U14 Girls Football

The U14 girls finally got their Lancashire Cup campaign underway on Monday evening with a home game against Parklands, Chorley.

A quick start saw us take the lead with a good finish from Hannah Beebe, but this was quickly followed by an equaliser for Parklands.  The first half went back and forth with Lilly Forrest putting us in the lead again, only for Parklands to equalise to leave things all square at half-time.

Moments into the 2nd half we took the lead for the 3rd time through Beebe but once again conceded almost immediately to make it 3-3.  Going into the final part of the game an excellent long range strike from Leah Harvey gave us the lead once more, and we held on to it for longer this time.  The excellent back 3 of Leah Harvey, Lexi Tillotson and Ruby Jones kept the opposition out whilst Imogen Taylor, Lilly Forrest and the outstanding Isla Holgate began to dominate the midfield.  Out wide Olivia Stanworth began to get into the game with some good crosses and Lacey Byker was first to everything on her side.  It meant Lexi Phair was able to be a constant threat to the Parklands back line.

Just as it looked like we would be victorious Isabelle Riley, who had made some excellent saves, was finally beaten with 30 seconds remaining to take the game to extra time.  

A tense extra 10 minutes looked to be going our way when awarded a penalty, but we were unable to take the chance meaning the game went to penalties.

Most of the girls showed the bravery to want to take a kick which is a credit to them.  Unfortunately we were unable to win the shoot out and were knocked out.  Despite this disappointment Mr Orme could not have been any prouder of the girls.  Their determination, effort, work rate and ability were superb, and we move on to the Pendle fixtures looking strong.  Well done to all the girls.