Match Report:Nether Green Blacks U13s vs Penistone Church Ladies Blacks U13s

Nether Green Black U13s vs Penistone Church Ladies Blacks U13s

Our third match in a row away from home saw us travel to face Nether Green Black, who had already beaten us twice this season and sat a place above us in the table.

A glorious spring day meant we could finally start looking forward to more encouraging weather conditions. Although the rain held off, the pitch was still extremely claggy in areas, making it difficult for either side to play attractive football.

The first half saw a tentative start from both teams as they sized each other up, with both defences holding firm early on. There were very few clear chances in the opening ten minutes until Nether Green took the lead with a well-worked move down the left. Their winger found space before playing a dangerous ball across the face of goal to an advancing striker, leaving Harriet with no chance.

Both Evie and Alice were causing problems with their pace going forward but were unable to find a clean strike on goal. Church’s best chance of the half fell to Libby, who created space well for herself, only to see her effort saved smartly by the goalkeeper.

Half-time: Nether Green Black 1 – 0 Penistone Church Ladies Blacks

The second half saw the girls come out fighting and really take on board what had been said during the half-time team talk. There was a strong belief that if they concentrated on their own game, they were more than capable of getting back into the match.

After a few half chances, and with Esmae’s long throws beginning to cause problems, Church were soon back on level terms. Libby refused to give up on a ball played back to the Nether Green keeper and charged the clearance down. The resulting ricochet fell kindly to our vice-captain, who continued her run and calmly finished to bring us level on 46 minutes.

That goal gave Church the confidence to really push on and caused numerous problems for the Nether Green defence, particularly from long throws and set pieces. At the other end Harriet was called into action, making a smart save at her feet before pushing a high shot onto the bar moments later.

It was Church who would go on to take all three points as yet another Leah corner caused panic in the Nether Green defence, allowing our top scorer Evie to smash the ball home for her 16th goal of the season with just five minutes remaining.

The girls can take this as one of their best performances of the season against a tough opponent. They never gave up and showed real belief in themselves to turn the game around.

Coaches’ Girl of the Game

Esmae – Captain fantastic was outstanding at the heart of the defence, making it extremely difficult for the opposition attack all game. She also caused numerous problems at the other end with her powerful long throws, which proved a constant threat.

Alanah – Played in three different positions during the match and showed just how incredibly versatile she is across the pitch. She never once complained about changing roles and was excellent defensively, never afraid to get stuck in when needed.

Parents’ Girl of the Game

Libby – Our vice-captain was once again incredible. She grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and dominated the midfield throughout. She never stops running and gives everything for the team.

#UpTheChurch