The U13 girls lost 1-0 to Fleet town Hurricanes in our first match back.

It was a tight game but I felt we were much the better team, played the better football and had the better chances. Fleet, however, played a very negative 1-3-4-1 formation (9 aside) and we could not break them down.

They had a strong defence and rarely ventured forward and their only goal came from a set piece, after that they sat back and seem happy to defend their lead.

Their only goal came against the run of play. They won a corner which the pulled back and their defender struck a shot from distance, Mia Laing (our keeper) could only parry it and they got to the ball 1st to tuck in the rebound. It is obviously something they worked on in training as they tried it 2 further times.... I can't really remember them having another chance as they rarely ventured forward afterwards.

We played some nice football at times and were unlucky with a few chances. Mabel Cooper struck the bar, whilst debutantes Bo Taylor and Nancy Gibbs went close. Bo was unlucky with a turn and shot that went just wide and the opposition keeper needed a good save to prevent Nancy from scoring.

I was very happy with our performance, we played some good stuff and have something to build on for the season and I tried to be positive and say this to the girls at half time and after the match. We were the better and more expansive team and should be proud of our performance.

I look forward to playing them again in the return match and hope to reverse the result.

Also congrats to the U12 girls in their 1st ever competitive game today. I left at half time when it was 2 nil to the opposition and they were well in the game. They were keeping their shape, trying hard and although losing were positive and looked like they were enjoying themselves. They should be very proud of their performance.

Thanks,
Craig & Andy