GU14 Thame v Banbury

Knowing this was going to be a tough battle the U14's set up for the match. Instantly Banbury were on the attack and within seconds were threatening to score. The girls kept their composure and kept Banbury from scoring however it wasn't long before Banbury were awarded a short corner. The girls set up, held firm and rallied together clearing the ball. Banbury were not giving up though and kept coming back but Charley finally got the space after intercepting the ball taking it round the Banbury players up to the D striking with some force but finding the goalie who cleared well. The ball was back with Banbury and they were attacking once again and being awarded another short corner. Again Thame were solid with a fantastic clearance from Bex denying Banbury their goal. The ball however was not getting out of our defensive half and Banbury were mounting the pressure and finally they got the ball past our defenders and scored, 0-1. Thame started to pick up the pace and the team started matching Banbury and getting the ball further down the field but were just unable to penetrate the D and Banbury kept the counter attacks going. With another attack from Banbury the defence put their hearts and souls into keeping that ball from going in and leaving Zoe dangerously sprawled on the floor in front the goal, the umpires awarded a bully just outside the D. After a bully lesson from Umpire Clare, the girls were off with Bex up for the bully, she fought hard to retain the ball but Banbury eventually sneaked it past her however our waiting defence were on it and cleared it away. Half time was blown and we were only 0-1 down which was a credit to our defenders as they had been pounded continuously. So to the second half started much as the first with Banbury straight on the attack and being awarded a short corner within minutes. Again the Thame defence were strong, clearing away and we were starting to find the passes up the field with Charley, Hattie and Olivia moving the ball up the field but constantly coming up against a very solid Banbury defence who were firing the ball back down the pitch. With Thame legs starting to get tired the Banbury goals started coming, first one then a second leaving the score line now 0-3. Banbury came straight back with another charge but Bo sprinting back manage to reach out and save the goal just off the line. Back came Banbury and it was becoming a torrent of attacks ending with Banbury scoring a further two goals, 0-5. With a final ditch effort from Charley powering down the pitch she got a great strike a goal but the Banbury keeper was stock firm, denying her that well deserved goal. Final score 0-5 but we had some great performances especially from Bex who I wouldn't let go into goal for the second half as she was playing a blinder and Hattie and Olivia who showed such determination to win that ball. Banbury voted Olivia their MOM and for our own team MOM award, the girls voted Niamh W who played so well giving a really solid performance at the back and playing as a half. Well done everyone and thank you to the umpires Clare and Julia for giving up your morning and giving us a really good match to watch.