The U13's extended their fine run of form in 2011 with a hard fought 2-0 victory over a very good Harrogate Railway side on the hottest day of the year so far.Scotton kicked off knowing that they needed a win to stand any chance of keeping their 2nd place in the league but they knew that Harrogate would be pushing for that very same goal. Starting with Sam in goal, Georgina and Molly in defence, Grace and Honor in midfield and Chloe and Emily in attack, the side looked strong and confidence was high. Scotton started brightly with the midfield pushing forward at every opportunity but also working hard to cover at the back when Harrogate broke. Neither side however really got into the swing and chances were limited despite the game moving from end-to-end.
As the hot sun started to take its toll Lowenna came on to beef up the defence and Becky added some much needed fresh legs in midfield. Chances however were still hard to come by for both sides and the first real effort came from a free kick for hand ball about 20 yards out.
Emily hit a cracking shot which was heading for the top corner before the Railway 'keeper managed to get across and tip the dipping shot over the bar (and impressively caught on camera - see opposite). Great shot and a great save.Chloe, Becky and Grace in particular worked hard in midfield and attack to create more chances but the ball just would not drop. At the other end the defence was rock solid and anything that did get through was smartly dealt with by Sam who was again impressive in goal. The result of all our endeavors was however a little disappointing as the score remained 0-0 at half time.
In the second half the girls were asked to keep pressing and keep passing, Emily was being closely marked so she pushed higher up the pitch to take these defenders away from the midfield and create more space. This was taken advantage of with Chloe, Grace and Honor all finding some great possession and trying some inventive play to make the killer pass but Railway were strong and dealt very well with the threat.
Three pieces of great football in quick succession were to change the game, first Sam pulled off an outstanding save from a great Railway build up and then, at the other end, Becky put in a lovely cross for Emily to strike the half volly, sweet-as-you-like, into the back of the net. The cheer from the crowd was testimony to the relief that the 1-0 score gave but the best was yet to come.
Becky picked the ball up on the left and controlled it well, as Chloe and Emily made the run into the box Becky looked up, cut inside and curled the ball over the top of the defence, past the 'keeper and into the top right hand corner of the goal! What a goal!
Harrogate upped their game at this point and started to really pressure the Scotton defence. However the defence was solid and Lowenna, Georgina and Molly all showed why they have kept clean sheets in their last 3 games with a very solid display.The game continued to offer exciting football and both sides had further chances but at the final whistle the Scorchers ran out deserving winners. Player of the match could have easily been awarded to any of the players as a result of their hard work, determination and all round team play, but the one player who did not put a foot wrong all morning and who provided the foundation for us to keep pressing forward was our rock solid defender Lowenna and she deservedly was awarded player of the match.
Well done girls, another great performace
