U8 Turquoise - Chorleywood Common Youth U8

GOG U8T 💜🦩💜 This Saturday, we were at home to Chorleywood Common Youth Panthers. The reverse fixture of this game was a six goal thriller with a comeback draw. We knew from the last game how strong, tactical, and well organised the Panthers were. So, it was crucial that we were on our toes today.

In the first quarter, we started with Alara, Willow, Eden, and Lala. The girls started strong, and we matched the Panthers in attack and defence. We had a bit of defending to do early in this quarter, with Alara putting in a vital block and putting the ball out for a corner. We then tried to break, but the Panthers won the ball back and tried to break on us again. But once more, Alara was there to nullify the danger, bringing the ball back out from defence and transitioning the ball into attack. We almost got caught out on the break again, however Lala who dropped into position to cover Alara, put in a well time tackle, seeing the ball out of play. The Panthers were really resilient, and we struggled to break them down. However, there was some great passing, teamwork, and combinations started forming between our girls. The great combination play finally paid off when Lala intercepted an attack, playing the ball down the left to Willow, 🤝who held the ball up well, playing a cross into Eden ⚽ who smashed home our first goal of the game. This didn't stop the Panthers from being on the front foot, with Lala once again putting in a vital tackle to stop them. Unfortunately for us, we got caught out at the back and the Panthers got an equaliser. This only spurred our girls on, who continued to put pressure on the Panthers. Willow who showed great strength and agility on the ball holding off a few opposition players and running through on goal, put a well placed shot into the back of the net ⚽ for our second goal.

Second quarter we had Alara, Evie, Olive and Nina. The girls had to dig in deep during this point in the game with some relentless attacking play from the Panthers. Alara, Evie, Olive and Nina fought for everything as a collective. The Panthers broke down our left and were certain to have a great opportunity on our goal. However, Evie did fantastically to get back, and put in a vital block to break down the opponents attack. Olive then showed great close control breaking down our left and it took two of the Panthers players to eventually try and win the ball back. Alara then set up Evie down the right, but the keeper denied her effort which was on target. Unfortunately for us one of the Panthers attacks some how got through and Chorleywood got their second equaliser.

Third quarter we fielded Evie, Willow, Lala and Eden. It was all to play for at this point and this could have gone either way, with both teams playing some good football. Willow nearly put us ahead with a great run down the left but her shot was just off target. It was end to end at this point with Evie taken on one on one by a Panthers attacker, and she did brilliantly to recover and put in a block. Eden then had an opportunity to put us ahead, but her effort was off target. The back and forth continued, again Evie stood firm putting in another great challenge which was celebrated like a goal by parents and coaches. We got our breakthrough when Willow played a pass through the middle 🤝 for Eden who despatched her shot brilliantly ⚽ for our third of the game.

The fourth quarter we had Alara, Evie, Willow and Olive. Despite having five players, the Panthers gave it a real go and this quarter was no different from the rest. Willow played another great pass into Olive who carried the ball and made a good effort on goal which was saved by the keeper. Alara then carried the ball out playing the ball into Olive, who did well to get her shot on target again, forcing a save from from the Panthers keeper. We then had a bit of defending to do which Alara, Evie, Willow and Olive executed well. Half way in the quarter we swapped Evie and Willow who gave it all today with Nina and Lala. Nina and Lala both did well with the rest of the team in holding our lead. Olive then made a great interception, carrying the ball forward, but the ball was just shy of goal. After we had the ball pinned in the Panthers box with everyone trying to get a shot off and each effort being blocked. The ball eventually fell to Olive who positioned herself very wisely in the box, again forcing the keeper into making the save.

The girls continue to improve and are showing real understanding of the game. What we really like is the communication between the girls now, who are all familiarising themselves with each position. Well done Alara, Eden, Evie, Lala, Nina, Olive, and Willow! Keep up the good work from Coach Stephen and Coach Dan 👏🏻👏🏾

POTM went to Evie today. Evie is a real Swiss army knife who covers so many positions on the pitch. She worked well in attack, but it was her defensive work that was outstanding today. We almost lost count of the amount of blocks and ball recoveries she made. We would have surely conceded more if it wasn't for her efforts. She always takes on board what we tell her, asks the right questions and is a real pleasure to coach. Well done Evie 🏆

Opposition POTM went to Willow today. The opposition coach commented on how well she held the ball up today. This was also something both our coaches echoed today. She is becoming a real asset in creating attacks as well as getting stuck in and winning the ball back when needed. She really dictated the game and was impressive through out. This was evident with her goal and two assists today. Well done Willow 🏆

Eden ⚽⚽

Willow ⚽

Assists: Willow x2 🤝

Captain: Eden ©️

POTM 🏆 Evie

Opposition POTM 🏆 Willow