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Immie – GK, Elsie – DF, Esme – DF, Annabelle – DF, Sophia – RM, Ava – LM, Ruby – CM, Chloe – ST, Leila – ST
Subs: Liv, Emily, Olivia, Erin
A very windy, cold and muddy welcome to Stony Stanton for the U12’s match against our well-known opponents Croft. Thankfully just about everyone remembered to put the clocks back and the lie in that most people were able to have meant a full squad to call upon.
A lively start from both sides brought Immie into the action straight away, with the first of many important saves. An excellent long clearance created the opportunity for Chloe to have a long range shot from just outside the box.
Annabelle, Esme and Elsie continued to show their defensive strength and as a unit working in partnership with each other were able to catch the Croft forwards offside, supported with an excellent linesman decision. Soaking up the pressure, the midfield of Sophia, Ruby and Ava started to string the passes together and create shooting chances.
Ruby was unlucky with another of her trademark set pieces, with Leila making her quick runs that were proving hard to defend against. A great midfield move and another great cross from Ava created panic in the defence, and an unlucky touch resulted in an own goal and 1:0 to Rugby.
With the heavy conditions, substitutions were always going to be crucial, and Emily and Liv came on to keep the midfield and forward line fresh and created some excellent passing moves with Leila.
Croft started to put the pressure on, and the continued excellent defending by Esme and Elsie and a particularly crunching tackle from Annabelle that led to a quick breakaway and shot by Sophia that was unlucky to go just wide. Erin came on and brought her usual high energy and commitment to the centre of the pitch.
Ruby continues to grow into her midfield maestro role and created chances for herself, Sophia and Chloe. A foul on Chloe inside the box led a penalty that was expertly dispatched by Ruby for 2:0. Having covered so much ground, Elsie took a well deserved rest meaning Olivia was able to come on for the last part of the 1st half and ensured that the clean sheet was still in place at the end of all-action first half.
The 2nd half began with Leila on up front and her darting runs at the next corner were well defended and the follow up was a a direct run from Erin. Croft were pushing further forward and there was some great defending by Olivia and Annabelle, who worked hard to keep control of the ball and pass through the Croft midfield. With a great pass from Ruby, Liv demonstrated her strength and skill in playing outfield with a great shot to make it 3:0.
A harsh handball decision against the Rugby defence meant a penalty to Croft, which was superbly saved by Immie. With increased tactical awareness, a quick break allowed Leila to shoot and was unlucky to be just wide with her effort.
Emily came on to take the centre midfield position, and her energy was needed as the heavy conditions started to sap the girls strength. With lots of changes in the second half the girls battled hard with some good chances for Chloe and Erin.
Croft worked hard to put Rugby under pressure and had a dangerous chance which resulted in a goal that the defenders were noticeably annoyed with themselves at conceding. This led to another attempt at the very end for Croft, who were rewarded for their efforts with a second goal and a hugely entertaining match finished 3:2 to Rugby.
Coaches Player of the Match – Olivia
Parents Player of the Match – Annabelle
Thank you as always to all the officials, and a massive shoutout to Lindsey for her excellent match notes.