We played our last game of this phase on Sunday with a few possibilities still to play for. A win would have given us a slim chance of second or secured third. A loss would open the possibility of dropping to fourth. We mixed up the system slightly today with a few of the girls unavailable and the girls took to it really well with only having 10 players. We made a decent start but unfortunately conceded a goal after 5 minutes. Astley and Buckshaws striker running through a couple of our players and finishing in the bottom corner. The girls’ heads though didn’t go down and they pushed themselves to get back in the game. We had a 10 minute spell where I genuinely thought we could have scored but for an unlucky bounce or heavy touch on a soggy pitch (easily done). We had a lot of success down both wings and we were a constant threat throughout the first half. Second half we continued again causing problems but just lacked that final ball. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the goal to equalise but I thought throughout the game we were brilliant. Ava was brilliant in her distribution both from the hands and at goal kicks. The defence of Mya, Maisie and Sophia were outstanding, limiting the opposition’s opportunities. Macey and Anabelle were brilliant in midfield. Macey covering everything as always and Anabelle being so composed on the ball and finding the right pass forward. Millie, Ruby and Hope were amazing. Causing the opposition all sorts of problems and we’re unlucky not to score. Mia upfront held the ball well and was linking with others really effectively. Phoebe played the last ten minutes and added a bit of pace to the wings and upfront and had a decent shot saved by their goalkeeper.
. From my point of view, I genuinely thought that despite the loss this was the most fluid and pleasing performance of this whole phase and something I hope we can continue to play going forward. By the end of the day even with the loss results went our way and we finished third in phase 1 of 2023/24. A fantastic achievement from the girls. So proud of them and hopefully we can build on this for phase 2. Come on you Panthers.
Also I wanted to mention that we played in our brand new kits this weekend. The girls fundraised a lot of money with a sponsored walk and we also managed to secure a sponsor in Glasdon. A big big thank you to all who helped in sponsoring.
