U11A v The Elms Won 1-0

Goal Scorers:

Georgina T – x1 goal

U11 Squad: Georgina T, Emily H, Silvia, Beth M,  (Forwards); Clare T, (Mid); Lulu J, Poppy S , Amelia M (Backs); Imo C (Goalie).

POM: Clare T, for feisty, determined play throughout both halves, despite playing out of position and grafting hard to bring the ball up the pitch.

What a difference a week makes, no evidence of autumnal showers today, but bright sunshine and a cool, crisp nip in the air! This was our second match at home, but on this occasion we played on the massive Tunbridge pitch, rather too large for a team of seven. The under 12 team had also borrowed our trusty mid Georgia, but the girls coped very well with the changes of position and Beth M had the opportunity of playing a full game. We were off to a strong start, spending the majority of the first half hassling in The Elms defending D. Emily H went a little wide on a couple of occasions, with Georgina T and Beth M also narrowly missing out on scoring. Clare T worked her socks off, covering the pitch impressively and tackling the opposition to win the ball, then feed it forwards with good, strong passes. Backs Amelia W and Lulu J also played with confidence, winning the ball and distributing it effectively on the occasions The Elms did break past the halfway line.

Our first and only goal came five minutes before half time, with the girls battling hard to bring the ball forwards. They played well as a team, passing the ball to each other, until a through ball into Georgina T enabled them to break through The Elms defence, to give her a one on one with the goalie. Georgina slotted the ball firmly into the outer edge of the goal, with it hitting the backboard with a loud thud.

In the second half, Silvia again demonstrated how far she has come in such a short space of time, skillfully taking the ball past a number of Elms players. Emily H also enjoyed some good runs on her left wing and Clare T and Georgina continued to battle hard; but we lacked the final ummph at times to finish the ball off. The Elms girls broke through more often in this half, having recovered from their long coach journey, but goalie Imo was rarely troubled and kicked with confidence, sending the ball out far into the field. The big pitch proved to be exhausting for both teams and I am sure there will be a few stiff limbs today. The girls were unable to add another goal to their tally, but kept a clean sheet, against a skilful and at times feisty Elms team, well played everyone!

DLB