U11 Turquoise 24/25 - Harpenden

Today the u11 Turquoise made the away trip to Harpenden.

Having only played each other a few weeks back we knew we were in for another tough tight game. 

From the moment the whistle blew neither team allowed the other much room or time on the ball. This resulted in a real battle in the midfield.

We came close on the 15 minute mark where zuzanna made a great driving run with the ball out to the right and had a great shot on target that the Harpenden keeper managed to push wide for a corner. 

With us still applying the pressure Lola Rose played a great low driven ball across their area that Chloe managed to put just over the bar. 

Our defence were working hard and dealing well with the pressure. 

Unfortunately just before half time an identical run and shot to Zuzannas at the other end put us behind. 

With minutes untill half time the girls regrouped and carried on pushing.

Lola suffered an injury and couldn’t play through it so had to leave the pitch. Strangely the ref raised his whistle but didn’t blow and the girls all assumed the game would stop for a moment. With this confusion Harpenden put the ball in the net. 

Small learning curve for us that we need to make sure we remember to always play until the whistle. 

Half time we told the girls to make sure they keep their heads up and to remember they were creating more chances and forcing more saves.

Second half.

With Lola still off Thea stepped into defence and really impressed and put in a faultless performance.

We managed to get a few long range shots off but nothing that troubled the Harpenden keeper too much. We struggled to find that clinical pass in the final third to get our striker involved enough. 

At the other end Bella only had to make a few saves as our defence kept their shape well and dealt with the pressure.

Today moments in the game went a bit flat from both teams. Every time either team started to build up the midfield broke the play down. 

Not the result we hoped for after our last game against Harpenden but the girls didn’t give up until the final whistle.

Games like today at non competitive always help us and create situations where we can learn from going forward. 

Potm today went to Zuzanna.

She showed great energy and desire in the midfield to be first to every ball. Unfortunate not to get a number of goals with some great shots on target forcing some excellent saves. 

Potm 

Zuzanna 🏆