Back to league action this week for our U13s. On a high from our previous weeks cup game win, we knew we had to be fully focused on a different challenge this week.
The game started at a fast pace from both sides and some great football played from the off. Despite numerous attacking play, shots on goal from Cardiff, Sully proved difficult to break down. Cardiff kept their shape and discipline to continue to breakdown Sully. Counter runs from Seren and Charlie in midfield, laying the ball wide and stretching play across the whole field finally paid off. Renee pressurised the opposition winger out wide forcing the ball to bounce into midfield for Seren to pick up, stride forward and shoot on goal. The keeper stopped the shot with her feet, which bounced at the feet of Meg who was sharp, attacked the loose ball and scored our first goal to make it 1-0 in the 19th minute.
Bouyed by a goal Cardiff continued to pile on the pressure in search of another goal. Teamwork and confidence was again evident in this game and allowed the players to try new things, not be afraid to make a mistake and press forward with confident runs and great football. With Sully mounting an attack Cardiff had to work hard to gain the ball back to stop them getting closer to a shot on our goal. Sienna initially broke up the Sully advancing attack, the ball came free and the loose ball was picked up by Ffion, who confidently played the ball through midfield to Savanna who controlled the ball, did a little turn to beat 3 players and then lob the ball over the keeper to make it 2-0 in the 32nd minute, going in at half time in front.
Going in at half time, our focus wasn’t on we are 2-0 up, job done, it was on how we keep our discipline, pile on more pressure and how we restrict Sully from advancing on our goal. We were able to swap a few players around to play in unfamiliar positions for some valuable experience. As expected Sully mounted quick attacks, which our defence and keeper Yomn handled anything thrown at them with confidence. Some lovely balls and runs from Lexi and interceptions from Seren who was now playing in defence relieved the pressure numerous times and allowed us to mount quick attacks down the field.
Lots of pressure applied, shots on goal made from both sides made it a hard fought 2nd half. Cardiff continued with their controlled play which again paid off with a fantastic corner from Nevaeh, who put a beautiful cross into the danger area right on spot. The ball bounced around, which caused confusion on the opposition trying to clear it. Lexi picked up the loose ball that came out to her and put it back into the danger zone resulting in a Sully defender handling it. With the penalty awarded, Ffion stepped up to calmly slot the penalty into the bottom right hand corner of the GK in the 69th minute to make it 3-0 and that was the final scoreline of the game.
Todays game was a different challenge for all our players to adapt to. Playing in unfamiliar positions added a different element, but our discipline and teamwork allowed the outcome of the game to go our way again which was lovely to witness. But to watch your players, play with confidence, develop, not afraid to try new things and embrace what we are trying to achieve and all done with a smile on their faces is a win in itself.
Scorers : Meg ⚽️, Savanna ⚽️, Ffion ⚽️
POTM : Seren
Well done everyone 👏👏
