The Scorchers started with Alyson in goal, Chloe and Amelia in defence, midfield of Naimh, Abby A, Ella, Abby G and Georgia and Caroline in attack. Ripon games have always been close and today was no different. Ripon took the lead after 10 minutes, and the Scorchers responded with some great attacking play but whilst we had chances we couldnt take one. Charlotte, came on at left back, Kelley and Jamie in midfield for their league debuts and the pace of the game went up a notch as bothe teams setled back in to their games after the summer break. Half time saw saw us revert to our startiing line up and and the game continued to be a tight affair, again the Scorchers had chances but couldnt convert. Ripon then scored a second but the Scorchers still looked in the game. We switched personnel again and were soon rewarded as Ella crossed a fantastic ball beyond the defence putting Caroline through to stroke the ball home. Ripon defended with real determination now and the Scorchers started creating more chances, with only a few minutes left an Ella corner was pounced on by Jamie who spun and powered the ball in to the net. 2.2!
With 4 minutes left the Scorchers packed the Panthers penalty area and when the ball found Kelley the shot found it's way past the keeper as the wet ball slipped from her grasp. Ripon rallied with 2 corners but the Scorchers hung on to record a fine win. Ella was girl of the game, quality passing and crossing providing the opportunities for our attacking players.
Scotton Scorchers 1 Poppleton 3
With a County refereee (and ex Nidd United player) officiating the game seemed to have even more importance as we took on the powerful Poppy. The team were Georgia (The Cat) in goal, Chloe, and Amelia in defence, midfield of Jamie, Ella, Abby G, Abby A and Emma, with Caroline the lone striker.
As usual Poppy started at pace and took an early lead, but the Scorchers looked resilient and got back in the game from a corner being met by Caroline. Abby A swapped with Naimh and Amelia with Bethan and the Scorchers took the game to Poppy. With both teams evenly matched there was just 4 minutes left when Poppy got a second, from a free kick. The Scorchers immediately released Abby G forward and almost got back in the game. But it wasnt to be and Poppy took full advantage of our attacking approach to get a third in the final minute. Anather amazing game! Georgia in goal got joint girl of the game, in true Scorchers spirit went in, stayed in and pulled off some great saves. Jamie got the joint award for an outstanding performance, high energy match with terrific skill.
Scotton Scorchers 2 Copmanthorpe 1
The team today was Alyson in goal Amelia, Charlotte and Bethan rotating in defence, midfield Emma, Naimh, Abby A, Anna and Jamie and Caroline in attack. Another closely contested game with both teams hitting a post and both having goal line decisions to be made (both no goals). But it was the Scorchers that batled to a 2.1 win with Caroline and Jamie getting the goals. Girl of the game went to Caroline, getting a great goal but also for tireless running, holding the ball up and bringing others in to the game.
Scarborough 3 Scotton Scorchers 4
Well we have already had some close contests this season but i think this one was the game of the season so far. With players ill, we just had 9 so we knew it was going to be a real battle. The team was Alyson in goal, defence of Amelia and Chloe, midfield of Kelley, Bethan, Ella, Emma and Abby A and Jamie as the striker.
The whole game was a rollercoaster ride as the Scorchers kept coming back and would not give in 1.0 down, 1.1, (a well taken goal from Emma) 2.1 down then back to 2.2 when Emma hit a dream goal from outside the box. 3.2 and Jamie got us back to 3.3 despite playing on with a knock. The game was looking like a draw and then (yes with 4 minutes left!) Jamie broke through the centre and was one on one with the keeper, the players collided the ball rolled goalwards, the defender looked favourite to clear it but no Janie was back on her feet! and slammed the ball home. 4.3 game over. This was another terrific team performance, Alyson made some incredible saves and brilliant quick thinking to distribute the ball to set up a goal, the defence were at times out numbered but Amelia, Chloe and Bethan played with determination and concentration, so much so that they didnt know the score. Midfield with Amelia and Bethan interchanging, Emma on top of her game with goals too, Ella with quality crosses and great vision, Kelley calm and controlling, creating chances and stopping Scarborough attacks, and Abby A with frightening pace unlucky not to score and linking well with Emma down the right. Emma was close again for girl of the game but today it was Jamie, 2 goals and a never give in appraoch that inspired the team to a great win.
