Under 13 Girls v Burwell Tigers (away) - League 23.4.11

The Burwell Recreation Ground was almost deserted as the Stortford girls started to arrive, hot sun and no other games going on giving a suggestion that we were in the wrong place or perhaps, the wrong season. The feeling was further compounded as mini-soccer goals were assembled on a smaller pitch, causing a few questions amongst girls and parents, but the girls were encouraged to play to the conditions, the game commenced.
The early minutes were negotiated with the team passing well and looking to reset their range finders to the smaller target, Ellie-Mae as threatening as ever on the wing. On another day she would have had a hat-trick almost in the first 10 minutes such were her the ferocity of her strikes, but today they crept passed post and upright with regularity. Inka had an early run and shot and Abby was having fun on her wing, play encouraged wide to make space to get close to the goal. Inka profited on five minutes, picking up the ball in the last third and then sliding it home from close range to put the blues in front. 
Abby had another run on the right, neat ball control getting her in position to cross, Abigail picking it up and shooting narrowly wide. This good play was immediately followed by the second goal, Scarlett's slide rule pass picking out Inka's run, the finish as good as the pass.

The game was being played almost exclusively in the Burwell half, Stortford's back line of three sitting on the half way line, always ready to intercept trouble or provide a pass option to the midfield. Simi intercepted well, then Louise and Ellie-Mae combined neatly to produce a chance for Scarlett that slipped wide of the under-sized goal. Poor Scarlett had two further unsuccessful attempts in quick succession as she sought to hone her shooting on to the target. Help and encouragement rang out from the touchline - "it's the big white thing!" - a smile was enough of a reply for now, the full riposte followed in the second half. Time for some changes, Tia on for Inka, Abby and Ellie-Mae switching wings, then a mid-half lull in the proceedings as Burwell had a major shift round in personnel. The blues got back into the swing quickly, dominating the midfield, creating a couple of chances for Abby and Abigail, then earning further corners, Simi going close from one. Louise was called upon defensively and completed her task, Skye tidying up behind. The resulting play produced another goal, Skye's huge kick descending on a defender. Tia closed in quickly and slipped the ball deftly by the advancing keeper for the team's third. 

They were in full flow now, Ellie-Mae slaloming through the defence, Scarlett surging forward, sharp passes producing regular opportunities. Abigail just failed to turn home a cross from Scarlett, Ellie putting Tia in who shot wide, the pressure on the Burwell goal was constant. Inka replaced Scarlett in central midfield and watched as Ellie-Mae had a goal disallowed. Abigail had a left foot shot saved from Inka's neat pass as the control continued, demonstrated beautifully just before the break. A second corner in quick succession from Ellie-Mae picked out Louise deep in space who passed on to Inka. Head up, she played the ball through to Tia who just beat the goalkeeper to the ball and sent it home for a comfortable 4-0 half-time lead.
Changes for the second period saw Ellie-Mae take a rest, Louise pull on the gloves and Skye take up station on the left flank.

The game's pattern continued, Abigail putting in an early cross that failed to get a touch, Scarlett powering just over the bar and a Burwell attack stopped before it got anywhere by Emily. A pass out to Skye kept the ball moving, her pass finding Abigail whose shot was saved for a corner. Skye sent the ball in and Inka met it powerfully with a strong header that grazed the cross-bar. The front two were working beautifully in partnership, feeding each other with short passes and making runs into space. At their back was the ever-sharp Scarlett, always closing down the ball and then spreading play. She put past misses out of her mind 6 minutes into the half, picking up a goal kick and weaving through the pink shirts to plant the ball in the net. 5-0 to the visitors.

With the home team tiring, Bishop's Stortford turned on the style, Inka trying a lob shot over the keeper that just sailed wide. The combination play was a joy to see, the ball moving from side to side, back and forth, Emily orchestrating things well. The next significant move saw the captain pick out Skye on the left who carried, then pulled the ball back to Scarlett who struck low, hard and handsome through the crowded box for her second. Tia completed her hat-trick a minute later, slipping through the middle and slotting home, before a change a made at centre-back, Ellie-Mae replacing Emily at the heart of the defence. Scarlett hit the cross bar a moment later, but wasn't to be denied her own third, winning the ball with a header then controlling and running in, planting the ball firmly home for the team's eighth goal of the game.

