Dorking Town U12 Girls   3 - 1   Brockham Badgers U11 Girls

Report by Gordon Walker

 

In their first match of the season and, for some, their first-ever competitive game, the girls put up a very good display against an older and much more experienced team.

 

An understandably nervous start saw Brockham 2 - 0 down after only ten minutes and 3 - 0 down at half-time. However, after the break the girls started to relax and play more to their abilities. Ella Mothee, Tilly Leney and Keaton Scanlon all came close to scoring before Rachael Woodman struck direct from a free kick, which flew into the top corner of the goal from just outside the penalty box. Brave goal keeping by Ellie Rowlands, along with some determined tackling by Hannah Burgess, Emilly Walker and Miriam Mizzi helped keep a second-half clean sheet. Meanwhile Alice Beadle, Jenny Sorous, Claire Weatherston and Kate Walker all battled in the middle, to ensure that pressure was taken off the defence and the forwards had opportunities.

The report in the Advertiser did not do Brockham Girls justice. Considering the age difference and the fact that the Badgers made numerous substitutions to accommodate all twelve girls in a seven a-side game, it was an extremely pleasing performance. Next fixture, is scheduled for Sunday 11^th December against AC County, an Under 11 team from Banstead.

 

In an entertaining match, two early first half goals from Tilly Leney proved decisive - the first an unstoppable long range shot that went in off the post and the second from a breakaway run which started within her own half. There were many other chances at both ends, Miriam Mizzi and Claire Weatherston in particular were unlucky not to add to the tally, with the Walcountian keeper making some good saves.

 

Despite the score-line, the game was fairly even throughout and another good display by Rachael Woodman and Alice Beadle in defence, along with the goalkeepers Ellie Rowlands (first half) and Emilly Walker (second half), helped to keep a clean sheet.

 

In the middle, Kate Walker, Jenny Souris and Ella Mothee also battled well to create chances and had their best games of the season.

 

Above all, the game was played in the right spirit and was a credit to both teams, with the opposition battling to the final whistle. The return match early next year is eagerly awaited by both sets of players and supporters alike.

 

Old Walcountians   0 - 3   Brockham Badgers U11 Girls

 

Following their previous encounter, Walcountians had clearly decided to concentrate on defence in this match. Although Brockham shaded the possession in the first half, they were unable to break the deadlock.

 

As the game went into the final quarter, Tilly Leney, still full of energy, was able to elude the defence and finish a solo run. Shortly after, a goal kick was intercepted and, in a one-on-one with the keeper, Tilly was just able to reach the ball first and make the score two-nil.

 

Biggest cheer of the day was for Keaton Scanlon when she scored the third goal - another close range effort. Last season’s “Player’s Player of the Year”, Keaton, will be missed by the entire team when she emigrates to Florida next week and it was fitting that she should score in her last game for the club.

 

Best wishes to Keaton who was recently presented with a football signed by the entire squad. If we can find a rich sponsor, we’ll come and visit on tour.

  

Team: Ellie Rowlands, Emilly Walker, Hannah Burgess, Rachael Woodman, Alice Beadle, Tilly Leney, Keaton Scanlon, Mirriam Mizzi, Claire Weatherston, Ella Motthee, Kate Walker.  

 

Brockham were hosts again to their good friends, Old Walcountians.

 

In an extremely close first half, Rachael Woodman was solid as usual in defence and, although both Jenny Souris and Ella Mothee came close to breaking the deadlock, in the end only a good diving save from Emilly Walker kept the score nil-nil at half time. 

 

In the second half, Walcountians started off the brighter of the two sides with Mirriam Mizzi and Alice Beadle running well from midfield to cover both defence and then attack. However, ten minutes into the second half, Kate Walker scored her first goal for Brockham, a fine shot into the top right corner of the goal. Shortly after, top scorer Tilly Leney, ran more than half the length of the pitch and finished well to make the score two-nil.

 

With less than ten minutes remaining, Ellie Rowlands in goal made a brilliant save from a rocket of a shot and, as the ball then bounced towards the Brockham goal, Kate Walker did very well to get back and clear off the line. Shortly after, Tilly Leney scored her second from close range to wrap up the match.

 

Another good performance, although Walcountians can consider themselves unlucky again.