Mill Hill U’12’s Girls FC

West Lancs League (North Division) – v’s Blackpool (Home)

Saturday 12^th September 2009

Lost 1-6

 

Following last weeks postponed game v’s Manchester City, the girls got the new campaign under way with a fixture against the pre-season favourites, Blackpool.

The game was played at Longshaw Community Centre (a new venue) under clear blue skies and warm temperatures more akin to the middle of summer.

 

This was the first competitive match for the re-vamped Mill Hill team, and this showed in the early stages, with Blackpool racing into a 3 goal lead within the first quarter of an hour.

 

Gradually, Mill Hill got a foothold in the game and started to show one or two signs of the football we know they can produce.

 

HT Mill Hill 0  Blackpool 4

 

The second half began much brighter for the home team, and continued throughout the remaining 25 minutes, and it came as no surprise when they pulled a goal back, following the best passing move of the match.

Unfortunately, the away team grabbed a fourth goal just before the break to give the scoreline a rather flattering look.

 

 

 

However, slightly against the run of play, the visitors grabbed a couple of more goals, one from a free kick from distance which floated into the top corner, the other scrambled in following a melee in the goalmouth.

 

FT Mill Hill 1 Blackpool 6

 

In summary, a rather harsh scoreline, but plenty of encouraging signs, especially in the second half which can be built on with hard work during training.

This year is a big step up in class from the North Valley League and it will take time for the girls to settle in, but they have the ability to do so and hopefully they will show this potential next week-end when they face an away trip to Bury.

Mill Hill U’11’s Girls FC

Tournament at Bispham Girls FC

Saturday 16^th May 2009

Result - Runners Up

 

On a blustery (and occasionally wet) day at the seaside the girls turned up for the tournament at Bispham Juniors ground.

The all day event entailed the team playing 5 twelve minute group matches, with the top two going direct into the Cup Final, and the teams finishing 3^rd to 6^th playing off to compete for the Plate.

 

There were a couple of familiar teams we were due to play, plus some unknown quantities, but the girls went into the tournament confident of doing well.

 

Game 1 – vs. Thornton Cleveleys.                     Won   2-0           Amber (2)

Game 2 – vs. Denton                                          Won   1-0           Amber

Game 3 – vs. Blackpool                                      Drew 1-1            Alice

Game 4 – vs. Birkdale Diamonds                       Drew  1-1           Amber

Game 5 – vs. Haslingden                                     Won  1-0           Amy

 

The girls qualified comfortably in 2^nd place behind Blackpool and 3pts ahead of their nearest rivals, Birkdale Diamonds.

The team played well during the qualifying matches, only conceding the two goals, and it was definitely a case of the “A Team” up front.

 

The final was, as expected, a very tight affair with both defences on top and chances at a premium.

The game ended goalless at the end of the regular 12 minutes, with Mill Hill producing the best moment, when after a strong run down the wing, Amber struck a cracking shot which thudded against the inside of the post and unfortunately straight into the arms of the keeper!

The match then went into extra-time and appeared to be heading for the dreaded penalty shoot out when disaster struck. With the clock showing 30 seconds remaining a speculative shot came in from Blackpool, which evaded the defence and went through the legs of an unsighted Katie in the nets.

This was a unsatisfactory way to decide the match and very harsh on the girls, but those are the margins between victory and defeat.

 

The medals were awarded and a very long day ended.

 

Congratulations should go to the girls for another good all round display, which just failed to reap the rewards, falling at the final hurdle.

 

Team – Katie, Amy, Emma, Neve, Amber, TJ, Alice and a special mention to Katie and Olivia who came up from the under 10’s and more than played their part.

   MILL HILL F.C.are looking for a manager who would like to take on a girls under 9's team for next season (2009-2010) with some willing and talented girls who are already training at the club in preparation for the new season.  You would have a committment for training on a Wednesaday, 6-7pm and non-competitive 5 a-side matches every week or two.  
 
For anyone interested in starting out in junior management it would be an ideal introduction into getting involved with youth football due to the non-competitive nature of games in the early years.

