To see more pictures of the game, click on the link to Slideshow
The U14s played host to Thirsk for a friendly today, which also provided their first foray into 11-a-side football.
With every available member of the squad on the field (and Jess and Sam from the U13s ready as subs) the match kicked off with Thirsk immediately attacking, moving the ball around well and having a shot at goal within the first few minutes. Scotton quickly responded with a series of moves that gave first Becky S and then Georgie opportunities for strikes, only for possession to change again and Thirsk to win three corners in succession. The Scorchers defence held firm through this period and Scotton then attacked in turn - Molly first running in from the left and then Georgia taking a shot which went just over the bar.
Play continued in similar fashion for the rest of the half (which saw Becky S go off temporarily, Jayde come out to join the forwards and Sam go into goal) but the score remained at 0-0 at the break.
Scotton started the second half positively, moving the ball up well and gaining a corner. Thirsk weathered this assault and then attacked again, only to lose possession once more. However the Scorchers were then dealt an unexpected blow when the ball came back to one of the Thirsk defenders, who delivered a tremendous strike from the half way line which sailed over everyone and into the net!
The rest of the match saw play surge up and down the pitch as Scotton sought to gain an equaliser and Thirsk to increase their lead. With substitutions allowing all present to get a run (Jess coming on for Molly, who subsequently subbed Ciara) the Scorchers continued to create chances - Georgie in particular having several good shots at goal - but the score remained at 0-1 as the final whistle went.
This was a fast moving introduction to 11-a-side football for the girls, who adjusted well to the new format against a very good Thirsk side.
