u10 Lionesses v Melbourne
Played at Melbourne's fantastic venue on Saturday. The girls had a good go from the start, holding their own for the first quarter. Lovely defending by Ruby who really shone brightly again. With Pride Park being able to press forward into the Melbourne half, but just being closed down by an efficient Melbourne defence, we were only able to get a few shots off from distance. It was nice to see Georgia going all out to 'win that ball', great effort.

In the second half there was some great football - a lovely turn, dribble and pass from Iysla put Ruby through (now playing centre forward), for a good chance, just going wide. We caught Melbourne on the break a few times and were unlucky in front of goal - keep on charging Emelia, you’re going from strength to strength. Also, a fantastic series of saves from Frankie made for an exhilarating minute of goal mouth action - absolutely amazing Frankie, well done!

Some really positive parts to the game, but also a few points to go over at training - which will definitely make the difference for next match. Keep going girls, Beeston next week!
Gary

U9 Jaguars v Belper Town
After a scrappy opening spell Pride Park took the game by the scruff of the neck. Rose went on a great run down the wing, weaving her way past three three Belper Town players, laying the ball off for Zara who inter-changed passes with Lucy, before the ball fell to Rose who hit a terrific shot.

Pride Park kept the pressure on and had a good run of corners taken in turns by Kara and Amber - the Belper defence clearing everything that came their way, however. When the ball did sneak through Esther came extremely close to getting her first goal of the season with her shot trickling just wide of the post.

Belper Town had a breakaway which resulted in their shot hitting the post.
Pride Park had plenty more opportunities with Lucy and Rose having shots blocked and the Belper goalkeeper was a strong presence controlling every inch of her penalty area!

Belper’s number 7 was one to watch and had a great strike that fizzed just over the crossbar. Just before half-time Lucy went on a run down the wing before being pulled back, and from the resulting free kick Rose hit a shot that flashed just wide of the post. A strong first half performance from Pride Park.

Belper made a few changes, including goalkeeper, at half-time and made a good start to the second half. Pride Park also rotated goalkeepers - Kara taking the gloves in goal and Alicia coming for a run out in midfield.

An end-to-end game ensued until Belper’s keeper from the first half - who was now in defence - unfortunately forget herself momentarily and picked the ball up from a cross - resulting in a penalty for Pride Park, calmy taken by Alicia.

Freya had a very good run forward and shot that came close, and there was fantastic defensive play from Esther, Zara, Tiana, Wren and Amber to keep the Belper forwards at bay. One special mention has to go to the player of the match, Kara, following a string of saves she pulled off a moment of magic with a dive across goal that Clark Kent would have been proud of to stop Belper from scoring! A brilliant all-round display from the girls.
Carl