If you are interested and would like further information please contact Kelvin at the earliest instance ! 07947231449 or  mrkwilkins@hotmail.com

Mill Hill U’11’s Girls FC

League – v;s Thornton Cleveleys (Away)

Sunday 10th May 2009

Won 8-0

 

Playing in their away strip of blue and black shirts, the girls kicked off the final match of a successful season in warm and sunny conditions on the Fylde coast.

The first half started and ended with Mill Hill camped in the opposition territory but for all the attempts on goal they only had a 1-0 lead to show for their efforts.

This was due to the excellent “backs to the wall” performance from Thornton, who were showing a determination and desire to keep the ball out, that was a vast improvement on our last visit to the seaside.

Thornton also left one player right up on the edge of our box, which meant that our defence had to be on their toes, as any long clearance caused a potential threat.

As I said, the first 30 minutes was a catalogue of chances, with virtually every outfield player having a shot at goal, which was kept out by every conceivable method by the defenders and keeper.

The goal, when it came, was a peach – Amber made one of her runs down the touchline and sent in a cross into the centre of the box, and this time the ball was met on the volley by Alice who placed it into the corner of the net – relief all round.

This goal had added significance, as it was the 100^th of the season. Congrats to Alice!

HALF TIME 1-0

The second half started as the first half had ended, with a goal from Mill Hill, this time Neve picked the ball up in the middle of the park, moved a few yards forwards and hit a shot which crept under the keeper – 2-0.

Conceding the second goal seemed to affect the confidence of the Thornton players and they seemed to drop a gear or two, maybe the first half exertions had taken their toll, as Mill Hill went on to knock in a further 6 goals in the second period.

Firstly, a cross from Alice was met, with the faintest of touches, from Freya at the near post and the ball looped over the keeper (3-0), then Neve hit the ball from the edge of the box and beat the keeper at the near post for number 4.

Then came probably the goal of the game as Freya took on, and beat, three players before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner (5-0).

We then had a quiet passage of play, before the game exploded into life again with three goals in as many minutes.

The sixth goal was scored by Lois following a long pass from Amy, the former tucking the ball under the keeper from close range.

Amber scored number seven, diverting a shot from Alice into the corner, via the gloves of the keeper.

The final goal was scored by Neve from near the half way line, the ball beating the weary looking keeper, who in the first period would probably knocked the ball to safety. The last 5 minutes petered out and the final whistle was blown on the season.

FULL TIME 8-0

 

In summary – A satisfactory end to a good season for the girls. Well Done.

I will be posting a summary of the season shortly, and will be preparing reports for the upcoming tournaments that will be played throughout the summer.

 

Here’s to next season

 

 

Mill Hill U’11’s Girls FC

League – v;s Lammack (Hom

Mill Hill U’11’s Girls FC

League – v;s Great Harwood (Home)

Wednesday 6th May 2009

Won 7-1

 

The final home game of the season was played out on a (dandelion infested) wind swept and cold Witton Park pitch, which had held up quite well against the last two days of rain.

The match was used as an opportunity to try a couple of players in different positions, but this did not alter the level of performance or result, with the girls racing into an early lead courtesy of a Freya strike. She picked the ball up on the half way line and

after waltzing through the defence slotted the ball calmly in the corner.

Alice was then extremely unlucky not to double the lead when she saw three consecutive shots blocked by a combination of defenders and the keeper.

Neve then struck the woodwork before Amber made it 2-0 hitting a speculative lob towards the goal which seemed to catch the wind and floated over the keeper and nestled in the back of the net.

Following a brief stoppage for a pitch invasion – by 3 unruly canines, the game continued, in the same vein with Mill Hill creating a host of half chances.

The game was settled by a superbly crafted goal, Freya, picking the ball up on the edge of her own area, ran the length of the field before pulling the ball back to the edge of the box where the onrushing Amber side footed first time past the keeper.   

Number 4 arrived just before the break, when Freya did well to keep the ball in on the line and pulled it back for Neve to tap into an unguarded net.

HALF TIME 4-0

The woodwork saved Great Harwood again just after the break when Amber thudded a shot against the underside of the bar, the ball crashing down on the line and out – shades of ’66 ? Unfortunately we didn’t have a Russian linesman and so play continued (with the cross bar still shaking).

