The Team were invited at short notice to this festival by the LFA and our thanks to the players and parents for their support.
The event turned out to be a great morning of football for the girls, club and our county football association.
There were a total of 10 Under 10 teams in attendance, split into two divisions of 5 teams, Each team playing 4 x 10 minute matches.
Our division included St Helens Town, Lytham St Annes YMCA, Leigh Genesis Juniors and Oswaldwistle St Mary's B.
This great for our team: 3 of the teams we have never played before and also the opportunity to play on grass for the first time on the county ground.
The Squad:
- E Young
- J Cottingham
- J Walsh
- M Downs
- L Molyneaux
- J Russel
- M Scott
- S Nathaniel
The Girls started slowly adjusting to the grass playing surface and the ball reacting a lot slower than the artificial surfaces they have trained and played on all season. Once going they got it together producing some solid and entertaining football.
Their formation during play again very noticeable and hope that they see the benefit of the work during our training sessions.
Our newer players are adjusting to their positions, some of the experienced players adjusting to their new roles and tasks given by the coaching staff.
The girls managed their first match win: with bigger smiles than normal when leaving the pitch.
Of the remaining games there was only a 1 goal margin and some entertaining end to end action.
Chloe and Ian well happy with the performances and the play.
The girls are now starting to play a lot wider and moving forward, they are not bunching up as often and the scorelines proving - it's working.
JW took a few knocks during the matches and a super penalty save: fingertipped over the cross bar in our final match against Leigh.
MS another solid performance in defence.
SN took the free kick of the season: first time with a wall in front of her which produced a rising, curler which got the crowd cheering and some of the LFA Skills Coaches jumping.
Photograph of the event has to go to EY on her goal celebration, good to see the ball at her feet agian when running.
JC another solid Rooney style performance, full of enegry at both ends of the pitch.
MD showing good ball control, struggled with the surface but noteable passes to get EY and SN through.
JR still learning the game and has took on board the touchline discussions and starting to fit into the team and looking wide as tasked.
LM looking more and more a natural defender and starting to get more confident: clearing the ball on many occassions today.
The team had plenty of positive points to take away, they met and talked with Michelle Hinnigen from Everton and the England Womens U19 Squad. Unfortunately MD was the only player that saw the Ladies FA Cup Final. The girls got a chance to hold the FA Cup Winners Medal and got some autographs on shirts and event photographs. Michelle is off to Germany shortly to play in the World Cup so we will get some video of the matches on the website once released on the FA site.
Steve forgot the camera but Sue will provide some photo's for us to publish shortly.
Well done to the team and their coaches today.