Game 7 - First Round of Cup
Stockport 14 - 16 Brooklands -- 12.02.2023
Scorers:
Eve - 2
Naomi - 2
Effy - 1
Carys - 8
(Missing one goal scorer)
Coach: Owen J, Matt A,
Umpire: Phil Jenner
Roster: Sienna A, Milly Shep. Amber F, Lily-May L, Molly, R, Aimee G, Naomi S, Grace C, Eve C, Pippa R, Carys J, Effy H, Iris H, Abbie R, Millie SM, Phoebe L, Isla G, Georgia G,
Beautiful morning down at club for the U13s Cup First Round and U18s on the far pitch. Thanks to the parents for helping set up both pitches.
🥍🥍The U13s sponsored by Deans Court Chambers and powered by French Plaits were supported by Eve, Phoebe, Georgia and Iris from the U11s.
Brooklands were pumped up from the first whistle and came flying out the blocks. Before we knew it the guests were up by 5 before we pegged one back. A nice feed to Carys from Amber put the braided team on the scoreboard. Brooklands continued flourishing and notched up 7 in the first quarter but Naomi chalked up Stockport's second with a fantastic drive from right side of goal. Millie SM although under direct attack made two cracking saves and stood strong between the uprights. Abbie got involved at the attacking end and supported the workload in midfield. Quarter 1 score was 7-2 to Brooklands.
The Stockport squad of 18 were warmed up and fired up for quarter two and started racking up points on the scoreboard. Carys buried a nice fast shot to bring us within 4 and then Eve slotted one in with a feed from her U11 compadre, Iris.
Brooklands competed and popped in two more but these were countered by Carys and Eve both notching up another one each. We were fairing well on the ground-balls but were struggling to clear the ball at times which gave Brooklands more chances on goal that we would have liked. Pippa was showing great defensive skill as she settled into the game and started to thwart the Brooklands attacks. Naomi was determined to get her second and get Stockport back in the game and she was working the traveling defence hard. Phoebe was working hard in the attack while Effy was ploughing up and down the field, covering a lot of ground in the midfield along with Isla. Millie continued to stop shots keeping the scoreline tight. Quarter 2 score 4-3 to Stockport, (10-6 to Brooklands)
Sienna jumped in the goal for the second half and she didn't hang around, getting peppered by Brooklands from the starting whistle. They were refreshed and replenished after the half time break and they wanted to stretch the lead. Mollie, Pippa and Milly S were working together as a defensive unit but Brooklands were still getting goals on the scoreboard. Sienna started to make saves, one of which was a crowd pleaser as she tipped a fast paced shot over the bar creating gasps and cheers from the well attended and fed pavilion.
Following the flow of the game the ball was quickly going from end to end as the girls gave their all, ploughing up and down the field. With a couple of completed passes, Naomi worked her way into a one-on-one position with the goalie and she netted her second. Effy got on the scoresheet with a well worked drive and tidy finish. Grace was going none stop covering ground in the midfield and supporting the offensive strategy.
One highlight for me in this quarter was a drive from behind from Amber and then a turn on a sixpence in front of goal which would make Mark Millon jealous (Google Mark Millon and watch him change direction).
Sienna came away with 5 saves which was commented on by Chris, Brooklands manager. Quarter 3 score 3-2 to Brooklands (13-9 to Brooklands (missed one scorer)).
Quarter 4 - The comeback. Carys had the bit between her teeth and started to carve the oppositions defence up. The team pulled together and fought valiantly for ground-balls and generated numerous turnovers in while Brooklands were trying to clear the ball. This extra possession helped the Stockport comeback and Carys started her rally of goals. Each one in the net gave more power to Braided Blue Devils and you could sense the nerves from the Brooklands team. Georgia joined in the midfield and helped the advance and Aimee put in solid shifts at the defensive end. Carys's forceful run and powerful shot brought Stockport to within one and the pavilion was a mix if nail biting and cheers! Another draw well challenged by Stockport and the loose ball picked up by Isla and quickly moved to Carys set up another strong drive on the Brooklands goal which she converted, chalking up her 5th for the quarter and 8th for the game - 14 all!! The pavilion let the girls know!
The quality and strength of the Brooklands team showed through as they held strong, kept their cool and stopped the Stockport Roller coaster with two well worked goals. Quarter 4 score 5-3 to Stockport (16-14 to Brooklands).
A great game to watch from start to finish with plenty of excitement for all players and spectators. Brilliant to see such a strong comeback from a slow start. Keep going girls your all getting better each week!! Brooklands showed class and finesse with sharp passing, great shooting and displayed discipline under pressure. First class team!
Thanks you to all the stylists for the tricky hair do's! can't believe you all pitched in, i'm most impressed! I owe you one (i'm thinking if Princess Leia style for the next game).
Thank you to the kitchen staff Doe and Paul running the 'Sheppards Hut' and keeping the crowds fed and watered. A bumper day for the kitchen as they sold out of all stocks🥍🥍