The crowd didn’t have long to wait ‘til they could celebrate the fifth goal when Amber hit a cross, which found its way to Alice, and she prodded it in.

Number 6 came via the boot of Freya, who collected the ball on the edge of the box and rifled it past the luckless keeper.

Great Harwood then got some reward for their efforts when a long ball up field split the Mill Hill defence and the forward ran on to knock the ball past Ellie. (deputising for Katie, who was given a run out in midfield)

Amy then proved that it is not always a case of “third time lucky” as the curse of the woodwork struck again, after she had run virtually three quarters of the pitch she sent in a stinging drive, which hit the inside of the post and bounced clear.

The final meaningful act of the game came when Freya hit a cross shot which the keeper did well to save, only for the ball to hit Alice, who was standing a yard from the goal, and drop (almost apologetically) over the line to give a scoreline of 7-1.

FULL TIME 7-1

 

In summary – As has been said on many occasions, this was a very professional performance by the girls, who produced some excellent passing moves.

 

Next up – Final League Match of the season (A) – v’s Thornton Sunday 10th May 2009.

 

Sunday 3rd May 2009

Won 6-2

 

After the disappointment of the Wednesday night defeat, the girls were given a quick opportunity to get back on track – and they did just that with style.

Having already beaten Lammack in both the league, and recent cup final a win was always on the cards. But as with the last two encounters, Mill Hill had to survive an early scare, when one of the Lammack midfielders broke free to force a good save from Katie, before stamping their authority on the game.

A couple of half chances came and went before Alice grabbed the opener, after a great through ball by Freya put her clean through and she made no mistake.

Freya was close to making it 2-0 when her header was well saved, but the second did come shortly after when Neve smacked the ball into the top corner following a corner.

The famous old football saying “you’re at your most vulnerable when you have just scored” perfectly sums up what happened next, as straight from the kick off Lammack burst into the box and slid the ball past Katie – 2-1.

Further chances were created before the interval, but the score remained the same.

HALF TIME 2-1

The girls started the second half with renewed vigour, and following a succession of corners Freya knocked home number 3.

The woodwork denied the girls twice in a minute, firstly Alice shot against the post, then Amber headed against the bar from a corner.

Alice then made it 4-1, after the keeper could only parry Neve’s shot into her path.

The match then became stretched with efforts at each end, before a flurry of goals in the final 5 minutes gave a score line of 6-2.

Firstly, Lammack pulled a goal back with a sweetly struck shot from the edge of the area (4-2) and following a further scare when Lammack struck the post, Freya hit a speculative shot from distance which took a wicked deflection of a defender, wrong footing the keeper, and sending the ball flying into the back of the net.

The final goal of the game was a cracking long range effort from Amber (although I don’t know the exact details, as I was on my way back to my car at this point !)

 

In summary – another good display against tricky opposition, and a result that now guarantees that the girls finish in the top 2.

 

Next up – Final Home League Match of the season – v’s Great Harwood Wednesday 6t^h May 2009.

 

Mill Hill U’11’s Girls FC

League – v;s Blue Star (Home)

Wednesday 29^th April 2009

Lost 0-1

 

This table topping clash was decided in the end by a well worked goal from Blue Star which was good enough to win any match.

Mill Hill started the game on the back foot, and were pinned back in their own half for much of the opening 20 minutes. When they did gain possession, all to often Alice was isolated up front, and the ball came straight back to an overworked defence.

The score was kept goalless due, in no small part, to the heroics by Katie, who was playing a blinder in the nets, and gradually Mill Hill got a foot hold in the game.

Although we forced a number of corners and got over a few crosses we never really managed to create a clear cut opening.

HALF TIME 0-0

Following the half time team talk, the girls came out a little stronger, and for a five minute period they looked to push for the crucial opening goal, however, as with the first half despite the promising positions they were unable to create a good chance.

A little period of the teams trading attacks, was broken by the decisive moment of the match, and quite possibly the season.

The ball was well defended by Amber, who cleared the ball up field, only for the ball to be played first time down the wing by one of the Blue Star midfielders.

