From the first whistle, Pride Park Panthers produced a complete team performance. Over the last six weeks, we have been working hard on passing, movement and creating space, and today it finally all came together.

The girls showed some fantastic one-touch passing, including moves involving three players that resulted in shots as well as perfectly weighted through balls for teammates to run onto and shoot. It was fantastic to see the work we have been putting in on the training pitch transferred into a match.

I could not be prouder of the girls — this was a performance every single player can be proud of!

⭐ Diana
Diana had another strong game in goal, making some really smart stops when called upon. She also showed great confidence playing out from the back and, when she came outfield for the final 10 minutes, she put in some strong tackles and worked hard for the team.

⭐ Serayah
Week in, week out, Serayah is the rock of this team. She was fantastic today, winning the ball back, putting in strong tackles and making life difficult for the opposition throughout. She even came close to scoring in the final minute. Another outstanding Player of the Match performance from Serayah.

⭐ Matilda
Another all-round performance from Matilda. She defended brilliantly, played in midfield, broke up the opposition’s play and helped create opportunities for the team going forward. A top performance all around.

⭐ Sofia
Sofia once again showed her versatility with a fantastic all-round performance, having a major impact on the game, passed the ball really well and worked hard defensively. She even volunteered to go in goal for 10 minutes to help the team — brilliant team spirit!

⭐ Priya
A strong midfield performance from Priya. She carried the ball forward, created chances for her teammates and wasn’t afraid to get back and help the defence when needed. A really hardworking performance.

⭐ Arabella
A fantastic debut from Arabella! Every time she received the ball, she looked to drive forward and attack. She was always looking to create something and deservedly capped off an incredible debut

⭐ Emily
We asked Emily to drop into midfield today and she absolutely stepped up. She won the ball in midfield, drove forward and constantly looked to create opportunities. Her hard work was rewarded in another excellent performance and thoroughly deserved Player of the Match. ?

⭐ Paisley
Paisley was understandably a little shy and nervous today and initially wanted to sit out the first half. But when she came on for her 10-minute spell, she showed great determination, put the opposition under pressure and got stuck into the game.

A really positive performance from Paisley — well done!

⭐ Players of the Match: Serayah & Emily
Both girls were outstanding today and played a huge part in a fantastic team performance.

Final thoughts
A performance that showed just how much the girls are developing. The passing, movement, teamwork and willingness to work for each other were fantastic to watch. The six-week focus on passing and moving into space is really starting to show, and today we saw some of the best football these girls have produced.

Every single player contributed. Every single player should be proud.

Keep working hard, keep enjoying your football and keep believing in yourselves, girls! ?⚽⭐

Scott

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