U9 Turquoise 24/25 - Chorleywood Panthers

GOG U8T 🩵🦩🩵 The sixth game of 2024, and we were away to Chorleywood Panthers. Both teams were in great form coming into this on unbeaten runs. This had all the makings of a great competitive game. Our squad was a bit short on numbers coming into this due to illness. We kept the warm-up light in preparation for a full game with no substitutions.

The first quarter, we started with Olive in goal, Eden in defence, Evie, Willow midfield, and Lala upfront. The game was evenly contested with both teams attacking and defending. There was a real battle in the midfield, and the girls worked hard to get control of the game. Willow won the ball back in an advanced position, playing a brilliant pass through the opposition, taking out three of their players. The pass found Lala free in space, but the shot was direct at the keeper. The Panthers had a few chances after, but Eden did fantastically to eliminate the danger, putting in some vital clearances and taking the ball off the opponent when needed. Unfortunately for us, they were the first to score netting a goal down their left side. The girls kept at it, and we came close to an equaliser when Willow played through Evie, who forced a save out of their keeper. Evie continued to get some joy down the right, being a constant threat in attack and doing really well to track back and defend.

The second quarter, we swapped Olive out of goal into midfield with Willow, Eden in defence, Evie in midfield and Lala upfront. We were still very much in the game despite being a goal down. There was some great passing and moving being played between all of the girls. Eden made a clearance from defence which made it to Lala who ran at a few defenders, but her shot was off target. Lala then turned provider making an excellent run down the left and playing a cross to Evie who executed a deadly shot at goal. We all thought it went in but it was parried out for a corner. After the corner, some quick attacking play from the Panthers resulted in them getting their second goal of the game. Despite this the girls continued to try and get something from the quarter. An attack down the right from the Panthers was stopped by a great tackle from Eden, winning the ball back and putting it out for a corner. The corner didn't result in anything and the ball was fought for in midfield. Olive, Evie and Lala did brilliantly to battle for the ball in the middle of the pitch. With their noses in front the Panthers almost hit us on the counter, but Eden again did amazing to get back catch up with the attacker and put in a vital clearance.

Third quarter we swapped Willow out of goal for Eden like for like in defence, with Lala, Evie coming into midfield and Olive up front. Despite being two goals down the girls continued the good pressure from the last quarter into this quarter. Olive did very well on multiple occasions to break up play and carry the ball forward. Willow then played a ball out from the back to Evie down the right who made a great attempt at goal and forced another save from the Panther's keeper. Shortly after another set back as the Panthers got their third and a comfortable lead was building for them. However, this didn't deter our girls and only kicked them up into another gear. Lala lead the attack in captain style making a great run down the left, and forcing an equally great save from the keeper. Another attack progressed with Olive winning the ball back, playing a pass to Evie, who went on a run through the middle playing in Lala but her shot was just wide. Chorleywood almost got a fourth, but Eden pulled off a good save to keep us in the game. The girls continued their pursuit of a goal with Evie again coming so close but hitting the side netting. A goal kick from the Panthers was quickly seized on by Lala who made another effort on goal but it was straight at the goalkeeper. We continued to plug away and Evie who was literally everywhere had another effort saved from the opponent. Finally we got the breakthrough we needed and deserved! After winning the ball back from a Panthers corner, Lala worked the ball from out the back through the middle and down the left, taking a brilliant shot into the right corner giving us our first goal of the game.

Fourth quarter we swapped Eden out of goal for Evie, with Willow and Olive in midfield and Lala upfront. The game really intensified at this point, with coaches, parents and players all willing each other on. The girls kept the same energy as the last quarter and were rewarded really quickly. A great run from Lala through the middle and a well placed shot from Lala gave us our second goal of the match. The momentum seemed to be with us and the girls continued to push themselves to the limit. The hard work paid off, when a shot from Willow, which deflected off Olive into the back of the net for our third equalising goal. All square and very much game on. Both teams were really going for it at this point. Olive put in some great blocks and interceptions of ball. Evie made some vital blocks in goal also. We almost had a heart in mouth situation when Chorleywood almost scored just needing a touch towards goal. We had chances of our own where Lala fed the ball to Olive who took the ball under control well, but put her shot just wide. Lala then provided another great run and pass to Olive who made a powerful shot on goal and forced the keeper into a good save.

Full time and what a game of football it was! A classic game of two halves and a great comeback! The girls showed tremendous fighting spirit today to earn a draw from a very tall three goal deficit. The referee did a good job officiating and Chorleywood were both very welcoming and excellent opponents.

Wishing both Alara and Ariana well. We hope you both feel better soon and you were missed today 💜

Well done Eden who did a great job in defence today. She always takes instruction really well and has a great hard working ethic and attitude. 👏🏾

Well done Willow, who did brilliantly finding those key passes today. Her game has really gone up a level and her in game decision making has really improved.👏🏾

Well done Olive who was tenacious and mighty throughout the game. She really brought her player of the match performance from last week into this game. Keep up the good work. 👏🏾

POTM went to Evie 🏆 this week. She remained strong for the whole match. There was alot of running up and down this week but she gave 100% at all times. She tackled well, took her shots when she could and tracked back to assist in defence when needed. She put the 'E' in everywhere today literally covering every blade of grass and all positions on the pitch. She was so unlucky not to get a goal today. When in goal, she also kept a clean sheet! Well done Evie 👏🏾 

Opposition POTM went to our Captain Lala 🏆 She put on a great performance in the last two quarters, leading by example. Her two goals sparked our resurgence today. Well done Lala 👏🏾

Lala ⚽⚽

Olive ⚽

Assists: Willow 🤝

Captain: Lala ©️

POTM 🏆 Evie

Opposition POTM 🏆Lala