The ball was crossed instantly and was met at the far post on the volley, the ball going under the body of the unfortunate Katie as she made another valiant attempt at keeping the ball out.

The goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of the girls and for the following few minutes they were put under the cosh, with only a mixture of excellent defending and a slice or two of luck kept the game at 1-0.

Mill Hill seemed to sense that they could yet get something out of the game and pushed forward in the last 5 minutes, and in the end very nearly pulled something out of the bag, with Amber shooting from the edge of the box, but unfortunately just too close to the keeper.

FULL TIME 0-1 

 

In summary, although a disappointing result, the girls did put in 100% effort and can be proud of their efforts.

A final mention goes to the behaviour of the players and parents of Mill Hill, as the Blue Star coach passed on his gratitude to the gracious way the girls played the match and the sporting way the parents praised both sets of players.

A credit to the club.

 

Next up – League Match (home) – v’s Lammack Wednesday 29^th April 2009.

Mill Hill U'11's Girls FC
Consolation Cup Final- v's Lammack  (at Old Blacks, Lammack)
Sunday 26th April 2009				Won 5-1
Congratulations to the girls for this comprehensive victory in the Consolation Cup Final.
The girls played the first half with the slight advantage of the slope and were quickly into their
stride, forcing 5 successive corners, unfortunately they couldn't find the killer touch.
A further succession of half chances came and went, and we were nearly undone on the break,
when a ball was knocked high up the field by one of the Lammack midfielders and as Katie came
out to collect the ball, it took an unnaturally high bounce on the hard ground and sailed over her head
and inches wide - a huge sigh of relief was clearly audible from the massed supporters.
This seemed to act as a catalyst for the girls, as they stepped up a gear, firstly TJ producing
one of her long range specials which the keeper did well to knock round the post, then a scintillating
run and cross by Amber was met on the volley by Neve which cleared the bar by inches.
It appeared as though it was only a matter of time before the breakthrough was made, and this
proved to be the case a couple of minutes later, when a fierce cross-shot by Amber was headed in
magnificently by Freya.
This, as is often the case, was followed by a second goal almost immediately, as Freya prodded the
ball home following a goalmouth scramble.
A couple of half chances were created at both ends but the score remained the same.
HALF TIME 2-0
The second half started rather sluggishly with Lammack enjoying more of the possession, although
with a solid defence behind them, Mill Hill were able to deny Lammack any real goalscoring chances.
The girls then got their game going again and produced a number of close calls before Lammack very
nearly found a way back into the match, when a free kick from the half way line managed to evade
everyone in the box, and Katie had to be alert to gather the ball before it found its way into the net.
However, shortly after this scare, the game was all but won as Mill Hill added a third, a long throw-in
by Amber struck the back of a Lammack defender in the box, and TJ was first to react as she blasted
the ball into the roof of the net.
With 10 mins left on the clock, a couple of substitutions were made, to enable all the girls who had played
a role in the season so far to get a game, but this did not disrupt the play as they quickly made it 4-0
when, after a good passing move, the ball was fed to Freya who placed the ball into the bottom corner
and register a hatrick !
The fifth and final goal for Mill Hill came from the boot of Amber, and was well worth the wait, as she
let fly from 5 yards outside the box, and watched as the ball arrowed into the top corner - unstoppable.
With just two minutes left on the clock, Lammack scored a consolation goal, the ball volleyed home
following a corner, which in all honesty was deserved for the effort they had put in during the match.
The final whistle was greeted with cheers from the massed ranks of Mill Hill supporters !
Goalscorers - Freya (3), Amber, TJ.
FULL TIME 5-1
Well done to all the girls who played their part today- Katie, Amy, Emma, TJ, Freya, Amber, Neve,Ellie
and Lois, plus a mention to Alice who missed the game through injury (but was there to cheer them on)
in summary, as has been said many times recently, the girls won the match through producing a
thoroughly professional performance and have deserved this reward for their efforts this season.
A special mention must go to the coaching staff, Kelvin, John and Rob,for all their hard work and
dedication, and also a thanks to the parents and relatives who turned up to support the girls .
Next up - League match v's Blue Star (H) Wednesday 29th April at 6.00pm.. This is the big one and
could well decide the league title, so come on down and give the girls your support.

