Match Report - LONGFLEET LIONESSES U13 GIRLS - 12 Dec 2020

Juniors Make Short Work Of Longfleet.

After a tough Hampshire league cup match 7 days ago, the team were looking to progress in the Dorset cup where a home tie with Merley Cobham awaited.

The starting 11 saw Millie protected by a back line of Eva, Mya, Summer and Annabel. Meg, Faye, Abi and Lauren made up a 4 in midfield and a combination of Carly and Brooke lead the front line. On paper, a less edgy match was probably expected but there was always a danger of being too complacent against a Longfleet team that had very little to lose. The first 20 mins were not so much complacent but more lacklustre with mis-placed passes and a lack of combination play. The visitors seemed to be enjoying the challenge and although the home team dominated the ball, chances were at a premium. As the half developed (after the quarter break/sanitise anything that moves, or doesn’t move break) and the introduction of Kaitlyn, Sophie and Charlotte, the pressure did pay, Meg making the breakthrough (1-0). Soon after, Kaitlyn’s free kick was well saved and Meg was robbed of a second goal when an excellent finish was ruled offside. One nil it stayed into the break, a plucky Longfleet team had defended well and managed an effort of their own that Millie was equal to.

HT 1-0.

With the goalposts, corner flag poles and match ball newly sanitised it was deemed safe to start the second half (good work Rob ??). The girls’ began the half still dominating territory but now with better intent. As the passing sharpened it only took 2mins for Charlotte to profit after Faye had stung the GK’ hands (2-0). Sophie’s industrious play was rewarded with a brace of well struck finishes which sandwiched a Kaitlyn strike, this one assisted by Sophie (5-0). Time to clean the ball, posts, flag poles and hands again!....and back to the game.....Goal of the game next, accurate passing setting Meg free who kept level headed, picking out Charlotte at the far post to side foot home (6-0). After Meg bagged a deserved second from Kaitlyn’s assist (7-0), Brooke wrapped things up with a clever chip that left the visiting GK clutching a thin air (8-0).

Summary: A comprehensive win that keeps hopes alive in both cup competitions. In truth

the team were rarely troubled although Longfleet gave their best and battled to the end. The win sets up an interesting tie in the next round against Merley who are likely to include ex-Juniors’ Emily, Maisie and Lucie in their line-up.

In the present climate, it’s just great to see the girls playing football and good football at that! And in the ball bag in my garage lie the cleanest, best sanitised balls you could ever wish to see!

POM: Summer (hitting her stride now!)

Have a good week ??