U14 Girls Football v Wells Blue

Girls qualify for semis in an extra time thriller!

The competition was beginning to get more serious at this quarter final stage, and Wells Blue School were going to be no push over, with their U16 girls team winning the title last year, it was clear they were a strong footballing school.  Things weren’t going smoothly for the St Kath’s team in the build up with 3 players becoming unavailable on the day through illness.  Despite this the bare 11 travelled the hour journey in high spirits, with the prospect of a semi final place at stake.

The game started slowly, with both sides getting the measure of each other and the ball not troubling either keeper.  Jazzy Pither linked well with Niamh Scanlan on the right, but despite their effort, the chances were few.  Ruby Webber had to alert in goal, with the Wells Blue team beginning to link well up front and managing to carve through the defence easily.  The midfield began to link well and put pressure on the Wells defence, with Maya Matthews making an important run through the middle, delivering a pinpoint cross to Niamh, who finish with composure to give St Kath’s the lead. Unfortunately the St Kath’s side were immediately caught napping and Wells Blue levelled the score.  The half finished 1-1.

St Kath’s started the 2nd half with much more energy and poise.  The decision was made to bring Ruby out of goal and the keeper position was well filled by Chloe Weaden, who immediately made some vital saves.  Defensively, St Kath’s were tighter, going to the ball and backing each other up much better.  Maisy Atkins and Isobel Taylor were solid in the centre of defence whilst Freya Barnett and Sophie Weaden provided support on the wings.  Unfortunately Sophie suffered an injury and the side were taken down to 10 players, Leah Porter dropped back into defence leaving Leah Milkins upfront as a lone striker. Despite opportunities for both teams, the score at full time remained 1 – 1 and extra time loomed.

The first half of extra time was frantic, with both sides much more nervous on the ball, with the down hill advantage Wells Blue managed to get the ball past Chloe in a goal mouth scramble, and it looked like Wells Blue had the upper hand, however a quick break down the left by Ruby Webber who put Freya Barnett through om goal, ended in a penalty when Freya was taken down in the penalty box.  Jazzy Pither stepped up to the plate and calmly put the ball past their keeper to level the game.

The final half of extra time proved to be an eventful one.  Another goal mouth scramble put Wells Blue 3-2 ahead but with time still left on the clock the St Kath’s girls were not going to let this go.  The had plenty of possession in front of goal and Jazzy Pither tested their keeper with a long range effort, leaving her no chance as it slotted in the top right hand corner.  With the momentum now with St Kath’s the pressure was on the Blue side.  Niamh picked up an inception outside the box and hit a great strike on goal, although the keeper got hands on it, she was unable to stop it creeping over the line, giving St Kath’s a 4 -3 lead and victory.

St Kath’s now qualified for the semi finals and is due to play Priory School by the end of March 2017.  Player of the match was voted as Leah Porter.

Miss Ball