First ever 11v11 for both Castle Donington and Pride Park and it was a great success for both teams. Thoroughly enjoyable game from start to finish, all the players, coaches and spectators set an excellent tone for a good learning experience and match.
I thought considering we’ve never played 11v11 before, the players adapted well and the format suited us. Isabel’s (GK) debut was a quiet one for her, but she provided a positive reassurance in goal allowing the outfield players to settle into their game. Everything Isabel did was with confidence and purposed and you could see her experience shin through in everything she did – a clean sheet too.
All the outfield players put in a good shift and listened very carefully to team / personally targets. Some nice passing and position awareness saw some good combination play though all the 3rds resulting in some good progression towards the target. Up front, Jasmine scored 2 very deserving goals and she was full of drive and intensity. And we enjoyed seeing Zoe (MID) do a twisty and turny run through the middle with an excellent finish and goal. I really liked Evie in (C/B) as captain – she again did extremally well and it was nice to hear her using her voice to good effect. Greta enjoyed being able to push forward in the last quarter to get in the action in the mid which worked well, and it was good to see her recognise danger and get back to defend.
I think the wind and slight slope helped us in the second half - the game becoming a little one sided, but all credit to the players for a good first effort at 11v11.
PotM Went to Emily (RB) – good physicality and body positioning with a no nonsenses approach worked well with little getting past her
So many positives about all the players I can’t fit it all in, so thank you and well done (especially too the couple of players that weren’t feeling there best but battled on anyway!)