Hilton 1 - Pride Park Juniors 3

There are many ridiculous clichés used in football commentary, 110% effort, running through brick walls, covered every blade of grass, sick as a parrot. On Saturday we saw real life demonstrations of the first three from the Under 12's... the last one is still just daft.

Starting the match without any substitutes and missing your leading scorer would be daunting for any team. When that match is against an established Hilton side fresh from a strong win you would be forgiven for fearing the worst. However to do so would be to underestimate the spirit and resolve of this Pride Park Juniors side. The lack of substitutes necessitated a change of formation and playing style but the girls adapted really well, didn't stop running, stuck to their roles and followed their instructions brilliantly.

An even start saw both sides share possession and some pleasing passing moves, with Pride Park having the more productive attacking moments and shots from Katie Bullock and Erin Blaney failing to find the target. Hiltons attackers were thwarted by stout defence from Keira Bonsher, Georgia Bayliss and Ellie Sims who performed well in an unfamiliar central midfield role. The defence worked tirelessly closing down every attack and making last gasp tackles. A particularly terrierish series of tackles from Keira stopped the Hilton attack in its tracks and led to another Pride Park attempt at goal.

The pattern of the first half at times resembled a basketball match, with both teams taking turns to attack and defend. A twisting run and shot from Maleah Quintana was followed by a Hilton attack which brought a great save from Ellie-Mae Gray. Long shots from Katie, Erin and Maleah couldn't break the deadlock and a Cruyff turn and run from Maleah which had the crowd cheering led to another shot from Erin which was well saved by the Hilton 'keeper. The front three attacked intelligently and with endless energy, taking turns to help out in defence and support the attack.

With the first half drawing to a close it looked like Pride Park would go in with a creditable draw when, on 27 minutes, Katie Bullock latched on to a wayward goal kick and fired a great shot to open the scoring. 1-0. Further tenacious defending from Keira stopped Hilton and following great pressure on the resulting throw in, Maleah scored a deserved second to send the team in 2-0 up.

Despite working incredibly hard in the first half, Pride Park started strongly in the second, a shot from Katie didn't find the target, a lovely through ball from Erin split the defence but again the resulting shot was saved. Hilton then reduced the deficit with a lovely flowing counter attack and shot which gave Ellie no chance. From here the game followed similar pattern to the first half. Tireless running and harrying from all the girls resulting in shots for, Maleah, Katie and Erin and strong defending from Ellie S, Georgia and Keira protecting the one goal lead.

Standout moments included an unbelievable stretching save from Ellie to prevent a certain goal, Maleah rattling the cross bar and some incredible tackling against much taller opposition from Keira. As the half progressed, despite their lack of numbers, Pride Park appeared to grow stronger and the third goal came from some excellent pressing play from the front three. Erin chased down the defence and the ball fell to Katie whose cross-shot intended for Maleah was unfortunately turned into her own net by a Hilton defender. 3-1.

There was still time for the post to deny Maleah a second following a well worked corner before the ref blew to end what had been an entertaining game.

Hilton as always, proved strong but fair opposition and the match was played in tremendous spirit by both teams.

For the third straight game, player of the match could easily have gone to every player. Without exception they played brilliantly, ran through brick walls, covered every blade of grass and gave 110%. However for the standout moments in defence and attack joint player of the match goes to Keira Bonsher and Maleah Quintana.

The result leaves the team top of the early league with three wins from three. After the exertions of this match I think all the players will welcome the break next week before a trip up north to face Matlock.