London city strikers u12 Vs Aylesbury u12 whites

Aylesbury United U12s Girls White
Away Cup Match against London City Strikers Under 12s 13.01.24

Our first game of 2024, a crucial cup match against London City Strikers, looked set to be a challenge before the starting whistle,with the grass being far too long, making a scrappy game inevitable. It meant that the ball moved slower so that a team with greater physicality was at an advantage.

With a prompt start, the London City Strikers looked to be a different team from our previous matches, with greater strength, positioning, tackling and overall control of the ball. Our team was caught off-guard with an early goal by them, minutes into the game. Despite the opposition's pressure, our Aylesbury United Whites fought hard to win tackles, with Imogen proving a crucial player in centre midfield to win and pass wide to the right, with Evie using her speed to travel further down the wing. Ellie made some attempts at goal, with her strong kicks towards the net, though it was our defence who faced a greater battle. Priya was forced to make countless front and diving saves, while Holly showed that her core strength, stamina and pace proved an asset under pressure. Rhea assisted in the defensive battle. Isla made some powerful tackles to gain control in her centre position while Milana nearly scored from a free kick, after a handball against the opposition. Offsides not given were challenged, as two of the opposition's players, numbers 9 and 99 drifted into an offside position. However, the complicated offside rules would state that they were not interfering with play and by instruction from the referee, the line cannot flag until the offside player touches the ball. As half time approached, Grace battled to mark and obstruct the opposition to win throw-ins, though the half time score remained at 1:0 to the opposition.

Aylesbury United increased their pressure in the second half to ensure they stayed in the game. From the centre, Milana created some chances by winning the ball to pass to the right, where Olivia dribbled past players. Unfortunately, this was anticipated and she was crowded by several markers. Millie fought hard to defend and again made some quick passes to the left wing, though their opposition remained solid.Strong defensive long kicks by Millie, Holly and goal kicks by Priya aided our chances by moving the ball past their players. Mia stole a chance to break the ball away and made a decisive flick to Isla who had moved to right-wing. Millie, strong in defence, increased Aylesbury United's pressure, keeping the ball wide on the wing, though unfortunately for us, the opposition were ready for Olivia to make a run past them.It looked hopeful when Ellie crossed to Evie whose strike just missed the net, however, unfortunately for us the London City Strikers took advantage of a goal kick. Our players were drawn to the ball, leaving Priya on her own, resulting in a second goal against the Whites. The girls continued their battle to the end, however, despite Milana making a strong run down the wing, Olivia taking two free kicks and accurate corners, the match failed to go our way with the final score 2 nil to London City Strikers.

Despite a disappointing loss, Aylesbury United Whites remain dignified and honest in their pursuit of success and should be extremely proud of their collective resilience and skill. Holly’s fantastic dynamism and strength in defence secured her the coach's player of the match. Well done Holly!