The U11 Tigers have played Ripon City Panthers twice in recent weeks, continuing to develop their skills and introduce new players to football. In the first game of the first fixture the Scorchers put out an experienced team, but soon found themselves on the back foot as Ripon played some exciting and attacking football, Ripon's attacking play quickly lead to a goal, however the Scorchers worked hard and kept the score to 1 nil at half time. In the second half the Scorchers moved up a gear and took the game to Ripon, the game became more evenly balanced with Ripon hitting a post but the Scorchers got more of the ball and scored a fine equaliser with a great run and strike from Ella. The game finished a draw. Olivia was girl of the game for some tremendous defending.
Game 2 saw Charlotte M in goal and Dumile, Lydia and Alex introduced to the game, the Scorchers played well and the first half saw the teams come in at nil nil. Dumile played as the lone striker worked hard and created a number of opportunities, Alex played in defence and Lydia played in midfield, Alex contributed to the half time clean sheet and showed some good touches and effective clearances. Lydia, showed great composure on the ball, tackling and effective passing and was awarded girl of the game. Final score saw Ripon win 2.0 but the Scorchers were pleased with their performance.
The following Saturday at home this time, Ripon set off at a blistering pace, with some tremendous play and incisive crossing that the Scorchers experimental line up couldnt cope with, whilst Scorchers attacking looked effective (including hitting a post) our defence and midfield were out of sorts. Half time 3.0 down, and shaken but not stirred! So a traditional line up came out for the second half and competed much better, Niamh got a goal from a corner and the game finished 4.1. Our second game of the home fixture again saw the Scorchers introduce new players this time Anna and Mia, both played half the game in defence and got their first real taste of match football, both doing well to adjust to the fast paced game against a good Ripon side. The second game finished in a nil nil draw. thanks to Ripon for the 2 friendly fixtures. The Scorchers played well and learnt lots against a very good Ripon team.
The Tigers final friendly of the season was on Saturday away at York RI. The first game kicked off and quickly settled in to an evenly matched game with chances at both ends. Ella scored our first goal with a great left footed strike before setting Dumile up for her first ever goal for the Scorchers. However Railway were quick to hit back and the first half ended 2.1 to the Scorchers.
In the second half Ella scored again and Emma got her first to see the game finish 4.2 to the Scorchers.
The second game saw the Scorchers playing to keep a clean sheet as York brought on some of their new and sometimes younger players. Another exciting game ensued which was by no means one sided, the Scorchers played well as a team and joined play up much better and created some great flowing play. Dumille scored 2 more and Ella and Emma another one each to see the score finish 4.0.
Throughout the day the Scorchers defended well with our team Charlotte M (great tackling) alongside Alice (solid clearances and good passing) and Georgia (a great game in goal making some great saves). Midfield saw a combination of Emma, (great crossing) Ella (great running and bringing players in to the game) and Charlotte B(great tackling) with Dumile as the lone striker getting in the right positions at the right time and creating lots of chances. Georgia also played in defence and her accurate passing and marking was great, Charlotte B went in goal too and kept a clean sheet.
When we needed to make changes we kept our shape well and covered for each other as a team well done everyone. Girl of game 1 went to Dumile (Great never give in attitute and first goal) and game 2 to Emma, worked hard throughout, and brilliant crosses from the right wing.
Thanks to York RI for hosting the game, and great referee on his debut.
See you all next season!!!!
