Match Report - XL FOOTBALL ACADEMY - 18 Sep 2021

C.M Juniors 5-1 XL Acadamy.

A first home game for Juniors’ after taking a well earned point away from Bridgwater in their season opener. XL were looking to bounce back following a tough opener against London Bees.

A strong start from the visitors saw them boss the early stages, pressing high and forcing mistakes. Although Juniors’ gave no clear sight of goal to their opponents, they were second best for much of the first ten minutes. The tables did turn however, Abbie with the defence splitting pass and Megan slotting the first goal 10mins in (1-0). This seemed to settle the home side and although the first period was generally scrappy, the team were beginning to carve out chances. Sadie and Megan had both gone close prior to a second goal from Emilie’s assist, Megan stroking the ball calmly into the bottom corner of the goal (2-0). The centre forward had been a constant threat to the XL back line and after rounding the goalkeeper she scored well deserved hat-trick goal after good work from Lauren and Carly had set her free with 30 mins played (3-0).

HT 3-0

A competitive third period saw both teams asking questions of each other, Juniors’ now playing more flowing football and an XL team looking to break fast and run in behind. The fact that the football had improved didn’t effect the score line however, the hard working Summer seeing her shot well saved and Emilie twice going close for the hosts.

As the teams entered the final period of the match the goals that were threatened did duly come. From her earlier sighters, Emilie again took aim from distance and this time there was no stopping her dipping effort that found the target (4-0). XL threw caution to the wind, leaving players forward looking for a goal to take from their long journey. The goal did come, shortly after Lila’s incredible recovery tackle on the previous raid the away team broke through to bag a deserved goal (4-1). As the game edged into the final few minutes, Emilie found Carly inside the area and with plenty to do she tip tied into position before clinically finishing (5-1).

FT 5-1.

Summary:

A well deserved win for Juniors’ on a very warm day for football. XL made the better start to the game and on another day, if they had forced an early goal, the final score line could have been different. As it was, Juniors’ stood firm, the football developed and gave the girls their first JPL win. In the end it hard to say it wasn’t thoroughly deserved.