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5 days ago

Massive cup game for Coton U15 Girls this morning over at Girton against Cambridge City U14 Girls. Both teams went into the game undefeated this season, and both teams got to fulltime still undefeated! So penalties would decide this one, and who would be going through to the next round.

An early start, but only a short trip over to the neighbouring village of Girton, for a tie with a team we’ve not played in several years. But we know how good the were back then, and had heard about the year-on-year improvement they’ve been making, so much so that they decided to move the team up into our age group this season. To be drawn against each other in the quarters always meant it was going to be tough on one of the form teams so far this season. The game kicked off on the large, but deceptively bobbly pitch. City quickly pressing us as we tried to take control of the midfield. A close battle you’d probably have to say City edged over the course of the game. The first ten minutes were tight, very tight. Neither team making an opening but City in the ascendancy, and lots of work to do for AJ and Tes in the middle of our defence, Bam on the left, and this week Emilia starting at right back to counter the exceptional pace of their left winger. Cha was her usual composed self, plucking balls that made their way through to her and whizzing out to the edge of her box to set us back on the attack. Bam was up against another speedy winger, but was in good form and won all the early battles, never once letting her get away. In the middle, Pauline and Kate were chasing lots but never really managing to get hold of the ball, sometimes a bad first touch, sometimes too many touches, but more often an awkward bounce, or that quick press from the City midfield. Shannon worked hard up top, always taking the ball in well and quickly turning it to either Indie on the left or Lexie on the right. Both of our wingers growing into the game and giving the City backline something to think about. We’d weathered the early pressure well, and as we were just starting to feel hopeful of creating some chances of our own, City struck; a corner allowed to bounce and no one properly attacking the ball to clear, it was an easy tap in for their dangerous striker. We’d not registered a single shot on goal and were already behind, chasing the game against a quality team who were moving the ball quickly and simply, with us chasing shadows. But then a brilliant moment from Kate, perfect first touch and a ball fired through into Lexie’s run. Lexie had the pace on their defender and she was away just enough to reach the ball first ahead of their keeper. Lexie’s shot beat the keeper, but not the post, rebounding into the middle of the area. So again the chase was on, and again Lexie first to the ball to poke an effort in and to draw us level. The rest of the half was even. No clear chances for either side, but both defences kept busy. Amy came on on the left wing, and Alice through the middle now. Amy made some great runs in behind, just not quite able to get a shot away, and Alice’s strength and linkup play, was a new threat for the City back line to deal with. Mads strong in the tackles and hurrying their midfield. Tenacious and committed. A really good captain’s performance, and Bam was just fantastic. Best game we’ve seen from her this season. Not just winning her personal battle but involved in all our build up on the left, and overlapping to whip crosses in. We had reached halftime, but feeling optimistic for the 2nd. We were playing maybe the best team we’ve faced in many years. But our girls had stepped up and we were fully in it now.

Quick break and back for more of the same. Defences were giving nothing away. As both teams pressed for that likely to be decisive 2nd goal, both defences stood up to be counted. City maybe had the edge in midfield, but we looked dangerous and a quick pass here or there, freeing up the wide players was always on the cards. Ilazki on now. Still getting back to full fitness after her injury, it was a tough game to come into with no time on the ball for that calm passing we know she does so well. Some good moments, but mostly her defensive prowess called upon today, and bravery in heading. Not long left now, so time to gamble. Penalties are stressful and so tough on the losing team, so if we could avoid them, that felt like the thing to do. So, Emilia up now into the attack to use that ridiculous pace, and Annie slotting in at right back. Unfortunately our midfield wasted a few of the early opportunities to put Emilia in behind, and City responded by switching their speediest player to Emilia’s side. But this gave Indie more opportunities on the right, and she went so close to putting us ahead with a number of great runs in behind, that just lacked that final banging shot that we know she has. So that was it. Two great teams, playing some decent football, but mostly cancelling each other out. City will likely feel their didn’t have their best game, and same for us, but it wasn’t for lack of intent. Both teams working really hard, but not able to unlock that door and the game finished 1-1.

So, to penalties. For us, Shannon, Lexie, Pauline, Kate and Mads put their hands up. So proud of you for that. No matter what happened, you can be proud of taking on that responsibility for your team. City won the toss and opted to take first. Their midfielder calmly stepping up and sliding the ball to the left of Cha between the sticks. 1-0. Game on! Shannon stepped up for us to take the first one. Practiced in training and doing exactly what was asked. A simple ball struck low into the corner. No stopping that. 1-1. But City were next and another quality strike, this time the other side and out of the reach of a diving Charlotte. 2-1. Lexie next. Confident as she walked up and we’ve seen what she can do in training. But the pressure in a real game is so different. Although, not for Lexie, again a perfect strike, well away from the reach of the City keeper for 2-all. Again, a great pen from City, no chance for Cha, 3-2 and pressure back on us. Pauline now, and a nervous line of girls on the halfway line as Pauline slowly made the long walk up. Take a breath, and…Oh! Top bins!! No keeper saves that. 3-3! Pressure mounting now on the remaining takers. The City player looked nervy as she walked up. With this pressure, do nothing clever, put your foot through the ball, and hope! Their player did everything, another good strike, but Cha had guessed right and made the block to cheers from our girls. Kate now, and a chance to take a lead. Immense pressure as she made the walk. Calm, and a decent strike, but the City keeper stretched and got a hand to it. The ball was trickling towards the line, but not quickly enough. Still 3-3 and no nails left. The last taker for City now. Looking to place it in the top corner, well out of the reach of Cha, but too much on it and a miss. Argh! Need nerves of steel now, so Mads was up for the final penalty. Taking her time. Set. And never in doubt! 3-4. Slotted away for the win and turning to see the charge of our players to congratulate her.

So hard on City. What a team. We’ll have to face them twice more this season for, no doubt, two more tense encounters. But, wow! Well done our girls! You squeaked through and can now look forward to the semis after Christmas👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less