The deluge continued, Tia trying a cheeky back heel then Inka striking a shot that was deflected out for a corner. Inka was more fortunate a couple of minutes later, securing a third goal for herself when she streaked through the defensive line and finished with great aplomb. Another change of Stortford goalkeeper saw Emily take on the gloves and had to be careful she didn't bang her head on the low cross-bar. Skye had a run and shot, defended for a corner and Abigail put a strike just over the bar as the team sought a double figure score. Louise on for Abby now up front, Burwell hanging on, desperate in defence, but they couldn't prevent another score, this time Scarlett putting Inka through, her finishing as hot as ever as she picked up her fourth goal of the match to make it 10-0. Corner after corner followed in the closing minutes, Ellie-Mae and Skye sending in dangerous balls. Louise and Tia passed neatly in the heart of the defence, both having attempts saved on the line and the game finished as it started, Ellie-Mae just skimming the cross-bar as the final whistle rang out across the peaceful playing fields.

With all the team in sharp form we are in great shape for the final season run-in and the pleasant distraction of the Butlin's Bognor tournament next weekend. Many thanks to Guy for the photos. A link to the full set will follow shortly.

Result: won 0-10

Team: Skye, Simi, Emily (c), Louise, Abby, Scarlett, Ellie-Mae, Inka, Abigail

Subs: Tia

Scorers: Inka (4), Tia (3), Scarlett (3)

Under 13 Girls v Priory Parkside (home) - League 16.4.11

After extensive pre-match litter picking, nets were up and corner flags in - the pitch was ready for our 19th league game of the season and the arrival of Priory Parkside. The girls kicked off up the hill on the hard Freidberg Avenue surface and it was quickly apparent that the energetic pressing by Priory combined with the difficulty of getting the ball down and under control on the bouncy surface were going to make for a different sort of challenge. 
The early minutes were all Stortford. Ellie-Mae took up station on the right and caused an early gasp from the visiting supporters when she received a pass from Abigail and streaked up the line, planting a thundering strike just over the bar from a typically tight angle. The blues continued to press, Inka shot wide and Faye and Abigail worked a nice 1-2, the attempt again going wide of the post.
Skye and Emily cleared up a couple of Priory attempts - an early substitution required whilst Inka recovered from a knock to the face, with Abby taking her position up-front, Faye and Ellie-Mae switching flanks as the blues sought a goal.
Ellie-Mae put in a lovely cross that evaded a connection and had further long range efforts as the pressure was piled on, Tia herself going close with a run and shot from distance that went over the bar and Simi set up another attack after dispossessing a Priory attacker.
Two thirds of the first half gone and no girl - the touchline was getting jumpy, two changes to mix things up, Inka back on for Faye, Simi replaced by Tyler who was almost immediately called into action, shadowing a pacey Priory break and restricting the striker's shooting options, Skye coping admirably when the shot came. Tyler was also involved in the goal that broke the deadlock, her throw-in picking out Abby, who passed on to Tia. She slipped into the box and pulled the ball across to Inka who picked her spot and billowed the net, 1-0 to the blues.
An extra spring in the home team's step now and Emily surged forward from the back. She and Tyler combined well then released Ellie-Mae again on another run that earned a corner. More pressure, another corner but Bishop's Stortford couldn't find another goal before the break.
Simi and Faye came back on for Louise and Abby when the game recommenced, Stortford now attacking the bottom end. Priory Parkside managed an early shot over the bar, Abigail replying with a looping shot saved by the keeper. The pattern repeated, Priory shooting high then Abigail across the goal with no connection. Inka went wide, Parkside stifled by Emily - back and forth the game flowed. A string of chances now for Stortford, good play putting Ellie in on a run that produced a corner. Emily shot wide and Tia fired on the run, well saved by their goalkeeper. A corner from Ellie-Mae produced another chance for Abigail that went wide, Tyler called to defend well a moment later, before Inka sent a long range shot just off target. Ellie-Mae and Faye off now for the returning Abby and Louise on either wing. Bishop's Stortford applied the turn-screw again and after some excellent build up work Abigail produced a fine and powerful strike from outside the penalty area high into the goal. Another entry added to her season's tally, Abigail retired now, Ellie-Mae again into the attack and quickly launching run range efforts at the Priory goal. Tyler and Abby worked some nice interplay, as did Ellie-Mae and Inka with further attempts rising over the bar.
Priory made a late rally, eager to take something from the game but Tyler then Emily and Skye worked hard to maintain another clean sheet, all called to action and not found wanting. In the closing minutes Faye had a shot saved and Inka again threatened the cross bar, before jinking across the front of the box and picking her spot to bring the scoring to a close, the final whistle calling the end to the game. 
'Only' three goals, but plenty of attempts in another convincing performance that extended Bishop's Stortford's lead at the top of the table to three clear points.

