The U13s Lightning travelled to Gedling Southbank for a Cup game this morning (06-06-2022). After last weeks game getting called off, the girls were eager to get playing football again! 

 

The starting lineup was - Olivia in goal, Edie, Isla and Sienna in defence. Chloe and Evie made up the central of midfield, with Grace and Autumn providing the width. Sharay was the striker. Subs for today were, Mia, Ebony, Keeley and Kiera. 

 

The game started quite evenly, with both teams cancelling each other out. Gedling Southbank had a few good early chances from breakaway positions, but the back line stood strong, with Isla keeping her composure and looking for Evie and Chloe in the middle. Sienna and Edie were also an outlet, providing through balls to Sharay, Grace and Autumn. 

 

As the half went on, the Lightning midfield started to take a hold of the game, providing great chances for Sharay.

 

Keeley came on for Grace who made an instant impact, with her great work rate leaving an impression on the rest of the team!

 

With all of the Lightning’s attacking play, unfortunately Gedling Southbank were the first to break the deadlock. The goal came from the middle of the box, with a good left footed shot, which was well placed to the bottom right hand corner. 

 

Due to the heat, the teams agreed on a drinks break, which allowed Lightning to regroup and focus on getting a goal back to make it level. This is exactly what they managed to do! Gedling Southbank were putting their bodies on the line, after blocking 2 attempts, 1 from Evie and 1 from Sharay, the ball fell back to Evie who made no mistake and smashed the ball home. Game on! 

 

More changes came when Kiera came on for Edie and Ebony for Autumn. Ebony made some great runs down the left, taking players on and never giving up! Kiera was solid in defence, linking up well with Keeley on the right hand side! 

 

Mia then came on for Sharay and she made some great runs, creating space for Evie behind her and always being an option for Chloe to pass too. 

 

Half time came and it was 1-1. 

 

The second half started with Olivia in goal, Kiera, Isla and Sienna at the back. Edie was the holding midfielder with Evie in the attacking position. Ebony was on the right, with Grace on the left. Mia was leading the line upfront. 

 

Lightning again started the half very strong, Mia had a great effort from the edge of the box go just wide of the left hand post! 

 

About 10 minutes into the second half, Lightning were caught on the break and conceded a second. The girls heads didn’t drop and Grace continued to make some great runs and played some great balls into the middle for Evie and Edie. 

 

Some great football from Gedling Southbank saw Lightning go 3-1 down with around 15 minutes left. 

 

With a lot of work to do, Sharay came back on for Mia, Chloe came on for Kiera with Edie slotting back into Defence. Autumn came back on for Ebony, who ran her socks off and deserved a well earned rest!

 

The girls gave it their all with such little time left and bombarded the goal with some great work from Autumn and Chloe! Sharay had a great attempt which hit the post and went out, and Keeley had a great shot from the right, which smashed against the crossbar!

 

Gedling Southbank had a few good chances on the break, but Olivia was sweeping up brilliantly making sure the chance could never materialise into anything more. 

 

A goal finally came from some great football down the right with Evie playing the ball to Keeley, who crossed in to Chloe and with great composure placed the ball past the keeper. 3-2, with 2 minutes left! 

 

The pressure kept on piling on and the keeper made some great saves to deny Sharay. Lightning had one final big chance which fell to Chloe in the middle of the box, but unfortunately the ball just didn’t sit right and the ball rolled nicely into the keepers hands. 

 

That was the last kick of the game and Lightning bow out of the cup. A big congratulations to Gedling Southbank on the win and good luck in the future rounds!