So the season started for the U10s with an away trip to Coalville. Last season’s trips to Coalville had always been difficult days as they have always been good opposition to play against. We had 3 girls in the squad that were making debuts for the club and first ever games in football (Ronnie,Ellie and Freya).
The game started well with Megan pulling off some great saves to keep the game tight. Astrid was as always great at the back making some great tackles and clearing the ball upfield. Louise slotted in next to Astrid forming a solid defence it was like they had not had 6 months off. Poppy, Sophia and Freya were battling hard in midfield. With Chole twisting and turning trying to find a way to break down a tough defence.
After some early tactical changes we decided defending was a thing for the past and pushed more players into midfield with Ronnie charging around making some great challenges and battling hard. Anya and Ellie also added additional tacking power to the midfield and when Emilia came on for Chloe she caused the defence some real headaches. After spending most of the first half camped on the attack the girls battled hard and were in need of some halftime refreshments.
Second half the girls settled down into football and started to dominate the play with Anya, Emilia and Freya all having great shots and testing a very good goalkeeper. Sophia went in goal and did some great one on one saves. Ellie took up a defensive role and refused to allow Coalville past stopping all their attacks and keeping them penned in their own half. Ronnie and Poppy came back on and continued to charge around the pitch breaking up the play and feeding the strikers.
Louise and Astrid, a solid defensive pairing, moved into midfield and battled hard showing the midfields they can pass and move too. Chloe and Megan continued to win the ball and set up chance after chance until the referee finally blew the whistle to finish the match. The Girls all left the pitch with bright red faces and needing a drink as they had all worked hard. The bigger pitch and longer game had taken its toll on them but they all were smiling. Lots of things to work on in training (mainly shooting)
After 6 months without a competitive match the girls did amazing and we are all looking forward to next week at home against AFC Market Bosworth.
Coaches players of the match
- Ronnie in her first match she played like a seasoned professional tackle passing and feeding the strikers.
- Freya also in her first match had some great runs down the wing and adapted well to the game in the second half