Denton Youth Tigresses Triumph In Cup Clash Against Rochdale

In a thrilling cup encounter at Hathershaw College on 1st February 2025, Denton Youth Tigresses U10’s edged past Rochdale U10 girls with a final score of 2-1. The match, which kicked off at 10:45 am, showcased the determination and skill of both teams, but it was the Tigresses who emerged victorious in this tightly contested 7-a-side fixture.

Denton Youth Tigresses adopted a 1-4-1 formation, with Aleyah Harris stationed as the goalkeeper. In front of her, a solid defensive line comprised of Ariella Hill-Bowes as the central defender, flanked by Emma Heap on the right and Lara Orton on the left. The midfield was anchored by Scarlett Stopford and Mariam Salami, who were tasked with both supporting the attack and providing cover for the defence. Up front, Alyssa led the line as the striker, looking to exploit any gaps in the Rochdale defence.

The substitutes for the Tigresses included Maisie Walker, Molly Langthorne and Remi Hyde, who would later play pivotal roles in the match.

The match began with both teams probing for weaknesses, but it was Rochdale who struck first, taking the lead in the 10th minute. The Tigresses found themselves a goal down early on, but their response was commendable as they regrouped and focused on their game plan.

As the first half progressed, the Tigresses maintained their composure, and despite trailing, they continued to press forward, looking for opportunities to equalise. The half-time whistle blew with the score at 1-0 in favour of Rochdale, leaving the Tigresses with a mountain to climb in the second half.

The second half saw a rejuvenated Denton side emerge, and their persistence paid off in the 19th minute when Mariam Salami found the back of the net, levelling the score at 1-1. Salami's goal was a testament to her skill and determination, as she capitalised on a defensive lapse from Rochdale.

Just three minutes later, in the 22nd minute, Remi Hyde, who had come off the bench, scored the decisive goal for the Tigresses, putting them ahead 2-1. The atmosphere was electric as the home side celebrated their turnaround, with Hyde's contribution proving crucial in securing the lead.

With time running out, the Tigresses held firm against Rochdale's attempts to find an equaliser. Their defence, marshalled by Hill-Bowes, remained resolute, and Maisie Walker in goal made several important saves to preserve the lead.

As the final whistle blew, the Tigresses celebrated a hard-fought victory, with Mariam Salami earning the Player of the Match accolade for her influential performance. The win not only secured their place in the next round of the cup but also showcased the spirit and talent of the Denton Youth Tigresses U10’s.