The U15s watched the U16s play out a very entertaining 4-0 win and then came on to battle out an equally entertaining 1-1 draw with last years champions Ilkley. These games are always very good games and today was no different with both teams aiming to finish in the top 3, Scotton having a chance to finish in second spot.
The girls were cheered by a good crowd and were coached on the side lines by Leeds United ladies star striker Carey 'Kez' Heuget who came along to support the girls.
The team lined up with their regular stating line up of Sam in goal, Molly, Lowenna and Georgina making up a back three, with Grace, Honor and Eloise supporting Chloe and Emily up front. Hattie and Emma were on the bench but both played a full part in an energetic midfield throughout the game
After a "Kez" style warm up the girls came out to battle hard for the ball and make sure that they competed from the word go. The game was end-to-end with both keepers having to make good saves in the early stages, Sam dominating her area and coming out to sweep up any long term balls.
Chloe, Emily, Grace and Emma all had chances in the first half with the Ilkley 'keeper pulling off a series of good saves and blocks. As the half drew to a close Grace was brought back onto the field to push for the goal that we deserved and after picking the ball up on the right she turned the defender and got the ball out from under her feet to place the ball in the far corner. The shot was perfectly placed and just beat the fingertips of the 'keeper to give Scotton a 1-0 lead at half time.
The second half saw the same level of commitment, determination and skill and both sides pushed the defences to the limit but shots on target were hard to come by and both sides were continually frustrated by their opposition defensive capabilities.
Mid way through the second half Ilkley won a throw at the half way line and they found Scotton not concentrating. They were to pay for that momentary lapse as the throw found the very quick and skilful Ilkley striker and she ran at the Scotton goal with pace and purpose. The shot on goal was perfectly placed and left Sam with no chance and suddenly from being in the ascendency the Scorchers found themselves at 1-1.
In the last 15 minutes, if anything Ilkley had the edge, but the Scorchers excellent defence held firm and Sam was not really troubled.
The game ended 1-1 and although disappointing that we did not convert our chances in the first half this meant that Scotton stayed in 3rd place with 1 game left.
Player of the match was a difficult choice as almost anyone could have won it from Chloe's hard work up front to all three defenders and Sam's excellent display in goal. However it was Grace who edged it for her terrific display in midfield and of course that vital first half goal.
