Haslingden U9's Vs City girls

Haslingden U9's faced formidable opposition when coming up against City girls. During the warm up it was clear there was a big skills gap between the sides facing each other. The majority of the Haslingden players are only 7 years old and playing their first game. You could also see that the City girls were at least a year in front of ours. The manager Anne Fuller tried to calm the nerves of the Haslingden players and it seemed to work as the girls kicked the ball around during the warm up. The team line up was Amelia Warburton in goals, with Madeleine Bland playing what is becoming her usual role in defence. Gemma Fahey, Grace Wilson and Niamh Gilmartin held the middle ground. With this being only 5 aside Georgia Berry was waiting in the wings to come on as substitute. City were quick in to their stride passing it around like a well drilled team. City quickly moved the ball down the wing and when cross into the centre it was met by 2 City players streaming forward to make a simple tap into the goals. The Haslingden girls tried in vain to stop the flow putting in some good challenges, however it was not long before City repeated the move scoring a second goal. Haslingden at this point gave City to much respect allowing them continue to score goals. However the Haslingden parents rallied round the team cheering on every tackle and every save that was made. The second half improved as the girls gained more confidence but they could do nothing to stop City.