Match Report: U10MR 15/03/25

Leamington Lions U10MR 1-3 redditch borough u10

Captain: Molly

PPOM: Molly & Imogen

It was with a bit of trepidation today that the girls took to the field as Redditch put out a mixed team, which was a first for us. However, the final score doesn't reflect how close the match was and how hard the girls played. It was also Molly's first time playing with the team and she displayed a lot of skill and confidence, even though she hadn't met the rest of the girls before today.

The first ten minutes of the game went against Leamington. Despite some promising attacking play from Lila and Imogen, Redditch managed to score twice and suddenly had a comfortable lead, not representative of how the match was being played. The Lions came to life in response and gained in confidence tackling the opposition. Skye managed to win the ball in midfield, passed to Imogen who took the ball up field for Lila to score: 1-2.

From here on, the match was really close, where possession was pretty equal and there were a lot of chances for the Lions to score with shots on goal by Anaya, Erin and Lila. Isla, Jess and Molly worked well in defence against Redditch attackers and managed to thwart any more goals by them. Just before half time, Imogen wins the ball in mid-field, takes it up to the box but the shot is just wide.

Straight off the whistle, Lions show off some of the skills being practised in training with Elowen and Imogen working together to take the ball up pitch. Unfortunately Elowen's shot just missed the goal.

Redditch responded with a run the length of the pitch by one of the boys, which Jess managed to stop before they took a shot on goal. Erin then did the same but sadly her strike hit the post. Imogen and Erin worked together in mid-field to keep attacking but Redditch got possession. There followed a period of pressure by Redditch but the Lions held firm in defence, with Molly putting her body on the line to stop a strong, on-target strike from Redditch.

Honestly it was a "bit scrappy in the middle" (Sarah Poynter, sideline pundit) from both sides for a period, as they got a bit tired. A mistake from Redditch was rewarded with a free kick (!) just outside of the box. Alicia made a great save off a strong kick from the Redditch player, but unfortunately the rebound shot went in. 1-3 to Redditch.

The Lions did not give up. Imogen won the ball midfield and did a great run up to the box. Isla stole the ball off Redditch and passed to Lila, who worked with Elowen to try and score. Erin did a great run up the wing and kept ball through several defensive tackles. Just before the final whistle, Lila had tried again to score after a run up the whole pitch but sadly no-one could finish off her good work.

It was a tense, close match. The Lions gained in confidence with their tackles on the boys and displayed real tenacity, trying to score right until the last minute. Molly got player of the match for a great first match with a new team; Imogen got player of the match for working so hard in midfield and in attacking play.

Onwards and upwards for next week!