This was an early start for the U15's who normally play later in the morning and despite the pre-match team talk which warned against being caught half asleep that is exactly what happened. Harrogate kicked the game off and before Scotton had touched the ball, Harrogate worked it through midfield and into the striker who beat the offside trap and slotted the ball past Sam to make it 0-1 within 30 seconds. Not a great start!
The Scorchers were suddenly awake and the started to win some ball in midfield and create chances of their own. After 15 minutes both Chloe and Emily had tested the keeper, both had put shots wide and Honor had come agonisingly close with a rocket of a shot from 25 yards out. The Scotton girls were completely on top but the score remained 0-1.
As Scotton pushed for the equaliser a corner was won on the right and Emily floated a perfect ball in, finding Chloe who had timed her run to perfection. Chloe's header looped over the 'keeper and inside the far post to give Scotton a much deserved equaliser.
Harrogate started to play again and they created some chances but the Scotton defence stayed firm with both Georgina and Molly working hard to contain the wide threat and Lowenna working well in partnership with Honor to keep the significant threat from the Harrogate central midfield at bay.
Becky and Jayde both came on in midfield and Scotton continued to press forward with Grace switching to the right and causing problems on the wings Scotton began to take control once again.
As the game wore on Scotton created more and more chances, Emily went close as she controlled a high ball on her thigh and hit the ball on the volley towards the top corner from 20 yards out, forcing the Harrogate 'keeper into a superb save. Emily tested the keeper again with her left foot, Chloe had several through balls to chase and only superb last gasp defending from Harrogate saw the score stay at 1-1.
As half time approached Emily picked up a short goal kick and beat the Harrogate defence and the 'keeper to slot the ball home to make the score 2-1 at half time.
The second half continued where the first half had finished off and Scotton continued to press forward. Harrogate however looked more determined in the second half and they were to create themselves a great equaliser when they broke down the right a cut the ball back to the excellent striker who finished first time from 8 yards out, 2-2.
Scotton are made of stern stuff these days however. Chloe moved wide left to try and expose the Harrogate defence from a wider position and almost immediately she found herself in some space, she neatly passed the full back and crossed the ball to the centre of the goal where Emily picked it up, took it wide of the 'keeper and finished from a narrow angle to make it 3-2 to the Scorchers.
The half wore on with both sides creating chances, with Honor, Jayde, Chloe and Emily all getting good shots in on goal, but with just a one goal lead the defence had to be alert and once or twice Georgina, Molly and Lowenna were called upon to chase back and cut out dangerous through balls or close down the dangerous midfield.
Relieve came with just over 5 mins to go when Chloe ran onto a superb through ball from Jayde and as the 'keeper slipped, Chloe coolly slotted the ball past her to make it a more comfortable 4-2.
The girls played out the last 5 minutes with no real drama's, defending a series of Harrogate corners without a shot on goal, and they finally ran out 4-2 winners in the bright April sunshine.
This was a very hard fought victory against a very good Harrogate team but Scotton looked more hungry and determined and that in the end was the difference. Every Scotton player contributed to a fantastic game of football to watch and each and every one of them played their part to the full, however the two strikers really stood out today, both scoring a couple of goals each and both combining well with each other throughout the game. However Emily just edged it and was awarded player of the match but the whole team can be very proud of their performance today.
The Scorchers have now climbed to second in the table with 4 games of the season left.
The Scorchers have now climbed to second in the table with 4 games of the season left.
COME ON THE SCORCHERS!
