Match Report: U13 29/03/25

CCC u13 0-2 leamington lions u13

We knew going into the match that CCC who are currently sitting top of the table, would be a tough opposition given that our match against them earlier in the season ended in a draw.

The game started and sadly, within minutes, Jane came off due to feeling unwell (Those that know Jane well know this is unheard of!) but the Lions set about creating some good opportunities to score. The game was fairly balanced across the pitch although the Lions noticed goal kicks were a weakness for the CCC goalkeeper. Through the first half there were few chances for CCC as the Lions defence performed brilliantly and Amber was quick to cut out through balls. After about 20 minutes Layah played a superb ball forward for Amelia, she ran on to it and beat the defence and the goalkeeper to score. However, the linesman adjudged her to be offside with a dubious decision.

The game was 0-0 at half time. The Lions deserved to be ahead but couldn’t hit the back of the net. The team came together for the half time team talk (although mainly solar eclipse spotting!) and came out ready for battle for the result. The Lions team spirit showed and while the CCC team became increasingly frustrated with each other the Lions continued to work together. Around 10 minutes into the second half, the Lions pressure was rewarded. Mia reacted to a poor CCC goal kick ahead of the CCC defenders and was able to shoot before the CCC goalkeeper was properly back in position scoring the first goal of the game.

After the goal the game changed, the Lions played deeper and CCC seemed to create attack after attack relentlessly. They didn’t create many chances to score thanks to the hard work and good positioning of the Lions Defence and deep midfield. Amber was equal to all of CCCs shots including a high shot aimed towards the corner of the goal which Amber was able to move quickly to make a brilliant save pushing the ball away for a corner. Lions were able to get the ball forward for respite in this period with great runs by Darcy up the left wing and long defensive clearances from the ever-reliable Emeli.

Throughout the match Amber’s goal kicks from hands provided an excellent way for the Lions to get the ball forward. Towards the end of the match Amber collected the ball and kicked long. The CCC defence weren’t able to cope with the high bounce on the halfway line and Amelia was able to flick the ball forward to Mia. Mia’s speed took her ahead of the defence, and she was able to calmly strike past the onrushing CCC goalkeeper to score her second goal and provide the Lions with a well-deserved cushion for the final few minutes of the match.

There was still time for a penalty shout as Amelia went down in the penalty area and a corner at both ends before the match came to an end. (Parents and coaches finally able to breathe!) The Lions deserved the win and could have scored more goals. CCC were very frustrated by the lack of time on the ball across the field thanks to the hard work and togetherness of the whole Lions team. If all the girls’ were mentioned individually, I’d end up producing a novel!

It was a fantastic team performance with everyone giving their all. Go Lions 🦁

Mia ⚽️

Mia ⚽️ assist Amelia