U11 Rebels v Bingham Town

Player of the Match: Chloe

U11 v Rainworth 

Player of the Match: Charlotte

U12 Thunder v Sherwood FC (2-2)

Player of the Match: Ruby

U12 Lightning v West Bridgford Rookies

Considering all the rain and frost this week the pitch was in near perfect condition. We started Olivia in goal, Isla and Sienna in the centre of defence with Grace at left wing-back and Keeley on the right. Centre mid were Chloe and Evie with Mia and Crystal up front.

Wookies kicked off and moved the ball forward quickly and got a shot off early. We attacked but found their midfield pressing us all the time and our passing game wasn't there. We competed well but there were too many hurried passes and we began to lose the midfield battle with Chloe forced into defending rather than working those "one-twos" with Evie. However we were battling and had a couple of balls going out wide to Crystal down the left who ran past the defence only to see her shot saved. Another ball out wide to Mia saw her control it and pass inside to Evie whose shot was blocked. Keeley was beginning to get past her marker every time she moved forward and causing panic in their defence. Then Wookies broke forward and with some excellent passing scored with Olivia hardly moving as the ball fizzed into the net.

We then made a wholesale change with Sharay coming on for Crystal, Edie for Evie, Kayleigh for Sienna and Scarlett for Isla with Grace making way for Keira. The pattern of play remained the same with Wookies passing and movement difficult to counter. A through ball got through the defence and a crisp finish saw us go 2-0 down. Time to roll our sleeves up and we certainly did that, coming more into the game and forcing their keeper to make a couple of good saves. As we were approaching half time Scarlett pinged a ball through the defence and into Sharay's path; she raced off and smashed her shot past the keeper. 2-1 and all to play for!

Crystal came back on at the start of the second half and was causing trouble for the Wookies defence with her pressing. She made a couple of runs and put lovely crosses in, only for the defence to clear with some difficulty. Then just as we were starting to get hold of the game Wookies won the ball in midfield, attacked quickly and scored a third for 3-1. The response was fantastic with us penning Wookies in their own half for 15 minutes, but we couldn't get the breakthrough. Sharay and Crystal were unlucky not to score both shooting just wide on several occasions.

With less than 10 minutes left it was still an open game and we continued to push for the two goals. Wookies were now relying on playing on the break and another sweeping move saw them power down the pitch and smash another past Olivia. 4-1 but were we downhearted, not at all. One thing we love about this squad is they never give up and they support each other. More pressure was put on and we threw caution to the wind. Again our shots were off target or blocked and it wasn't happening. Wookies then broke and won a corner. From the corner the ball was only partially cleared and a looping shot went over everyone and sneaked under the bar for 5-1 which was the final score. Olivia had one of her quieter days in goal and Wookies finishing was the difference on the day.

Wookies did play very well and their manager said it was the best they had played this season. The score didn't reflect our performance he said...and we would agree. We weren't at our best but we battled hard. The whole team worked hard and never gave up but were beaten by the better team. Plenty to work on at training this week!

Player of the Match went to the hard working Crystal who pressed defenders, got past her marker numerous times and caused the Wookies defence plenty of trouble. Well done Crystal - LOVE the photo!

Next game is on Sunday at home to West Bridgford Dynamite, kick off 1200