 

Mill Hill U'11's Girls FC
League - v's AGSA (home)
Sunday 15th March 2009
Won 17-1
The game was switched from Witton Park to Accringtons ground, adjacent to
Accrington Stanleys stadium (who are they?) and the kick off was brought
forward to 10.00am - which resulted in a few bleary eyes and weary bodies,
mainly belonging to the parents !
However, to compensate for this, the conditions were immeasurably better than
the previous week, with blue skies, light winds and sunshine !
The previous match against AGSA resulted in a 16-0 victory, so a comfortable
win was expected, and this is what was achieved.
The girls went on the attack from the kick-off, and with the cushion of an early
strike from an own goal (although Alice tried her best to get a touch before it
crossed the white line) the girls returned to playing with a fluency and purpose
that was missing from the previous display.
The girls rattled in a further 6 goals in the first period with the goals being scored
by Freya (3), Alice and Neve, with a second own goal being thrown in. (not literally)
HALF TIME 7-0
The second half saw many changes to the Mill Hill formation, Katie came out of
the nets, to be replaced by various players, whilst the team was rotated giving the
girls the opportunity to play in unfamiliar positions.
This resulted in the rare sight of a goal from Amy, and the even rarer sight of one
from Emma. (must be a blue moon due tonight!)
To the girls credit, despite the changes in personnel and formations, they continued
to go forward with purpose and added a nice round 10 goals, these coming from Amy
and Emma (as mentioned above) plus strikes from Freya, Amber (3), Neve (2) and
Alice (2).
The only "blip" on the copy book was when we conceded the goal, but it could be
said that it was reward for the effort put in by AGSA - especially for the goal-keeper
who despite conceding 17 goals played exceptionally well making a number of saves.
FULL TIME 17-1
Next up is a tough home league match against Lytham.
Man of the Match :		Neve

 

Mill Hill U11's Girls FC
Consolation Cup Semi-Final - v's Haslingden (at Lammack FC)
Sunday 8th March 2009
Won 3-0
The match was played on a blustery and bitterly cold afternoon, although the pitch
at Lammack was, as usual, in excellent condition.
The girls played the first half up the slope and against the (considerable) wind, which
made for extremely difficult playing conditions.
However, they stuck to their task well and went into a 2-0 lead by the mid way point
of the first half with the goals being scored by Amber Kenyon and Freya Knowles.
The remainder of the first half was played almost exclusively in the oppositions half,
apart from when the goalkeeper launched the ball which, wind assisted, on  number
of occasions travelled the full length of the pitch!
HALF TIME 2-0
The second half was very much a repeat performance, basically Mill Hill trying to
break down a stubborn Haslingden team who defended resolutely and in numbers.
The strong wind made it very difficult for the girls to play their normal passing game,
but they were able to bombard the penalty area with crosses and throw-ins, but
through bad luck and good defending were unable to add to the tally until the  final
minute.
Freya  managed to slot the ball into the corner of the net following yet another goal
mouth scramble.
FULL TIME 3-0
Not the girls best performance, but considering the conditions, it was a case of  job
done, and a cup final against Lammack to look forward to - date to be confirmed.
Man of the Match		Amber Kenyon		(on her birthday! Many happy returns)

