U16 Panthers v Toton
Panthers started the game with a better attitude and made a good start, being unfortunate not to take an early lead from 2/3 goal scoring opportunities.

Unfortunately we were caught on the counter for Toton to take the lead after 10 mins, but we picked ourselves up and continued to compete well, fighting for everything and showing resilience. Toton then scored 2 quick goals to go 3-0 up after 25mins and we couldn’t maintain our performance level.

Despite the loss there were positives to take from the game; in possession we were trying to find a teammate with a pass, and didn’t rush the pass, our keeper closed the attackers down well and kept out a lot of shots and, despite everything, a few never gave up and battled hard all game. It’s a tough result to take against one of the better sides in the League, but in the opening twenty minutes we showed we are capable of competing with these teams - we just need to maintain our performance levels and resilience for longer.
Aaron

U11 Phoenix v Barton Rovers
In an evenly matched game Phoenix showed determination throughout - getting stuck in and making solid tackles and blocking the ball. There was lots of good movement throughout the pitch and the girls showed composure on the ball and passed with purpose. The U11 are developing well and looking increasingly confident in attacking play; well done, girls
Shelley

U10 Lionesses v Sleetmoor Utd
So proud of the girls for coming to the game this week seemingly with a different attitude and fire in their bellies! The girls showed how well they could play together, and they have been clearly working on their skills from training.

Frankie did an amazing job in goal, clearly that's her passion, ready and anticipating where to position herself. Em and Daisy were a formidable duo in defence, and there were amazing jobs from Zoe, Molly and Georgia.

Emelia, Iysla and Jasmine were doing a great job and Emelia had several chances which were unlucky not to land. Edie used her signature speed to good effect and I counted 4 players on her at one point and she still fought her way out with the ball! Molly opened up several chances and had a number of good shots and Daisy worked hard to create chances.

Iysla’s powerful left foot was great for clearing the ball. Both Zoe and Georgia took a turn in goal in the second half and did a great job - although the team did a great job in possession and protecting the goal, there was an amazing save by Zoe when it looked like the shot was going in.

Ava and Isabella worked really well together up front but they found the ? Keeper
Both have come on leaps and bounds in confidence and the improvement in technical skill was plain to see. Massive well done Girls!

Player of the Match - Emily (adjudicated by Bobby)
Rebecca

U9 Jaguars v Shardlow Utd
Second game of the season for the girls. Once again the coliseum of the racecourse ground awaited. Weather was good, sun peeking in and out of the clouds and a perfect temperature for a game of football.

After a tricky first ten minutes the girls settled and an even contest ensued. Alicia was once again commanding in goal with some superb saves and controlling her goal keeping area with authority. Defensively Kara and Amber standing tall. Tiana and Rose solid in midfield and Lucy and Freya leading the line. The first half was a very even affair with shots from Shardlow being saved by Alicia and Pride Park’s midfield and strikers mounting attacks, with an excellent strike from Freya and a great run by Lucy among the highlights.

Midway through the first half an unlucky Kara got an injured ankle and had come off. The ever dependable Esther took up the defensive duties. Zara also came on halfway through the 1st half showing commitment in the tackles and working hard. Rose giving her usual all round energetic performance. After an enjoyable 34(!) minutes the first half finally came to an end.

The second half was kicked off by Pride Park and was again enjoyable to watch
Alicia again showing what a goalie she is becoming with some good saves. Shardow’s No 4 was in inspired form. Another performance that shows how far the girls have come and how far they will go. Special mention for Tiana, her first game and it didn’t show at all - she looked as though she’d been playing in the team for years. Our player of the game was Alicia, again showing what a fine goalkeeper she is becoming. All the girls are showing a great attitude and a willingness to learn that should bode well for the future. A promising season beckons. Well done Girls.
Phil