Harrogate and District Under 11's Girls Junior Football League
Scotton Scorchers Under 11's 1
Ripon City Panthers 0
It was cold out there today,very cold indeed! But our brave girls ignored the wintery conditions and secured a vital home win against a much improved Panthers side who fancied their chances.
The die hard supporters who shivered through the Arctic conditions witnessed a close game that was competitive and hard fought from both sides.
A mistake from the Panthers defence allowed Josie to take her chance and she slotted home a neat strike of huge importance.
Scotton made their usual quickfire start and immediately put Ripon to the sword with waves of attacks. Strong running from Molly and Georgia put pressure on the Ripon Defence but they held out. Josie played superbly on the right wing and ran at the Ripon defenders time after time and eventually earned her reward with a matchwinning goal.
At the back Ellie and Hannah broke up repeated Panther counterattacks with Hannah often breaking out of defence on strong runs of her own. Mollie played her part on the left wing and Jayde had a quiet time in goal.
In the second half Rebecca S came on for Hannah, Jayde for Mollie and Rebecca C in goal . The second half became quite intense as Panthers tried to force an equaliser.But Scotton kept up the pressure themselves and had the best of the chances towards the end of the game. Jayde was part of some lovely passing moves and Rebecca S played with great heart and never gave up.
Panthers had done their homework on Georgia as she was tightly marked throughout and had a relatively quiet game - but helped the defence hugely in the last minutes as the Panthers unleashed their feared star player. However, new arrivals Sine and Rhea played their parts and helped Scotton hold out until the end.
Well done to all our girls who did themselves and their parents proud today in conditions that forced many other games to be called off.
Player of the Match: Josie for a matchwinning goal and dominant attacking performance.
In the friendly that took place afterwards Scotton held Ripon to a 1-1 draw with Jayde scoring Scotton's goal. Our girls who do not always start in the league matches played enthusiastically and played good football on a hard pitch - Emma again showing good touches in some of Scotton's best passing moments.
A great morning and many thanks to everyone who helped out today from providing the refreshments to helping to pack up.
Well done Scorchers!!!!!!!