Result: won 3-0

Team: Skye, Simi, Emily (c), Louise, Faye, Abigail, Ellie-Mae, Inka, Tia

Subs: Tyler, Abby

Scorers: Inka (2), Abigail

Under 13 Girls v Brandon Lasses (away) - Friendly 10.4.11

Never one to not rise to a challenge, when the call came 10 days ago with the offer of a friendly against Brandon Lasses, recently crowned Suffolk FA League champions I just couldn't resist. Ellie-Mae, Emily and Louise were missing but with Megan kindly offering to join us for the trip and the quality across our squad I knew we would be there or there abouts against what I expected to be good opposition.

Brandon Lasses didn't disappoint. A lovely big pitch, a half-time changing room filled with jelly babies and jaffa cakes and well coached, high quality footballing opposition gave the blues something to get their teeth into.

Both teams opened brightly, making good use of the space available for passing. Brandon were first to threaten, and early showing from their pacey striker, but Skye and the defensive line of Simi, Megan and Tyler were equal to the challenge. Stortford were making their own openings too. Inka managed an early strike whilst Scarlett, Abigail and Simi orchestrated a nice move to make their way through the Brandon midfield. 15 minutes in and Abby came on for Faye, each side feeling the early pace yet still eager to create chances, which came for both sides. Elly on for Tia now. Scarlett put Inka in for another attempt, blocked away by the defence and Abigail picked the keeper instead of the net after another nice Stortford move - the chances had been there to take the lead but it was Brandon who took the advantage, a nice build up and passing allowing a clean shot from the edge of the area. An immediate riposte almost came when Scarlett sliced the defence with a ball that put Inka through, but the finish again found the strong Brandon keeper who saved well. All the Stortford team were working hard, Abby putting in hard yards on the right to support Simi in defence and support the attacking play, Scarlett down the middle, dropping to help Megan then picking out Inka and Elly, Tyler reading the attacks and combining well with Abigail on the left.

Jelly babies and Jaffa cakes consumed in the cool of the changing room, the girls returned to the field in high spirits, unphased by being a goal down and full of optimism for the second half. Abigail took up station in the centre of defence, allowing Megan to have a run out on the left, while Tia returned for Inka. Skye had an early save to make but that aside, the opening minutes of the second half were all Stortford. Tia was showing great strength, skill and passion up front and fought incredibly hard to roll her defender and get a shot on target, but it was Megan who found the net, stripping her defender and shooting powerfully into the bottom corner with a fine left foot finish - her second of the weekend. Abby again was working hard against her opposite numbering harrying her in possession. Tyler made an important tackle too and Skye pushed a high shot over the bar - Stortford tails were up and everyone was working hard for the cause. Inka returned now for Elly, in time to see Tia give further evidence of the team's desire as she streaked through to run down a ball sent into the corner. Stortford were benefiting from big performances in the middle of the park, Scarlett and Megan meeting each challenge with strong, no quarter given tackling, high balls dealt with unflinching headers. The team's determination and good work were justly rewarded now, Tia pouncing and finishing, the arch-finisher with over 30 goals to her name this season. 

