Match Report - LONDON BEES U16 - 25 Sep 2021

Lessons Learnt In Capital!

Unfortunately, for Juniors’ biggest test to date, only a bare squad travelled, Sadie the latest casualty to the list of injuries and non-travellers.

A good start from the teams, both trying to get the ball down and play. An early chance for Megan failed to find the target after she was well found by Lauren, this sparked the home team into life and steady pressure set the tone for the day and lead to an opening goal. Although not the cleanest strike from the edge of the area, the home side took the lead with a shot that skipped over Kacey’s reach and into the corner of the goal (1-0). The second 20mins saw a mini collapse, three goals in a 5 minute spell with the girls still trying to clear their heads (4-0).

HT 4-0

Improvement after the break with Carly shooting wide but the constant danger and pressure from Bees was making it difficult to clear lines and play high up the pitch. When the girls’ did manage to push forwards it lead to a fifth goal on the break (5-0) and they had Millie to thank shortly afterwards, a smart stop thwarting the centre forward. The girls somehow raised their levels in the last quarter, although tired they found that bit extra commitment in the challenges that disrupted the home team. Still trying to find clear cut chances they only had long distance shots from Abbie and Summer to show for their endeavour, both which were saved. A scrappy final goal for Bees, the ball somehow squirming past Kacey meant for a harsh looking score line for the travelling team.

FT 6-0

Summary: a tough afternoon for the team. A very good London Bees team were a cut above what the girls had faced before and showed power and pace throughout their team. A big pitch, long travel and a lack of freshness on the bench was a cocktail that was hard to swallow. Having said that, a defensive line of Layla, Eva, Lila and Annabel did not deserve such an unflattering score line, each rolling from tackle to tackle in a difficult match. Abbie, Emilie and Summer, all trying to make things happen in midfield and all playing their parts in shutting attacks down. Carly, Lauren and Megan found it difficult to impact the game up front and on the flanks. Millie and Kacey both having good moments between the sticks. Generally, the team struggled to create attacking situations, if totally honest the team were not at their creative best, finding it hard to get a foothold higher up the pitch but the majority of this due to a talented London Bees side.

Lessons will be learnt and taken on board and the team will come back better and stronger because of this learning curve match. As for commitment form the 12 today, this can never be questioned. Well done ladies.

Sometimes you have to ask yourself whether the energy sapping long travel, hotel sleep overs and hard football matches are worth it!……absolutely love it!!!

Gold. Abbie

Silver. Eva

Bronze. Summer