Mill Hill U'11's Girls FC
League - v's Myerscough  (Home)
Sunday 19th April 2009
Won 14-0
In the reverse fixture of our last league match, the game was played out in similar conditions
with clear blue skies and warm temperatures, providing firm under foot conditions.
The weather was not the only similarity - the result, performance and concentration levels were
also maintained and brought forward from a fortnight ago.
By the time the final whistle had been blown, 8 of the 9 players had registered on the score
sheet, (with Emily being the unfortunate one miss out although she fully played her part), and
the ball had nestled in the bag of the Myerscough net 14 times.
After a period of early pressure, which resulted in a number of corners, the breakthrough arrived
courtesy of a tap in by Amber following up after her initial shot was saved.
An own goal shortly afterwards made it 2-0, before a thumping drive from just inside her own half
by TJ flew into the top corner, almost Beckhamesque, and came as a result of tactical genius by
John - who had insisted that she wait on the half way line instead of venturing up front, for just such
an opportunity !
Straight from the kick off it was 4-0, Neve put in a strong challenge, then ran the whole of the
Myerscough half, beating 4 defenders and planting to ball into the corner.
Another individual effort, this time from Amy, made it 5-0, before TJ produced an almost carbon
copy of her earlier effort, this time from just inside the opposition half, 6-0.
Three more goals where knocked in before the interval, number 7 came from Ellie when she
followed up and effort from Emma, who then scored herself, turning on a sixpence in the box &
slotting in the corner for no. 8, and finally Amber nudged the ball over the line following a scramble.
HALF TIME 9-0
The second half was a little more subdued, with players being given the opportunity to play in
different positions, however the goals continued to come at regular intervals.
Number 10 was the reverse of the seventh, Ellie having a shot saved and Emma tucking away the
rebound, the next goal was scored by Neve, cracking the ball into the top corner of the net after a
neat build up.
Freya nearly recorded a rare headed goal, smacking the post from a corner floated over by TJ.
However, it wasn't long until the dozen was reached, Neve scoring from a yard out.
The unlucky thirteenth (for the opposition at least) was as the result of a strong run from Freya, who
picked the ball up from the our goalkeepers' throw, and ran virtually the full length of the pitch
before dispatching the ball into the back of the net.
There was just time for one more, scored by our unsung and (often?) unmentioned goalkeeping hero
Katie who after being unleashed from her defending duties volleyed the ball into the top corner !
(That should keep June happy for a while !!)
Goalscorers - Neve (3), Amber (2), TJ (2), Emma (2), Amy, Ellie, Freya, Katie & Own Goal
FULL TIME 14-0
In summary, another professional display, with the girls once again showing commendable spirit &
team ethic - which will be needed in abundance in the next week or so, with a cup final against
Lammack and a top of the table clash with Blue Star looming.
Next up - Consolation Cup Final v's Lammack (Sunday 26th April 2009)

 

Mill Hill U'11's Girls FC
League - v's Myserscough  (away)
Sunday 5th April 2009
Won 11-0
The game was played within the magnificent setting of Myerscough College, which with
the spring sunshine and firm conditions under foot, made for perfect conditions.
The pitch appeared to be somewhat smaller than we are used to playing on, which made
the game a little more congested, but the girls did not let this hamper them as they set
about the opposition from the start.
The girls played some neat football and kept the watching MAD's (Mothers and Dad's)
entertained on the touchline.
They raced into a 6-0 lead by half-time scoring some well crafted goals, especially the
third, when Alice picked the ball up on the half way line, held off two defenders and placed
the ball into the right hand corner.
The fourth was a goal of precision, which showed that placement is as good as power, as
Freya picked out the bottom corner from the edge of the box following good work by Alice.
Number six was as a result of a well worked training ground routine, with a corner being
knocked to the edge of the box where Amy ran in to knock the ball home.
For the record the first half goals were scored by Freya (3), Neve, Alice and Amy.
HALF TIME 6-0
The second half continued in much the same vain, with Mill Hill playing some extremely
good football, knocking the ball round confidently and some of the one touch football was
very pleasing on the eye, in fact it was just like watching Brazil !
The next goal took a while to arrive, after shots from Amber, Alice, Neve and Freya
flew just wide of the target.
When it arrived it was as a result of another well worked move, Emma got in a tackle just
inside our half, passed the ball down the line to Alice who played a neat one two with
Amber and tucked the ball away from just inside the box.
Other chances came and went, including a good effort from Ellie, who was giving her best
performance of the season so far, before number 8 arrived courtesy of a cracking drive
from Amber.
This was followed by an almost identical goal from Amber a couple of moments later.
Freya grabbed another one before the match was finished off by the best goal of the day, a
scintilating passing move between Freya, Neve, Amber & TJ (which had the opposition
chasing shadows) resulted in the latter hitting an unstoppable drive into the top corner.
Goalscorers - Freya (4), Amber (2), Alice (2), Neve, Amy and TJ.
FULL TIME 11-0
In summary, the girls gave a very professional display, playing some very neat football which
makes all the hard work on the training ground worth while.
This was a good all round team effort and mentions must go out to Ellie and Lois, who played
their part well and to Katie, who despite having very little to do, still kept up her concentration
levels, and was rewarded with a outfield role late on.
Next up - the return league match at home to Myerscough

