U9 Squad: Charlotte H, Lily W, Morgan G, Frankie R, Francesca N, Annie M, Hattie N, Gabrielle H, Francesca R.
Players of the match - Gabrielle H and Charlotte H
Report: This was the girls' second match of the term and first away game. All of the year 4 girls were involved and the singing during the minibus drive over was very entertaining! After a quick warm up, we started the game, and got off to a very strong start, scoring our first goal within 30 seconds of it starting! Hattie N , enjoying an opportunity to play in attack, rather than her usual defence collected a through ball from Gabby H and slotted it firmly into the corner of the goal. Another goal soon followed, with centre forward Francesca R, hassling the Barlborough defence continually and her persistence paid off. Charlotte H was formidable in defence, making strong tackles and distributing the ball intelligently to the wings. She made it very difficult for the Barlborough defence to break through into our D in the first half of the game. Gabby H was also on excellent form, playing as centre mid, she collected through balls from the defence and sent them into the D, whilst also backing up the forwards impressively to regain possession of the ball. Another goal followed from Francesca N, who also worked hard to break through the Barlborough defence and find the goal.
We played four quarters in this game and the squad were rotated around, so everybody enjoyed plenty of match play, in a variety of positions. We had plenty of further opportunities to score in the last two quarters, but were unable to get on the end of the super through balls into the D. We also hung back a bit at the edge of the D, instead of pushing forwards to hassle the defence as we had in the first half of the game. Our defence also lacked consistency at times in the latter half, with the girls making some great tackles, but then not clearing the ball out of the D. The Barlborough team increased in game confidence in this match and took full advantage of this to score their two goals. This led to a close and exciting game and both teams tried hard until the final whistle, keeping the large number of supporters entertained right until the end of the match.
All in all a good team performance and fair reflection of the effort put in by our girls in training and on the day. Well played everybody and thank you to all of the supporters for their encouragement throughout the game.
DLB
Posted on
Wed, October 5, 2011
by DLB