![]() FILLIES XI - 17/11/2019 VS IPSWICH & ES U14 (A)
TEAM: Fillies XI
DATE: 17/11/2019
FIXTURE: Fillies XI VS 17/11/2019
HEADLINE: So close and yet so far
LEAGUE: U14 HA Cup
VENUE: IESHC, Rushmere Hockey Centre
RESULT: Lost 0-1
REPORT: The U14 Cup Team travelled down to Ipswich for a horribly early start, accompanied by a plethora of supporters and chauffers for the second game in their cup run. In fact, we travelled with so many vociferous supporters that our applauding and cheering drowned out any supposed home team advantage. Good job guys!
On the pitch, we fielded a young, but exciting squad, who have all experienced playing in either Regional or National Finals at some stage and it showed, against an older, faster and more experienced squad. At no stage were the girls overawed or made to look second best. Once they got into the flow of the game they realised that they needed to defend and support each other if they were to still be in the reckoning at the end of the match. This tenacious spirit was best summed up by Emily, Rosie and Lucy in midfield, who put in tackle after tackle and ran their opposite number down, wherever they tried to hide. This never say die attitude was soon picked up by all the girls as they hunted in small packs to stop the faster IES girls. Behind the girls in goal, stood a resolute Sophia, who appeared to be re-enacting Gandalfs famous "they shall not pass" moment as she made save after save, with early decision making, good movement and strong ground work. Enough to earn her POTM.
With 15 minutes left Alice managed to get an early shot off that pinged against the left hand post of a wrong footed IES keeper, then promptly span along the goal line and back into open play. Unfortunately our raucous cheering drowned out the umpires calling of "play on" and we had to accept that the game still stood at 0-0. A hard-luck moment reinforced by IES squeezing a topped shot in at the far post, minutes later. The fight was now on and with just 5 minutes remaining Rosie and Grace managed to combine twice to create two breakaway chances for our front line, but they just wouldn't go in.
A sad result, for one of the most tenacious efforts that I have had the pleasure to see as a junior coach. Well done girls.
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