Mill Hill U'11's Girls FC
League - v's Lammack  (away)
Sunday 29th March 2009
Won 3-0
The match was played on a mild Sunday afternoon, under blue skies, with the pitch
bathed in glorious March sunshine, certainly a day to put a spring in your step.
Or at least you would have thought so, however some-one forgot to tell the girls
who, playing up the slope in the first half, were second best to a compact and
competitive Lammack side for most of the opening 30 minutes.
We could, and possibly should, have been a couple of goals down early on as Katies
crossbar was rattled within the first minute.
This set the tone for the half, with the woodwork coming to our rescue again shortly
after, and with Lammack looking dangerous from set pieces it appeared as though it
would be a matter of when, not if, they would take the lead.
But, as they say, football can be a cruel game, and with only our second meaningful
shot on target we took the lead, with Amber squeezing a shot in at the near post from
just outside the box.
The half time whistle came as a relief and gave the girls time to regroup.
HALF TIME 1-0
"It was a game of two halves" is a footballing cliché that best sums up this match,
as with the advantage of playing down the slope, the majority of the second period was
played in the Lammack half.
The confidence that seemed lacking re-appeared, and the girls were able to get their
passing game going again, which aligned with the pressuring of the opposition when
they had the ball, made for a vastly improved performance.
Alice was knocking over some excellent corner kicks, floated in with precision, just
begging for some-one to get on the end of them - which is exactly what happened for the
killer second goal - Freya meeting the ball with a firm header and planting the ball into
the back of the net.
This goal seemed to knock some of the fight out of the opposition and we soon added
a third, with Alice tapping in at the far post after the keeper could only parry a rasping
drive from Freya following an exhilarating run.
FULL TIME 3-0
In summary, this was a slightly flattering score line, although the right result.
Credit has to go to the girls for the way they hung in at the beginning, then slowly and
surely began to impose their game on the opposition.
Next up - an away league match v's bottom of the table Myerscough
Man of the Match :		Freya Knowles

 

Mill Hill U'11's Girls FC
League - v's Lytham  (home)
Sunday 22nd March 2009
Drew 0-0
On a deceptively cold and blustery Sunday afternoon, the girls faced a tough
test against a Lytham side which we overcame 3-1 earlier in the season, courtesy
of two late strikes.
The first half was mainly played out in the middle of the park, with both defences
proving hard to break down, and clear cut chances at a premium.
In fact, our goalkeeper Katie, didn't have a meaningful shot to save in the opening
30 minutes, however we did not fair too much better, with a stinging drive from Amber,
which was touched over the bar by the Lytham keeper, being the only effort of note.
Not much to keep the Mothers Day crowd warm !
HALF TIME 0-0
The second half started on a much brighter note, the girls performance, not the
weather, which unfortunatley continued to cast an icy wind across proceedings.
The girls where unfortunate midway through the second period when, within the
space of 5 minutes, they rattled the wordwork twice, the second causing a goalmouth
scramble with the girls just failing to force the ball across the white line.
Further half chances were created but were unable to be put away, and as the game
wore on the frustration began to creep in, with the ball being thrown into the box, but
the lucky break or deflection just would not fall our way.
Indeed, in the final couple of minutes the game could have been lost as we pushed
numbers forward looking for the elusive goal, we were left exposed at the back, and
only some resolute defending kept the clean sheet in tact.
FULL TIME 0-0
In summary, this was a slightly disappointing result, and one which now means that we
will more than likely have to beat Blue Star in the forthcoming league match to maintain
our title ambitions.
Having said that, the positive that can be taken from the game is that we kept another
clean sheet, that’s now 11 out of 15 matches, and "as long as you don't concede, it only takes
one goal to win it" (not sure if its was Confucius or Cloughie who said that !)
Next up - another tricky league game away at Lammack on the 29th.
(I may not be able to attend the game, as Emma is at Guide camp (!) and therefore
my scribbling duties may have to be taken over - which may be a blessing in disguise)
Man of the Match :		Emma Kendrick

