Pride Park 6 - GFC Codnor 2

They say that proper planning and preparation will prevent poor performance, this match was the exception that proved that rule. Despite a genuinely chaotic build up involving lost goal posts, purloined corner flags, a missing opposition and a change of pitch, the Under 12s put in an excellent, disciplined performance that proved too much for league newcomers GFC Codnor.

From the kick off Pride Park attacked and were rewarded almost instantly with a goal after only 90 seconds. A slick passing move involving Erin Blaney, Maleah Quintana and Katie Bullock was finished with a fine low shot from Ellie Travers. This set the tone for the first half with Pride Park attacking at speed and pressing the Codnor team not allowing them time on the ball. Despite their dominance the score remained at 1-0 thanks to the post (twice) and some excellent work from the visiting keeper and defence.

The pressure finally paid off on 19 minutes when substitute Millie Travers supplied the finishing touch to another excellent attack. As the half progressed Codnor produced a number of attacks of their own, but thanks to stalwart defending from Ellie Simms, Georgia Baylis and Kiera Bonshor and solid 'keeping from Ellie Mae Gray, the half time score was 2-0 to the home team.

A formation change forced by injuries at the end of the first half did not inhibit Pride Parks attacking style and the score was 3-0 only a minute after kick off. A corner from Katie was fired home by Millie Travers who didn't have long to wait to complete her hat-trick. A goal kick from the Codnor keeper was intercepted on the half way line and Millie ran through the visiting defence to score from just inside the box.

Despite this Codnor's keeper was again performing excellently, keeping out shots from Maleah, Millie and Ellie and had a particularly noteworthy double save from two pile drivers from Katie Bullock and Erin Blaney. Codnor pressed and reduced the deficit with a wonderfully taken lob, reminiscent of Poborsky against Schmiecel at Euro '96, that gave the Pride Park defence and keeper absolutely no chance. Understandably buoyed by this, Codnor continued to press and the home team were indebted to strong defending and timely interventions from Georgia and Kiera in defence . A second goal came for the visitors not long afterwards when a powerful long range shot evaded Ellie at her near post.

However the girls didn't panic and, possibly using the lessons learnt from last weeks victory, pushed on again in an attempt to extend their lead. The three goal cushion was restored when Maleah Quintana grabbed her first goal of the season with a coolly taken finish following a corner. After this shots rained in on the Codnor goal and only wayward finishing and superb keeping kept the score at 5-2. The post was struck a further two times and from the second of these Mille Travers bagged her fourth goal from the rebound.

Whilst the 6-2 scoreline did not flatter the home team at all, credit should go to GFC Codnor who played the match in great spirit and will be tougher opponents when we meet again.

Player of the match could have been given to the whole team again, excellent performances from everyone. Notable mentions to Maleah for her tenacity in tackle and attack on the wing and Kiera for her defensive strength that belies her size. However for scoring four from the subs bench and playing so well in defence and attack, Millie Travers gets this weeks award.