The U12's came through a very tense and competitive game against the league leaders Knaresborough Celtic as 3-2 winners to make it through to the final for the second year running.
The team were all looking forward to a tight game and were prepared to tackle for every ball and chase every pass and the game could not have started any better. From the kick off we quickly won the ball, put a few passess together and Emily slotted the ball to Chloe who finished clinically with her first touch. 1-0 and the celebrations were as if we had already won the game. But Scotton needed to keep their heads and build on their lead. Jes and Maddie worked incredibly hard to limit Knaresborough to long range shots. Audrey covered back where necessary and Ella partnered Audrey in midfield by pushing forward when the opportunity arose and covered back when needed.
Up front Chloe was partnered well by Emily who worked incredibly hard both in midfield and as centre forward and Scotton created more and more chances as Knaresborough got more frustrated with their lack of chances. Chloe went on another mazy run and was fouled 20 yards from goal. From the free kick Emily stepped up and repeated her performance in each of the last two games by hitting a powerful shot which hit the back of the net to make it 2-0 at half time.
It was clear that Knaresborough would come out fighting in the second half and so it was to be. Sam made several great saves early on and then from a goal kick Emily found Chloe who controlled the ball and once again found the target to make it 3-0.
This only spurred Knaresborogh on and it only took a small mistake to find the Knaresborough striker in space and her shot / cross looped over Sam and from the narrowest of angles fell into the back of the net. This gave Knaresborough the confidence to push forward and with both Lowenna and Steph filling in for Audrey who was tiring fast it was backs to the wall stuff. Sam made save after save in several goal mouth scrambles but the pressure eventually told and with 10 minutes left Knaresborough got the second to make it 2-3.
This is when the Scorchers showed their true grit, defending with determination, Jes and Maddie both being outstanding, Ella, Emily and Audrey winning loose balls and keeping cool when under pressure and Chloe continually chasing lost causes and pressurising the Knaresborough defenders into mistakes.
Ella almost made the match safe with a shot going agonisingly over but the Scorchers clung onto the end and at the final whistle the celebrations started and a very much deserved win was ours.
In what was the best performance that I have seen by this team the player of the match was a real struggle, Chloe led the line with energy and fight with the benefit of 2 critical goals, Emily put in another captains performance working hard in midfield and getting another rocket of a free kick, Ella covered every blade of grass and provided several dangerous corners, Audrey literally ran herself to exhaustion, Maddie and Jes were rock solid at the back and both Steph and Lowenna filled in solidly when asked to do so. The unused subs Georgina and Molly played their part by being the most vocal supporters from the sideline and the team spirit in the squad was evident for all to see. But player of the match was Sam who could not be blamed for either goal but saved at least 5 other chances, any of which would have turned the match in Knaresborough's favour.
All the girls can be extremely proud of their performances and as a team we have played to our highest level to beat the team that has proven to be the best in the league this year.
Well done and COME ON THE SCORCHERS in the final!!