 

 

 

 

Mill Hill U'11's Girls FC
League - v's AGSA (home)
Sunday 15th March 2009
Won 17-1
The game was switched from Witton Park to Accringtons ground, adjacent to
Accrington Stanleys stadium (who are they?) and the kick off was brought
forward to 10.00am - which resulted in a few bleary eyes and weary bodies,
mainly belonging to the parents !
However, to compensate for this, the conditions were immeasurably better than
the previous week, with blue skies, light winds and sunshine !
The previous match against AGSA resulted in a 16-0 victory, so a comfortable
win was expected, and this is what was achieved.
The girls went on the attack from the kick-off, and with the cushion of an early
strike from an own goal (although Alice tried her best to get a touch before it
crossed the white line) the girls returned to playing with a fluency and purpose
that was missing from the previous display.
The girls rattled in a further 6 goals in the first period with the goals being scored
by Freya (3), Alice and Neve, with a second own goal being thrown in. (not literally)
HALF TIME 7-0
The second half saw many changes to the Mill Hill formation, Katie came out of
the nets, to be replaced by various players, whilst the team was rotated giving the
girls the opportunity to play in unfamiliar positions.
This resulted in the rare sight of a goal from Amy, and the even rarer sight of one
from Emma. (must be a blue moon due tonight!)
To the girls credit, despite the changes in personnel and formations, they continued
to go forward with purpose and added a nice round 10 goals, these coming from Amy
and Emma (as mentioned above) plus strikes from Freya, Amber (3), Neve (2) and
Alice (2).
The only "blip" on the copy book was when we conceded the goal, but it could be
said that it was reward for the effort put in by AGSA - especially for the goal-keeper
who despite conceding 17 goals played exceptionally well making a number of saves.
FULL TIME 17-1
Next up is a tough home league match against Lytham.
Man of the Match :		Neve

Match report Mill Hill U10 girls v Blackpool

31/01/09

On a sunny January afternoon Mill Hill girls hosted a strong Blackpool  team .Within minutes Ellie had made a pinpoint cross which  evaded all defenders but unfortunately  no Mill Hill player connected with the ball, and the danger was gone. At the other end Katie M made a vital interception to avoid a certain goal.  After 8 minutes Blackpool had a great shot on goal which beat the keeper Katie D and it was 0-1 . The majority of the game was played out in midfield with both teams having skirmishes forward. In the second half Imogen intercepted and played the ball forward to Katie D who crossed for Ellie , whose strong shot was saved by an excellent keeper.  Midfield dominated the game but with no real goal threat. Olivia O deputised in goal second half but had little to do, due to defence of Olivia W, Abigail and Katie M until virtually the last kick of the game when Blackpool snook in another goal. Result 0-2    Blackpool victory.

On Saturday 29^th November, a group of the Under 9 Mill Hill girls  took  part in the West Lancashire Fun Cup Competition. This involved teams from all over Lancashire .

For the Mill Hill girls, this was their first competition and the first time they had played together as a team.

Despite this, they went on to come (joint) top of their league.

A close first game against Dynamo Rangers ended with a narrow Mill Hill loss of 2-1. However, this was the only game they lost, recovering well and going on to win their three remaining games against Euxton  2-1, TMS 3-2 and Burnley Girls 2-1.

All the girls played well, working as a team but a special mention to Eve, who was the outstanding player of the tournament, scoring six of Mill Hill’s seven goals!

Mill Hill Girls entered a tournament at Golborne on Sunday 22nd June.   The under 9's got to the final, losing 3-0, the under 10's got to the final losing 2-0 and the Under 14's got to the final and won on penalties.  The only other team, Mill Hill under 14's Red were beaten by Mill Hill under 14's Blue in the semi-finals.