U11 Challenge Cup QF: Chellaston Tigers 1-3 Pride Park Pumas
The Pumas booked their place in the Semi Final of the cup after a good performance against a stubborn Chellaston team.

The girls started off a little slowly and Lily in goal had to make a couple of smart stops early on. The Pumas were caught out after about 10 minutes when Chellaston took the lead from a corner which we failed to clear.

This fired up the Pumas who responded well and levelled within 3 minutes when Bella took a long throw, Millie dummied it and the ball fell to Erin in the perfect place - and she managed to direct the ball back across the impressive keeper and into the bottom corner. Up and running the girls started to get into their passing game and some brilliant play saw Bella and Erin have a couple of chances which the Chellaston keeper saved but there was to be no denying the girls as half time was approaching. Following a corner, Mini played the ball into Bella who took on a defender and made space for a shot, the keeper saved brilliantly but Enya was on hand to lift the ball over the keeper and into the roof of the net.

Bella T took the gloves from Lily in the second half as the defence consisting of Tayla, Ivy and Umayyah put in unbelievable shifts to limit Chellaston to very little. The midfield made up of Dela, Sophie, Millie, Mini and Bella were dominating the ball and playing at times some really good football and creating chances for each other and for Enya and Erin up front.

However, Pumas had to wait until deep into the second half to make the game secure when Erin, who had just come back on, was on hand to finish at close range after Millie and Bella battled to get the ball high up the pitch. A thoroughly deserved victory for the girls to secure a place in the semi-final in which they will face Heanor Juniors Hawks.

Another collective bunch of brilliant performances from the girls but Dela took home the player of the match trophy this week.
Michael

U8 Panthers v Rochester Wildcats
Pride Park Panthers concluded their year with this game. From the opening whistle, the Panthers’ intensity was evident in their collective desire to regain possession quickly and transition immediately into attack.

Defensively, Diana and Matilda were outstanding, repeatedly halting opposition attacks and clearing danger efficiently. In midfield and wide areas, Sia and Paisley worked tirelessly to press the ball and keep the Wildcats under sustained pressure.

Ben, Sophia, and Priya showcased excellent work rate, winning possession through constant back-and-forth running and progressing play with intelligent passing.

Elsie stepped into goal and produced several crucial saves and was unfortunate not to secure a clean sheet. Emily impressed with her direct running towards goal before suffering an ankle injury that sadly limited her involvement to just five minutes.

Player of the Match was shared between Elsie – For stepping into goal and producing multiple crucial saves, and Diana – For consistently breaking up play and restricting the opposition to a single shot
Scott