| Match Report |
St Neots made a quick attacking start to their match against the Northampton U16 girls, with Sophie Faulkner sending in a swift cross in the 4th minute, which Kira Herbert almost got on the end of. Northampton soon took the play back to St Neots and put pressure on. Play then continued end to end, with the battles for possession down left and right putting St Neots under pressure.
Rosie Bettsworth broke down play a number of times to keep St Neots out of trouble. St Neots then won a short corner in the 9th minute and Eleanor Pybus smashed Tanya Sargeant's injection into the backboard to get St Neots onto the score board for a 1-0 lead.
Northampton fought back and play was again end to end until Millie Payne sent a perfectly judged reverse into the 16 which Kira Herbert skilfully converted into St Neots second goal. St Neots however relaxed a little too much, looking lethargic at times and allowed Northampton to beat them on the break, going through to score their first goal in the 15th minute. 2-1 to St Neots.
Northampton fought on with Charlotte Rose having to battle hard showing excellent consistent work rate on the right to hold Northampton off and play was again end to end. Summer Payne and Charlie Churms were under constant pressure on the left. Pybus had another attempt on goal in the 24th minute but the Northampton Goalkeeper was alert and deflected it. Short corners at both ends we’re well defended before the half time break.
Second half started again with a quick opportunity when Sophie F sent the ball into the D but Pybus was unable to convert. St Neots made a few sloppy and weak passes and looked the weaker side and no surprise when Northampton put away their second goal to move to 2 all. Northampton then dominated putting St Neots under pressure; at times making St Neots panic and look unstructured in defence and another missed attempt on goal could have put Northampton ahead.
15 minutes into the second half Northampton were putting St Neots under great pressure and looking the stronger side. Rosie Bettsworth was pivotal in keeping Northampton from scoring a further two further goals.
St Neots then won a short corner which Sargeant injected hard, Pybus struck cleanly and Sargeant gave it a last touch to ensure the third goal for St Neots. 3-2 up St Neots were again under pressure from Northampton’s hunger to recover the score line, putting regular pressure on in the St Neots D. Eventually following multiple attempts Northampton managed to put away their third and equalising goal after 30 minutes. This was the final goal of a competitive match but a disappointing result for the team.
A special mention must go to our stand in goalkeeper today Amy Harley who normally plays centre of defence for our U14 girls, without her help todays fixture would not have happened.
|