Match Report – Haslingden Girls U9s Vs Burnley

With Haslingden Under 9’s perfect form this season it was always going to be difficult to continue that against a very good Burnley side. The girls were placed in to different positions for this game and from the start Fern Ashworth went in goal, Meisha Gamble and Alannah Pollard in defence, Gracie Wilson and Gabby Rosthorn in midfield, and Holly Taylor and Missi Harvey went upfront with Poppy Millard as sub. From the whistle it was always going to be a difficult game with Burnley showing good organisation and a lot of pressure upfront. Haslingden worked hard in their new positions and defended well with some good saves from Ashworth. The first goal came on 18 minutes from Burnley following a period of excellent attacks from the away side. Haslingden finished the first half in good spirits and positive for the second half. It was a physical game and Wilson and Rosthorn provided some good tackles in midfield. Burnley pressed hard from the whistle at the start of the second half and doubled their lead on 28 minutes making it 0-2. Haslingden fought hard throughout the second half and had some good periods of pressure. Taylor and Millard experienced more tackles in the second half and Harvey put in some good challenges herself. Haslingden also had some very good chances but just couldn’t find their first goal. Burnley extended their lead on 34 minutes making it 0-3 as a result of a number of good chances they had. Pollard made some great saves in the second half ensuring there was always a chance that Haslingden could get back in the game. Haslingden finally got their goal on 46 minutes when Gamble finished off a well worked goal from the team. The game finished 1-3 and the girls first defeat was always going to be hard, but it gave them good experience trying out different positions as they look forward to welcoming Cadley