Faye came back on for Abby who had worked her socks off, just in time to take a ball to the face, which she shook off with the shake of her head. A couple of changes set up a change of keeper, Elly on for Abigail and then Abigail for Skye, just in time to make two important saves and show that we are blessed with good goalkeeping coverage when the need arises. Megan had another shot on target before Skye took up position on the left wing, Megan dropping in behind her, Tyler taking an early rest before the finish. The closing minutes saw strong clearances, good concentratioin and further hard work from Faye that produced a shot on goal and some hard tackling in defence. One final interchange between Tia, Elly and Faye earned a corner which Inka sent in without further success, but at the final whistle both sides shook hands with great respect for each other after a super game of football.

Another scalp for the girls in what has gradually become a season of great vintage.

Many thanks to everyone for giving up another morning of their precious weekends for a football match, to Amar for taking down the match notes and a very big thank-you to Megan (and Paula who did the driving!) for turning out for us. Hopefully a goal and the sandwiches afterwards made it an especially worthwhile trip!

Result: won 1-2

Team: Skye, Simi, Megan, Tyler, Abigail, Scarlett, Faye, Inka (c), Tia

Subs: Abby, Elly

Scorers: Megan, Tia 

Under 13 Girls v POSH Girls (away) - League 9.4.11

'4-1 win, no drama!' was the text message sent out to those not with us on the way home on Saturday which pretty much summed up an extremely professional performance from all the girls. POSH are a fine footballing side, with girls who possess individual skill and an understanding of how to play together. It is to the team's credit then that they coped with them so comfortably, quickly putting to bed any thoughts that the Peterborough Girls might have had of a repeat of the tense game last December. That they did it with even greater skill and team-work than the home team is a great tribute to our girls.
Bishop's Stortford's opening was as bright as the warm April sunshine that bathed the pitch, Ellie-Mae planting a shot powerfully into the side-netting after she was found wide on the right and ran menacingly goal-wards. It was the team's other wide player however who found the net first today, good build up play releasing Abigail who finished with her usual clinical touch.
Peterborough made their first steps forward now, but good defensive work on our left flank from Abigail, Simi and Emily shepherded the ball behind for a corner that was dealt with comfortably.
A series of four throw-ins marched the bibbed blues down the wing before Ellie-Mae was released on  the right, her run well defended behind for a corner. Ellie-Mae took the kick and sent a beautifully weighted ball into the goalmouth where Scarlett awaited, her forehead sending the ball into the net for a two-nil lead. Another lovely move followed, Scarlett heading out to Ellie-Mae who carried and crossed to Inka who fought hard to get a shot in - well saved by the keeper. POSH brought Emily and Skye into action, a through ball passed back for a long clearance, but a nicely built build up and sharp passing presented the home team with a finishing opportunity shortly afterwards which they duly took. 2-1 to the visitors. More good passing football and a fine combination with Tia put Inka in for a shot narrowly wide, whilst at the other end Tyler covered her captain put in a fine challenge to deny POSH a shooting opportunity. First substitutions were now made, Faye on for Inka, Abby for Ellie-Mae and Stortford pushed for another score. Scarlett was working like a trojan in the middle, coming back to help the defence and pushing the team forward with her neat turns and passing. She earned a corner, served in by Emily and got a head to it which the goalkeeper parried out. Scarlett picked up the ball and had another go, again well saved by the keeper. Tenacious work by Faye harried to get the ball back and once won, it was back into the danger area, Tia on hand to loop the ball over the keeper and into the net. 3-1 now to Bishop's Stortford. Tia now made way for a returning Ellie-Mae who took up station on the left this time, Abigail now joining Faye up front. An immediate impact again from the pacey winger with a threatening run that earned another corner. No joy from that and a break from the goalkick, well defended by Simi who continued to shine whenever the ball was at her feet, working in good partnership with Emily inside and her winger in front. Another attacking move, Stortford with the bit firmly between their teeth. Emily passed neatly to Abby, then Abby and Scarlett combining well to set up a cross. It was Ellie-Mae though who picked up the team's fourth goal, another run on the wing and venomous strike from distance that the keeper let through her grasp. 4-1 at the half-time break.
An altogether quiter second half, though good football from both sides. Emily and Abigail took a break, Tia and Inka returning. Tia was quickly harrassing the Peterborough defence at every opportunity and Stortford were again making their opportunities with fine passing football, moving the ball about to create space and retain possession, all confident in each other's ability to look after the ball. Abby had a shot saved, Skye denied POSH, Scarlett a strike from long range, Simi defending for a corner. Tit for tat stuff in this entertaining game of football. Skye was again called into action and another of her booming clearances caused problems for the opposition. Back and forth the game continued, further saves required, great defending and more chances for all and sundry. No goals though and two super teams shook hands at the final whistle, respectful of each other's skill. Our girls though never really looked in great difficulty, such is their team work and talent and another good performance can be notched up on this year's scorecard. A bonus on our return home too - Cambridge's postponed game against Huntingdon meant we went to the top of the league table on goal difference with a game in hand.
Another game to look forward to tomorrow as we pitch ourselves against the best of Suffolk before we return to league actio

