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Football match report - U16 girls Kent Cup semi-final
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Published on 30 January 2012
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Written by Mr I Wallace
Priory School U16 5 – 1 Dane Court Grammar School U16
This Girls U16 County Cup Semi Final was exactly what it should be, a really tough football match. This was no dainty, prissy affair with the players dancing around the ball like they would their handbags at a disco; this was quality football from two committed sides. Both teams obviously deserved to be in the last four of the competition and enhanced their reputations with their display. The result went against us but we couldn’t complain. Dane Court’s very good side were beaten by Priory’s excellent one.
The long, early trip to Orpington was filled with nervous laughter and anticipation. The 3G pitch and crisp overhead conditions were perfect for playing football and from the start both sides gave clear indications of their intentions. The home side’s front two were quick and strong and tested the immaculate Becca Slevin and Melissa Todd at the centre of our defence. Meantime Megan Longden and Esme Stannard caused panic to the Priory back four with their penetrative runs. The midfield was a battleground. Chloe Moran and Charlotte Tonkiss showed great tenacity and energy in breaking up attacks. Tilly Ellis Jarman and Amy Mallett covered acres of ground on the flanks in both attack and defence. Our fullbacks, Rhiannon Suchak and Ellie Burton were having to cope with powerful and tricky wingers who prevented them from offering an attacking threat themselves.
Priory rattled the bar twice before a scorching strike from their left back - who was comfortably the best player on the pitch – arrowed into the top right hand corner of our net. Mia Adams in goal had no chance with that effort but was soon to make two brilliant saves to keep the score at 0-1. Substitute Amee Cosby was required to deputise for Charlotte who required treatment for a nosebleed and did so very effectively. A second injury to the feisty Amy Mallett gave Rachelle Bretagne an opportunity to show her talent and she buzzed around like a bee in a rose garden. With her natural tendency to get forward we created two decent chances by overloading the attack. Firstly, Megan had a shot blocked by the keeper then a second attack caused a scramble in the home sides defence but Tilly’s outstretched right foot could only prod the ball agonisingly the wrong side of the post. Half time arrived for a welcome break and a re-issuing of instructions as to how the combat the growing threat from Priory.
A renewed vigour enthused our play after the interval and our midfield began to function with more fluency. From a flowing passing move Esme Stannard unleashed a terrific shot which was well saved. The next five minutes belonged to Dane Court but no reward was forthcoming. Then Priory produced an excellent run down the left culminating in a low cross drilled into our area and from the resulting melee the ball was poked home for a 0-2 scoreline. Very shortly afterwards a long high clearance eluded our defence and was seized upon by the home side’s striker who nodded it past the advancing keeper. 0-3 was cruel and we could have folded at that point but this team are made of sterner stuff. Another series of attacks ensued and this time a goal arrived via an angled shot into the left hand corner by Megan Longden. There was hope but not much time. We threw on our last sub, Shevaun Newman but as we pushed forwards we were exposed at the back and two goals in the last three minutes sealed our fate.
A defeat, yes, but an honourable one where every player gave their all, we can ask for no more. Priory will win the final, they are a very very good side and this was a very very good match.
