U13 Turquoise 24/25 - Ware youth

so today we travelled to ware youth.

We knew it would be a tough game as we’ve played them previously this season and it was a close fought contest. We haven’t had a game for a month due to the weather! So it was good to get a run out and shake the cobwebs off before Xmas. 

We only had 10 players today so I told the girls we needed to really go out and play smart. 

The game started and we were on top. Within 5 mins we broke down the right and Lexi found Mia who found alexia and she put a great ball across the face of goal and calleigh came in at the back to smash the ball into the net! ⚽️ 0-1 

After that though we seemed to sit back and let ware come at us. We were second to every ball and they were on top. 15 mins gone and we were really under pressure now and after not clearing our lines ware struck a nice shot into the bottom corner!⚽️ 1-1 this woke us up abit but we were still sloppy in our play and defending far too deep. Ware continued to pressure us but we held firm.
We got a corner and rather than whip it in this time mia played a low ball to the edge of the box and lexi came running in to place it into the bottom right hand corner! ⚽️ 1-2

Half time

At half time I told the girls that we needed to up our game. We were lucky to be infront as I thought ware were the better team! I told them we were second to every ball and header and that we needed to play more as a unit rather than trying to do things on our own. The defense were told to get higher up the pitch and we needed to start playing our passing game. 

The second half started and it was a very end to end game. Both teams were pressing and attacking. But both defenses were doing a great job of breaking down attacks. Eventually ware put a cross into the box. Emily came out but couldn’t hold on to the ball. It’s spilled and after some pinball in the area ware poked it home for their second! ⚽️ 2-2 

With only 10 minutes  remaining it was a hard game to call.

Both teams were battling brilliantly but we broke down the left with calleigh and Mia. Mia crossed the ball and it went all the way through to alexia who had an empty net to slot the ball home! ⚽️ 2-3 

Now it was ware pressing for the equalizer but we kept hitting them on the break. We had a couple of free kicks that Mia was really unlucky with one going just wide and one just over but also ware had a great chance which was going into the bottom corner only for Emily to save it and put out for a corner. With only a minute to go ware were  camped in and around our box and we were very close to conceding but we managed to get the ball out  and the ref blew the final whistle.

 Another 3 points in the bag and top of the league for Xmas!! 

I told the girls after the game that the second half performance was brilliant! They showed grit, determination and most importantly they played as a team! We’ve gone all season without a keeper and had various girls taking turns in between the sticks! So the fact we are top at the moment is a credit to the girls mentality and teamwork. 

A lot of credit today though goes to ware who pushed us all the way. They are a very good side with great coaches and played some lovely football at times. I told them after the game it had been our toughest match so far this season. 

we now have a break for Xmas but we will continue to train over that period as we have all to play for and want to keep sharp. 

I’ve said it many times before but these girls continue to surprise myself, Ian and Steve. They never know when they are beaten and don’t stop until the final whistle. 

together we are stronger 💪🏻

💜⚽️🦩💜⚽️🦩💜⚽️🦩💜⚽️🦩💜⚽️🦩💜

captain - Emily ©️

Calleigh ⚽️

Lexi ⚽️

Alexia ⚽️

players player - ettie 🏆

Managers player - Emily 🏆