The U14’s got back to winning ways in a very entertaining
match against Silsden in their last league game of the season. The Scorchers had been beaten by Silsden in
the supplementary cup just 4 weeks ago and the team were in no mood for a
repeat performance. As it transpired the
girls were on top form and put in probably one of the best performances of the
season.
The team lined up with Sam in goal, the usual back three of Molly, Lowenna and Georgina, Grace, Honor and Courtney making up a strong looking midfield and Chloe returning to partner Emily up front. Seren and Jayde were available as substitutes.
The first half started strongly with Courtney testing the Silsden keeper very early and, as usual when we play Silsden, the ‘keeper was outstanding and pushed the ball wide. A series of corners followed from both the left and the right but the deadlock could not be broken. The Scorchers continued to push forward and the midfield in particular controlled the pace of the game, passing the ball well and always looking for the through ball.
The deadlock was broken mid way through the first half when Emily picked up a loose ball, turned the defender at the near post, creating the angle for a powerful shot which was in the back of the net before anyone could react. This was a great relief and the second was soon to follow when the hard working Chloe created some space behind the defence and saw her powerful shot deflected by the defender past the unfortunate goalkeeper.
At the other end Silsden did not let their heads drop and continued to look to hit Scotton on the break. The defence was assured however and both Molly and Georgina marshalled the wings well, often turning defence into attack, while Lowenna was always on hand to tidy up any loose balls. On the one occasion that Sam was called into action she calmly gathered the ball up and quickly returned the ball into midfield to start another Scorchers attack.
Jayde and Seren both joined the action midway through the first half and another corner from the left created one of the best chances of the game. Emily delivered another dangerous corner and Chloe got her head to the ball and glanced it towards the far post, unfortunately the Silsden defence was alert on the back post and cleared the ball and following a series of efforts from the Scotton midfield who were swarming all over the penalty area the Silsden defence eventually got the ball clear. 2-0 at half time.
At half time Jayde replaced Sam in goal and the team showed determination to build on their lead. It was a Long Jayde goal kick that eluded the Silsden defence and Chloe was on hand to control the ball on the second bounce and advance on the ‘keeper. As the ‘keeper came out, and under pressure from the defenders, Chloe shot into the bottom corner from 15 yards, 3-0.
Chloe was then on hand to complete her hat-trick as she
pounced on a rare mistake by the Silsden ‘keeper who could only parry a
powerful shot from Emily and Chloe made no mistake from 5 yards out.
Honor, Grace, and Courtney were all pressing hard and having shots on goal but a nice ball from Sam found Emily in space and she got her second of the match and the Scorchers fifth with a smart finish.
The Silsden team were tiring by now and with Courtney playing in an advance role she was to get on the score sheet as Chloe made a determined run down the left, rounding the defender and then selflessly squaring the ball for Courtney to side foot towards goal. The ‘keeper was alert enough to get a hand to the ball but the tap-in rebound was easy for Courtney to make it 6-0. The game was drawing to a close and there was still enough time for Emily to round the last defender once again and shoot past the ‘keeper to make it a very comfortable 7-0 win for the Scorchers.
The score line did not reflect the effort that Silsden put in and against a Scorchers team that played one of their best games of the season they did not let their heads drop and contributed to a very entertaining game.
Player of the match was difficult as every single team member made a very positive contribution to this performance but the outstanding performance came from Chloe who worked extremely hard to create several good opportunities, get one assist and score her own hat-trick. This was probably one of her best performances of the season and certainly one of the best team performances we have seen. Every girl on both sides deserves credit for their contribution to this high quality encounter.