Oh yes, and a jelly baby prize to the first that works out what this week's photo is all about and why I used it (and it's nothing to do with science, Faye!).

Result: won 1-4

Team: Skye, Simi, Emily (c), Tyler, Abigail, Scarlett, Ellie-Mae, Inka, Tia

Subs: Faye, Abby

Scorers: Abigail, Tia, Ellie-Mae, Scarlett

Under 13 Girls v Newmarket Town (home) - League 2.4.11

 Newmarket Town visited Freidberg Avenue for the first game of April this season and the girls opened in a style that spared no prisoners. Abgail was the first to get a shot away, going close after a nice build up. Next up Emily released Ellie-Mae on the right who forced a corner from her opening run. She delivered the corner beautifully onto Tia's head whose attempt was just an inch or two high. Another ball forward from Emily was blocked with an arm, leaving Emily to open the scoring with a deftly chipped free kick that took range into account, placing it just above the keepers head.
The great form continued, Inka finding Tia with a terrific pass that put Tia through, earning a corner. Ellie-Mae again delivered, but this time Tia headed home to make it two nil to the Blues.
Good defensive work was keeping Newmarket at bay, long balls dealt with comfortably by Skye who scampered out to make booming clearances, or Simi, Tyler or Emily holding their ground or crunching in with tackles.
Time to rotate the playing personnel, Inka and Ellie-Mae making way for Abby and Louise. Simi had a shot saved and Scarlett and Louise quickly getting into a nice passing rhythm, Louise running a lovely overlap that earned Stortford a corner. This was scrambled away for a throw-in which nearly produced a goal for Abby, her looping shot hitting the cross bar.
Ellie-Mae came on for Emily and was soon watching Scarlett making a silky run through the Newmarket team, only to see her shot rise just over the bar. Tia had a shot that followed the same trajectory before turnging provider just before half-time when great passing football eventually saw her find Abigail who smashed home with great composure. 
Half-time changes - Faye, Elly and Inka on for Tia, Louise and Scarlett.
Newmarket were stifled in an early passage of play by Tyler, who then released Faye. Her run took her into the box where a nice pass gave Abigail a chance that went wide. Faye continued her good play with a lovely cross into the box that could only be fumbled behind, though no joy from the corner for the Blues. Louise on for Tyler now who looped a lovely ball into the box a couple of minutes later that was headed away. She was again in the action, breaking up a Newmarket attack, though Skye was called into action to repell another chance a little later. A change of central defender now, Ellie-Mae retiring for Emily to return and the fourth goal greeted the change, Abby breaking away with a great solo run and finish through the keepers legs. 
Another great passing move followed five minutes later, this time Tia finding Inka with the final pass who stroked the ball home for the team's fifth. The last change before the end came when Ellie-Mae replaced Simi who had had another excellent game, before Scarlett capped off another terrific performance in centre-midfield with a stunning strike from 12 yards that flew high into the net for the last goal, again on the back of great passing football. 
A six nil win with 6 different scorers is impressive at any time and with the U13s meeting Newmarket Town again this season in the league cup final on 14th May, a psychological marker has been put down.

Another great job girls - on to the next.

Result: won 6-0

Team: Skye, Simi, Emily (c), Tyler, Abigail, Scarlett, Ellie-Mae, Inka, Tia

Subs: Faye, Louise, Abby, Elly

Scorers: Emily, Tia, Abigail, Abby, Inka, Scarlett