The U12's needed to be at their very best to come from behind to beat Ilkley in a thrilling game which ended 3-2 in favour of the Scorchers.
Ilkley came into this game as probably one of the most improved teams in the league and we knew that it would be tough as we had beaten them only narrowly earlier in the season and so it was to be.
Scotton had a very good start but Ilkley matched us in every part of the pitch and it was Ilkley who got the first good chance and they were only denied by an outstanding diving save by Sam. Their reward came a few minutes later when a good through ball saw Ilkley's top goal scorer though with just Sam to beat and the finish was unstoppable.
Scotton did not let their heads drop and were eventually rewarded when Ella put in a dangerous cross which the keeper could not control, Chloe stabbed the ball and Emily finished with confidence to make it 1-1
Ilkley's goal scorer was becoming increasingly influential and so a tactical change was needed, Steph was asked to stay close to the Ilkley player to try and nullify the threat and she did a great job for the whole of the rest of the game.
Defensively we looked solid with Lowenna, Georgina and Molly all standing firm and covering Steph as she concentrated on her man-marking role.
The game stayed at 1-1 up to half time but the Scorchers were asked to step up their attacking threat and we saw this in the first minute of the second half when Emily shot from distance and forced the keeper in a great save. Both teams looked strong and pushed for the next goal but it was Scotton that got in front with 10 minutes to go when Emily received a pass from Ella and remained calm to fire the ball past the keeper. The celebrations showed how important the goal was in such a tight game but these celebrations were a little premature as Ilkley refused to give up and scored what was the best goal of the game (so far) when their second striker turned one way then the other to go round Georgina, who did nothing wrong at all and was just beaten by a great piece of skill with a teriffic finish into the bottom corner.
It was Scotton's turn to pick themselves up and the winning goal was not only the best goal of the match but the best of the season when Chloe picked to the ball in her own half, ran the wing, cut inside, went past the last defender and scored at the near post with a game winning goal that was very special.
There was still time for Ilkley to pressure the Scotton goal with Ella having to make a sliding block to stop Ilkley from getting what would in reality have been a deserved equaliser.
But Scotton ran out 3-2 winners to remain at the top of the league table.
Every player contributed to a very entertaining game that was appreciated by the parents of both sides and although Ella won player of the match for an outstanding performance, it could as easily have been given to any of the 9 players who contributed; Sam, the goal keeper who was terrific, to Georgina and Molly who were both very alert and hard tackling in defence, Lowenna who pushed forward when needed but also defended solidly, Maddie who despite illness really controlled her side of midfield, Steph for her exceptional man marking, Chloe for the goal of the season and Emily for her two crucial goals.
Well done to all the girls for a truly brilliant performance which you should all be very proud of.
