Match Report: U12JW 29/03/25

Leafield Athletic U12 2-0 Leamington Lions U12JW

POM: Sophie

We thoroughly expected third place Leafield to come out of the traps strongly, so we set up with a cautionary 4-3-1 and it was no surprise that they were upon us before we had chance to find our feet. During the warm up there were murmurings that Leafield might be out for revenge after the broken collarbone incident back in September, but all seemed forgiven and their number 10 was back to full health, thankfully. We were unlucky to concede in the first minute when they managed to poke one in after a swift assault on our defence. However, it didn’t take our Lions long to pick themselves up and get some composure at the back. Leafield didn’t let up the pressure for the next twenty minutes or so, but Avaani, Scarlett, Bhavika and Alexia kept their cool and made those essential clearances and closed down Leafield’s attackers. Theia and Imogen made many runs down the wings and there were chances for Amelia and Eva to press up front, but the Leafield defenders were quick to make important clearances too. We were unfortunate not to find the goal from a great corner by Eva, and the game was switching back and forth at pace. Avaani was really unlucky to find one of her many well-timed tackles cruelly push the ball past Sophie into our own goal, but these things happen; without those great challenges we would be conceding many more. A great shot by Eva that forced a good save from the Leafield keeper brought the first half to a close at 2-0.

The second half started with our Lions in high spirits, mostly keeping Leafield at bay and even letting loose some long-range efforts by Holly. The mood on the subs bench was super positive and the girls were all keen to get back on and make a difference. Izzy, Bee and Jaya were on and we even allowed ourselves to play a bit more adventurously and move Alexia up into midfield, leaving three and the back. To a large degree, such confidence came from a super performance from Sophie in goal. Regularly being tested by Leafield and making some excellent saves, Sophie was also communicating really well, helping the team, and competently collecting the ball in her area time and again. A well deserved Coach’s Boot this week. The excitement lasted right to the last seconds of the match. We forced a corner from Leafield and then a save, but sadly all good things must come to an end. I’m always pleased when our girls get praise from the opposition coaches, but we really surprised Leafield today and their coach went to great effort to let Rob and I know how well the girls had played. Thanks as always to Alex for assisting the ref today!

Final score 2 - 0