Team started well and were quick off the blocks this week. They moved the ball well through the lines and were constantly looking, and trying to make the pass. The players out of procession were actively trying to find the space to be passed too, and this did create lots of options. It didn’t work out every time but I thought it was a good learning game for the girls as the Gresley team did work hard it wasn’t easy for the Pride Park.

Again, a massive thank for the volunteers for G/K, F/H Evie and S/H Layla - both did a great job, well done. Also, thank you to Jasmine for putting her name forward too (and playing the F/H in defence doing a cracking good job, often first to the ball and strong in the tackle). Isyla as L/B had a nice composure to her play, under pressure she would calmly manoeuvre the ball out wide and pass up the field, she positioned herself well and timed the tackle with good effect. Greta as R/B continued to play with energy and enthusiasm, again very effective in defence continuing to shine bright.

Isabella in the mid field saw lots of action throughout and positioned her self really well. A very busy game for her, often in the right place at the right time - showing how her match awareness has developed – making it difficult for Gresley.
Myah also in the mid showed off her brilliant ball control once again, coupled with getting stuck in made her a formidable opponent. Full of quality and continually looking to pass to the best option she raised the team and created some fantastic opportunities. A splendid goal too struck with venom from the edge of the box left the Gresley keeper with no chance of saving it.

Jasmine was equally as effective in attack as in defence. She defended from the front, putting the pressure on, often winning the ball. Jasmine is very effective as running with the ball at speed and firing a powerful shot on target at pace. She had a few excellent attempts, one rattling the woodwork and others just over or wide. She was justly rewarded with a well-executed goal bulging the back of the net.
Ayla had a nice energy and bravery to her game; she had a target the close down the opposition and not dive in – and she did not disappoint. Lots of running, pressing the opposition, getting stuck in and often winning the ball. She had a very effective game in the mid.

And lastly onto today’s player of the match, Jess. She consistently plays with a nice quality to her football, full of natural ability. This week, we loved how she found the space and ran onto the ball, she used her strengths to her advantage and worked hard to make the best of what she was given. She had a good physicality to her play often shoulder to shoulder with the opposition. Jess always tries hard it really shows in every game she plays. Lots of little steps forward in her footballing deployment all came together in this match and we loved her quiet confidence and quality on and off the ball. A couple of nicely finished goals were well deserved – it’s been a long time coming and we are looking forward to see this continue into future games.