Year 7 Girls Football

This match report from Mr Riley:

“The U12 girls football team continued their English Schools’ cup run as they beat BTH on penalties in another tense affair.

There was some clever attacking play from Martha Smart, Holly Abbott and the “Duracell Bunny-esque” Nancy Pickles but as is rapidly becoming the modus operandi for the team it was the backs to the wall, resilient defending against a strong BTH side that helped the team progress to the third round. Katie Dixon, Esme Frost, Maggie Manson, Hannah Simms and the ever imperious Abbie Greaves all made significant contributions to the rear guard action – and should be proud of their endeavour and determination to fight for the team. They were aided in no small part by some superb saves from player of the match Lucia Irving.

As the game drew to a close, there were some tense moments at either end as both teams wasted some good scoring opportunities; but no breakthrough was forthcoming and the game went into extra time and then penalties. 

The five girls who took penalties for Wellington all hit the target, impressively holding their cool in front of the fiercely partisan BTH crowd which had built up during the match. Lucia Irving channelled Bruce Grobbelaar as two of their players missed the target and Abbie Greaves coolly stepped up to slot home the winning penalty. 

A big thank you to Mrs Dunne and to the parents who supported from the sidelines. Hopefully the next game is a bit more comfortable – I’m not holding my breath…”