U9 Jaguars v Derby County
An unusually bright and mild day for the time of year gave perfect conditions for a game of footy. Before the game both sides stood around the center circle to give an impeccable minute’s silence . The first half was kicked off by PP and an exciting first five minutes ensued. You could see Derby are a well drilled and energetic team, but the Jaguars were matching them blow for blow. With Rose and Lucy engaging them in defence, Amber and Zara combative in midfield, the ever dependable Kara and Esther in defence and Alicia custodian of the goal keeping gloves. The first half ebbed and flowed and the main focus was in courageous defending, but late in the half saw a moment of fine combination play with Freya sliding the ball into Rose’s path for a terrific shot.
This gave the girls reward for 100% attitude in the first half. The second half kicked off very much the same as the first. But the spectators did notice the Jaguars had more drive and bite after the interval; more tackles, and an extra yard in running for the ball saw them give the Derby girls lots to think about.
A change in goal saw Alicia take an outfield position and Kara took the gloves. Kara didn’t disappoint, looking like she’d been a goalie for years. Alicia with her channelled enthusiasm gave a new dimension in midfield. There was some fantastic attacking play from Lucy and Freya to pull the Derby defence apart giving Rose an opportunity for a great strike at goal.
It had been an outstanding performance by the Jaguars who can be proud of a committed effort; the Derby manager complimenting the team on a competitive performance. The parents were Parents unable to pick out a player of the match, giving the award to the team this week. More things to learn and take onto our next match. Well done girls.
Phil
U10 Lionesses v Wirksworth
An exciting (and nerve wracking), match from the off, with a very equal game throughout. The action was end-to-end from both teams with some decent passing sequences. It was nice to see the girls pressing forwards as a unit, opening up some great chances.
Started the second half with determination - with the girls showing confidence, building some great attacking right from the back.
One of which resulted in a really well executed goal from Molly, who in a busy goal area, controlled the ball with one touch, glanced up, and struck the ball on her laces with accuracy and power - straight into the bottom right corner. Brilliant goal under pressure for the equaliser. Again, we saw some excellent football for the rest of the game, with Frankie making some super saves, and Ruby and Emily going from strength to strength, defending our goal area against some well organised Wirksworth forwards.
Special mentions: Ava and Emelia both struck by the ball to the head today, both brave to recover. And Iysla, great game for you - well done, keep up the good work.
Gary
U11 Phoenix v Belper Red Socks
I was so proud of the girls this morning. All the girls worked their socks off and put in so many great tackles and blocks. We played for each other and made lots of progress in defence. We never gave up and got into some great attacking positions but the Belper goalkeeper made some good saves.
The second half followed a similar pattern; we kept pressing and deserved a goal or two at least! So much fight throughout and working for each other. Thank you to Holly for stepping in goal at the last minute.
Sophie