U16 JPL 24/25 - Broxbourne Borough Poppies

Quater final v Broxbourne Borough Poppies.  A local derby that would definitely ignite both teams and be a welcome break from the league. Team talk was simple let’s get the basics right and start playing the way we know we can. Game underway and the girls started well and it was fantastic to see they had listened to instruction which was clear in our first, Olivia won a good challenge playing the ball forward which fell to Georgia who skipped past a couple of players and played a sublime pass out to the right for Mia to accelerate on to she took the ball slightly wide then lifted the ball up over the keeper at the near post. Keeper had no chance it was inch perfect. Girls were buzzing and we carried on creating half chances. The away side are a real tough side who work so hard and they were pressing trying to get back in the match but just could not find an opening with the defensive players today getting back to their best and Leyla in goal also making early runs off her line to claim the ball. 

HT 1-0 

Second half and we started again really quickly and was looking likely to score again soon. The away side carried on from where they left off making a real good game of it yet we were resilient today and it would be us who had the real clear cut chances. Ciara had a great run and shot just left of left upright. Chloe had the chance of the match she ran onto a ball from the middle and the next move was sure to be the back of the net yet from 12 yards it was sent up and over the bar. The game was getting tense as time was running out and with few mins to go Chloe haring down the right put a ball in the box it was going to be a straight race between keeper and Ciara. I always say follow the ball in at all times as anything can happen and Ciara did just that the keeper under pressure spilled the ball Ciara tried to get a shot off but hit defender and fell nicely in front of Ciara to tuck it away and see us through to the semi finals of the League Cup.

Today our defensive players Charlotte Maddalena Liv Olivia and Lois all listened to what we wanted and defended so well, they all looked to win the first ball and get the ball down the flanks to our pace players. Midfielders today Georgia and Ava both were always looking to play the pass out into space behind and one sublime pass led to our first. Both girls battled hard Georgia with some superb sliding tackles Ava solid as ever and even playing through the pain barrier with her knee. Mia and Chloe were electrifying with their pace and superb defensive work from Mia. Ruby S Ciara Monica and Ruby H all worked hard Ruby and Monica both picking up injuries and Ruby H looking fitter each week. 

POTM today though went to our keeper Leyla who had an air of confidence about her today and the Leyla of last season was back. She was quick off her line today making good clearances and claiming the ball. Handled the ball well when she had to. Was a lot more vocal today and took her time to deliver some real good quality drop kicks. Let’s hope she keeps this going as we head into the second half of the season. 

Mia ⚽️

Ciara ⚽️

POTM Leyla 🏆

Player of the month went to Mia who has had some really electrifying appearances in October. It’s not just that side of her game that is great but her work ethic to get back and support the back 4 in games is quality to see.