themselves well and continually trying, disrupting Melbourne’s attacks - Kara breaking through a couple of times and was unlucky not to get a couple of goals. Super effort Wildcats, all played right until the end and never gave up trying.

u8 Lionesses had a well matched game against Chellaston and played especially well in the second half. Special mention for Ava who had an excellent first game for us, learning her allocated position and getting stuck in, smiling throughout. Emily was ace in goal and has settled really well into this position. Daisy played brilliantly - putting in some great clearances, tackling and throw-ins too. Iysla also got some great tackles in - making runs, and getting the ball forward for some assists, well done. Edie made some excellent runs up the wing and Zoe battled through and was rewarded with goals.

U10: Stanton are one of the strongest sides at this age group and played great football as always but Pride Park showed just how much they’ve developed by soaking up their attacks and transitioning to attack. After a goalless first half the game opened up more in the second half with both teams showing good movement and working hard.
Violet pulled off some great saves in goal and also started attacks with some big kicks beyond half way. Stanton scored with a great shot, there were a few goals which were down to the conditions as players slipped, and Lucy also scored with great shots for Pride Park.

The U9s played a young but well organised Beeston side. Pride Park adapted to the changed format, and despite rotating players regularly to give everyone playing time it was good practise for them and a good opportunity to help develop the girls working together as a team.

U12s
It was nice to have a full team to start the game with Ellie and Issie playing their first games.
In the first half, we were a little bit slow to get going but settled in well. We managed to get a goal with a terrific solo run from Ellie, making it 1-2. We then had a few chances and a few corners, and came close to scoring a few more times.

In the second half, we started solidly and kept Hilton at bay for almost twenty minutes but then started to tire, which wasn’t surprising after the effort the Girls had put in.

Both new Girls made their mark, Ellie scoring a terrific goal and Issie for volunteering to go in goal in her first game. But I really have to give credit to the girls that have persevered over the last few weeks and never been too disheartened despite playing with only six, seven or eight players, which has made for some difficult games. There were some very definite signs of improvement today and the Girls can take encouragement from their performance.

Gary, Paul, Andy and Lizzie