Match Report: U11RA 29/03/25

Kenilworth Kestrels u11 1 - 1 Leamington Lions U11RA

Captain: Jessie

Goalie: Jessie

POM: Chesca

Goals: Chesca '47

Final game of the group stages of the cup and we were away at possibly our longest running friendly rivals, Kenilworth Kestrels. Although the girls had a strong result against them last time in a friendly, it just goes to show how the cup format brings out the best play, with the girls facing a determined and motivated oppo out to try and take one of the top 2 spots in the group.

However the girls were themselves up for it, with Jessie doing a good job getting the girls focused in the pre-match huddle and doing a great job as captain throughout the morning. 👏🏻

The girls had a reasonably bright start with Lyra being released by Z within a couple of minutes and getting a shot on target under pressure - the first of a number of instances when our #9 came close to opening the scoring. Chesca was also looking lively providing some great passing play through the middle and was also unlucky not to score after driving straight at goal. However despite slightly edging possession the girls were unable to get ahead and after Jessie made a good save on 29 minutes both teams went into the half nil nil.

This continued into the second half, with our girls edging things but not able to create enough pressure to force a goal. With a tight draw on the scorecard and the opposition motivated, the girls were at risk and after repeatedly driving down their left the oppo created some confusion in the far corner which lead to the ball running across the face of our goal and despite Jessie's best attempts to scramble the oppo managed to put it in the back of our net. 👏🏻

So action stations! The girls responded well, ramped up the urgency and work rate but crucially kept things relatively calm as they tried to finally breakdown the oppo defence. After a few attacking scouting missions, the girls finally managed to get the breakthrough they needed, with Orly finding Chesca in a good position and our #4 somehow managing to get it past the defence... and goalie... and into the back of the net ⚽👏🏻

Neither team was done yet and both teams kept up the pressure. Chesca was determined to add to her tally and nearly added 2 in quick succession only to be denied by the keeper both times. The busy oppo keeper then produced a remarkable save, palming away a thunderous Orly strike at full stretch 🧤👏🏻. Jessie then showed off her caliber, repeatedly bossing her penalty box when the opposition got into it and then producing the finest save of the day (totally biased statement😂) from a firmly struck oppo attempt. A tense few minutes were battled out before the ref finally called time on a very good competitive game from both teams. 👏🏻

Captains Nominations.

Well done to Jessie for her leadership, great saves and - leading on from Immys good work talking to the team last week - some top notch public speaking leading the captains awards 👏🏻🧤⚽

Defence.

Some great contributions from the team in defence today, Orly doing some great work on the left, Immy typically reliable in the middle and Rosie doing some amazing work under pressure on the right. 👏🏻 Zariah and Freya did a great job stabilising the back as the opposition came at us as the game clock ran down but Lyra came on in the middle and her robust and decisive approach kept the opposition at bay during crucial moments of pressure. 👏🏻

Midfield.

Many players contributed to a tight midfield battle today. Emmy playing some amazing football protecting the defence, Mia, Freya, Zariah and Belle driving play down the channels to get at the opposition but Orly took her minutes in midfield to put pressure on the opposition and was instrumental in getting turning round the game when we went behind. 👏🏻

Attack.

Great play from Chesca through CAM in the first half and then striker in the second, with yet another goal, this time a particularly vital one. At nearly a goal a game throughout the cup, Chesca's consistency has been a key part of the success the girls have been achieving. 👏🏻

No doubt from Jessie as she quickly and efficiently analysed her options and then decisively picked Chesca for her efforts. Well done Chesca ⚽👏🏻🏆

Go 🦁