Match Report: U14 22/03/25

COVENTRIANS U14 6-1 LEAMINGTON LIONS U14

POM: Amaia

Goals: Ava, Enaiyah

Captain: Sophie

Line Up

Defence: Sophie, Amelia, Bethany, Elle

GK: Amaia

Midfield: Vicky, Cora, Daya, Lilly

Striker: Mya, Betty

Subs: Flo, Willow

Match Summary

Final Score:

Coventrians 6-1 Leamington Lions

Facing Coventrians for the first time, U14s entered the game with confidence, buoyed by a three-match unbeaten run. The team started with enthusiasm, winning the toss and showing intent by driving through midfield straight away but we quickly found ourselves up against strong opposition on a difficult and uneven pitch.

Coventrians applied early pressure, and despite a determined defensive effort from our strong back four Coventrians managed to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. However, with plenty still to play for, the Lions remained hopeful of a second-half comeback.

That belief was rewarded just five minutes after the restart when Mya found the net with a well-taken goal. The strike not only lifted the Lions but also got the attention of the opposition coach, who responded by making three quick substitutions. Coventrians were clearly rattled, beginning to leave gaps in their shape and growing frustrated as they misplaced passes and lost possession. Their agitation spilled over, with players resorting to language more suited to the Chairman’s local than an U14s girls' match.

With 13 players available, we were able to make full use of the subs bench—rather than just as a coat hook, bottle holder, or mobile phone stand! Fresh legs gave us energy at times, but with Coventrians having five substitutes available, it often felt like we were playing a completely different team every 20 minutes. Their ability to rotate players kept them sharp, and ultimately, their physicality and depth made the difference in the later stages.

Every single player gave their all—from the goalkeeper to the defence, midfield, and strikers—showing determination, resilience, passion and teamwork throughout. Leamington had some excellent moments in the game. Sophie at times delivered some dangerous corners that had the opposition scrambling, while Elle Cora Flo and Daya battled tirelessly in midfield, refusing to back down against a physical side. Betty showed great resilience, riding some tough challenges, Amelia worked tirelessly, covering more ground than a long-distance runner. Bethany and Vicky battled against determined and physical strikers. Willow come off the bench to make an impact clearing the ball from midfield and Lilly once again working in defence and midfield slowing down Coventrians attacks and Mya capping a great performance with a goal. Amaia produced some outstanding shot-stopping, proving exactly why she was awarded this week's Manager’s Boot with a succession of saves from close range.

The final result did not reflect the effort, commitment and quality shown by the U14s throughout the match. The whole team put in a performance full of determination and the scoreline does not do justice to how competitive the majority of the game was.

With five consecutive home games coming up, these Lions will be looking to bounce back as we build on our recent performances. The team is already eagerly awaiting the return fixture in a few weeks, for another chance to test ourselves against Coventrians.

📅 Next Match: Wellesbourne (Home)