The U12's were away at last years league winners Knaresborough Celtic and unfortunately lost 3-0. This was a scoreline which did not really reflect the game as a whole and in the end we were very disappointed not to get anything from a game where the whole team performed well. The game started brightly with both teams showing some good passing and chances were created at both ends.
The Scorchers have lost in past years through goals from one key player in the Knaresborough side and this time we opted to try and mark her out of the game with Maddie taking the unenviable role of man-marking their star striker. This tactic worked well and as a result we had plenty of possession and managed to keep Knaresborough down to just a couple of efforts in a very close first half. Georgina and then Molly partnered Maddie in defence with the job of blocking any threat from the other Knaresborough striker and Ella and Steph were often on hand to track back and defend when necessary. Steph in particular ran the full length and width of the pitch at times and made some very good tackles in midfield. Chloe was supported in attack by Emily but it was to turn out to be a frustrating time for them both with several chances either going wide, going straight to the keeper or being blocked by some very determined defending by Knaresborough.
Sam played in goal and made a couple of vital stops in the first half when Knaresborough did get through but on the one occasion when the Knaresborough striker managed to escape the close attention of Maddie, she made us pay just before half time with an unstoppable shot from 10 yards out. 1-0 down at half time.
The second half was much the same as the first, Jes came on in defense and did very well indeed, Emily continued to make some great runs from Midfield, Steph worked as hard as ever in covering the midfield and Sam once again pulled off some great saves. We created some great opportunities, had several corners that Ella flashed across the face of goal but the equaliser just would not come. Maddie was running out of steam having done a great job so Lowenna was brought into the defence for the final minutes.
With less than 5 minutes to go and Scotton pushing further up field for that elusive goal, Knaresborough hit us again when they found space and made it 2-0 with another great strike into the top corner. Unfortunately we then conceded a third just a few minutes later to make the score 3-0 which seemed very harsh given the terrific performance.
This was a great performance by Scotton, we were unlucky with the scoreline but encouraging all the same. Player of the match was shared between Steph and Sam who both played really well.
In the friendly we rested the payers that had played the full game and brought the subs into the full side. Knaresborough played some of their development team but the Scorchers ran out comfortable 5-1 winners with Jes getting her first Scotton goal and Emily scoring a second half hat-trick.
Well done to all the girls, I look forward to seeing you for training next week at 10.15 at Percy Fields.
