Match Report - ANDOVER NEW STREET YOUTH U13 GIRLS - 08 Feb 2020

On paper, this was possibly a tough game for the team, a 3-1 defeat in the last meeting probably gave the girls’ a little extra motivation...as if this semi-final needed it!

The team began as they had on the previous Saturday, putting Andover on the back foot with attacking waves and didn’t have to wait long for the opening goal, Carly clinical from Charlotte’s accurate cross (1-0). It proved a fantastic first 35 mins, Juniors’ showing an appetite for more goals, firstly Charlotte and then Kaitlyn benefitting from Brooke’s assists (3-0). So the team went into half time fully deserving of their 3 goal lead, completely dominating their opposition all over the pitch.

An even sharper start to the second half put the team 4-0 up, Megan finishing well from Kaitlyn’s set-up within a minute of the restart. It was clear that their opponents had no answer to the teams’ attacking football with Carly feeling the effects of their frustration, still in one piece (just!) from a heavy challenge. With the parity ruling now in full effect, the team were playing against 12 again, Kaitlyn’s second goal from good build up play suggested they were not bothered (5-0). After Annabel survived another heavyweight challenge (literally!), the extra numbers did result in a consolation goal for Andover (5-1). It was Juniors’ that would have the final say today however, Sophie smashing a sixth goal after good work from a repaired Carly (6-1) who was then unlucky to see her late effort strike a post.

In summary, this was a real statement from the team today that said, ‘if we’re in the mood...look out!’. An attacking formation left things lighter at the back but they coped superbly. Our defensive players shone...Eva, Mya, Summer, Lucie, Faye and Annabel dealing head on with everything thrown at them. Although a relatively quiet day for Millie, anything that came her way was dealt with.

Congratulations team, another final in the bag!..........................Outstanding ?