Scotton Scorchers U12 Tigers 1 Cayton Corinthians 0 (AET)
Premiership Cayton were todays opponents playing for a place in the cup semi final. Cayton and the Tigers had played previously and their encounters had always been competetive and close affairs. Today was no different. The Scorchers started with the same line up that had scored 5 the week before, but it was soon clear that this was not going to be a high scoring game as both teams cancelled each others attacking play out. Amelia was called in to action early on and had one of her more busy days in goal. An early Cayton shot squirming away from her but going wide of the post, a terrific catch and hold of the ball when under pressure and her usual excellent distribution saw her keep another clean sheet. An injury problem saw Jasmine come off after working really hard on the right of midfield and Niamh come on in her place. Georgia was ably assisted in midfield by Ella and Niamh, stopping Cayton breaking forward but also joining the attack with a shot on goal just going wide. Our two Charlottes were solid in defence and didnt give the Cayton defence many opportunities to create chances. At the end of ordinary time the score was nil, nil. Extra time saw the Scorchers gradually take the initiative and the balance of play went to the Scorchers who started to create more chances. Emma was hiolding the ball up when needed, but also turning her player to get in on goal. Ella was creating lots of crosses, and Niamh was showing great vision with little touches and turns that bamboozled the Cayton defence. Then the breakthrough, Ella stormed down the left, beat her defender and put the cross right in to the path of Emma with perfect pace to allow Emma to smash the ball homeand take the lead. The Scorchers then stayed switched on creating a further chance and holding Cayton at bay (excuse the pun) to win the game without the need for penalties.
Scorchers 0 Cayton 0
After a good break the girls took to the field for a friendly. Tired legs, an injury and other commitments meant the team picked itself, and the girls got underway with Annabel in goal, keeping a consecutive clean sheet, Alice in defence (also a consecutive clean sheet in defence) alongside Georgia. Ella played up front with Emma on the right and Charlotte M in the middle, Niamh on the left.
This match produced a similar close encounter, Annabel making some good saves and showing the progress she is making. Our defence remained resolute and our attack created a number of chances but the goals just would not come as Cayton played some strong football.
Final score nil nil and great to see another good result in our friendly match, just reward for the girls hard work this season.
Thanks to Lee who refereed the game and all who helped set up and put away goals etc.
Next in the Cup it's Poppleton on the 21st April for a place in the final.
