The U13's were away at Ilkley looking to gain revenge for their home defeat by this very good team earlier in the season. Games against Ilkley are always great contests and enjoyable matches and today turned out to be no exception.
The Scorchers started the game with the wind behind them and hoping to take advantage early on. Honor played in goal in the first half with Molly and Lowenna in defence, Jes and Grace in midfield and Sam playing along side Emily up front.
The game started brightly with Scotton on the front foot and chances being created for both Sam and Emily, with Jes and Grace supporting the front two on a regular basis. The defence looked strong when put under pressure but it was Ilkley who scored first when their very impressive centre forward broke free of the Scotton defence and found the net despite Honor's best efforts.
Unfortunately it was to get worse as Ilkley quickly doubled their lead with another similar goal from the same player, but to the girls credit this just made Scotton more determined to hit back. And they did virtually straight away with Grace working the ball to Emily who controlled smartly, went past the defender and finished in great style with an unstoppable shot.
This goal lifted the Scorchers and they played with confidence, passing the ball and enjoying good periods of possession. Ilkley were not to be outplayed though and they continued to play their part in an entertaining game. However Georgina (who had come on for Lowenna despite feeling under the weather) and Molly were assured and Jes and Grace were solid in midfield.
The equaliser was to come from an unexpected source, Honor clearing with a long goal kick which took one bounce over Emily's shoulder before Emily volleyed the ball into the back of the net. Direct football but 2-2 at half time.
The second half was end-to-end. Lowenna was back on and Honor played in midfield as Sam took her place in goal, meaning that Grace was asked to play up front with Emily. This is not a position that she has played often but you would not have guessed as she picked up the ball on the right, brought it under control on the run to the box and then hammered it into the back of the net. A great goal from a player growing in confidence.
The work rate of the team was fantastic and Jes, enjoying the room on the left put in several great balls to the front two while the rest of the team contained the sometime great football of Ilkley. This great football was to pay dividends as Ilkley fashioned their own bit of magic, passing the ball through our entire defence and finishing with an unstoppable shot to make it 3-3 with less than 5 minutes to go.
That would probably have been a fair result but the Scorchers pushed for the win and a lovely through ball from Honor found Emily in space, she controlled, took aim and fired the winner into the bottom corner to round off a superb hat-trick.
An all round great team performance against a very good Ilkley side which was rewarding for the players and spectators alike (and the coach!). Player of the match was a tough decision as the whole team, every single player, played well. Emily's hat-trick was obviously critical but for her hard work, playing out of position, and a superb goal at a crucial time, player of the match went to Grace. Everyone can be proud of their contribution and the great team spirit that was on show today.
