Frozen hands and feet but happy faces. U12's win again

An early pitch inspection meant the match could go ahead and the U12's dealt best with the cold and wet conditions to record a well deserved win over local rivals Field Lane.

Todays match was the reverse of our opening day fixture, a thrilling 4-3 win for the U12's. The weather was much colder today but the performance was just as good and the result more emphatic. The girls were dominant in all areas with strong tackling, intelligent running and slick passing creating numerous chances which they were unable to capitalise on due to a mixture of missed shots and superb goalkeeping from the Field Lane number one.

Field Lane were strong in the tackle and did a great job of breaking up the play but were unable to create many chances themselves. When they did manage to break through the strong defence of Ellie S, Georgia and Kiera, they couldn't find a way past Ellie G who was in great form. The first goal came from Ellie T after Erin took a quick throw to set her free of the Field Lane defence her low shot was deflected up, over, down, around, backwards and forwards before eventually creeping over the line. 1-0.

In the second half we continued to press with speed and accuracy but again were frustrated in front of goal. The second eventually came after some interesting juggling from Milly got her free on the wing letting her cross into the box for Katie to fire home. It wasn't long before she grabbed her second and the teams third when a whipping cross took a slight deflection to leave the keeper no chance. 3-0.

With the game all but won Pride Park played some lovely football which didn't get the reward it deserved. The few forays from Field Lane were comfortably dealt with by the defence and the girls eventually got a fourth through Milly's run and shot to make the result beyond doubt.

Another entertaining game played in great spirit by both sides. The result moves Pride Park up to third in the league, equal on 15 points with the top two. The girls are now looking forward very much to a trip ice skating as a reward from the club, although the coaches may need a bit of moral and physical support.

Player of the match should probably have gone to the parents for standing in the cold and wind and cheering the girls on, although I think we might have to use that later in the season! All the girls played well and listened to what the coaches had to say. Player of the Match is awarded to the whole team.