GU16
2010/2011 Season
Last Fixtures:
League Cup Final - Sunday 15th May - Ampthill Town FC
FLITWICK EAGLES 3 - BIGGLESWADE UNITED 2
Match Report:
Team: Chloe, Robyn, Daisy, Katie, Alicia, Kerry, Christy, Zoe, Lori, Kally, Jess, Lucy E, Catriona, Lucy H
Scorers: Kerry (2), Lucy E
Although the league is seen as the ultimate prize there is something special about a cup final. It is a one off game with no second chance and, as we know from our previous cup glory against Crawley Green, being favourite counts for nothing. So set the scene as we made the short journey to the premier football venue in the historic town of Ampthill. A venue that would bear witness to a thoroughly entertaining game of football that was delivered up by the two best sides in the league.
The game kicked off under a cloudy sky and a swirling wind and it was Biggleswade who forced the early pressure. With just one minute on the clock a dangerous ball was knocked forward by the Biggleswade midfield but Alicia jumped with power and purpose to clear. Two minutes later Flitwick conceded a corner after Christy was forced into a challenge. However, Flitwick easily dealt with the corner and from the resulting clearance Kerry set Lori free, she stormed past two defenders and found herself one on one with the keeper but unfortunately it was the latter that won out after an excellent save. It was then Biggleswade’s turn to have a one on one and once again it was the keeper who came out on top with Chloe making a great save. Flitwick were struggling to retain possession and it was the underdogs who continued to look dangerous, with Daisy and Katie both making last ditch challenges to prevent Biggleswade breaking the deadlock. On ten minutes the tide began to turn. A lovely flowing move down the left saw Zoe set Jess free and from the attack Flitwick got their first corner of the game. We couldn’t convert the resulting corner but continued pressure saw the Eagles press forward. Good work again down the left, this time from Robyn, saw Kerry eventually end up with the ball and her shot was well saved by the Biggleswade keeper. On 23 minutes alert play from Jess saw her pick the ball up from a poor Biggleswade goal-kick, her first shot was well saved and from the rebound she saw her follow up effort also saved. From the resulting corner Flitwick went close but Kally’s effort went just wide. While Flitwick were gaining the upper hand, Biggleswade were still dangerous and were awarded a fortunate free-kick on the corner of Eagles box. The kick was taken quickly but Chloe was alert and saved well. Flitwick then had two very good chances with good running from Lori and Kerry seeing them get into great positions only to be denied by the Biggleswade keeper. Just when we were wondering if the keeper would ever be beaten she was and unfortunately she was the architect of the opening goal. Just after the half hour mark Biggleswade had a goal-kick but the keeper failed to get much distance on it, first to react was Kerry and after taking the ball past two defenders she then tricked her way past the keeper and slotted the ball home. 1 – 0. You are often most vulnerable after scoring and Biggleswade nearly proved that adage, but after breaking through the Flitwick defence the attacker was denied by a fantastic double save by Chloe. Half-time 1 – 0.
The first half was hard fought and the game was still anyone’s to win. It was the blue and white of the Eagles that started the second forty minutes (or forty six as it would turn out to be!) the stronger. Kally had the first chance after being set released by Kerry, but she shot just wide. Zoe then also went close but her shot too curled wide of the goal. It was then Lori’s turn to test the keeper as she reacted first to a loose ball just outside the box; she ghosted past two defenders and found herself one on one with the goalie, only to see her shot saved. In less than five minutes of the second-half Flitwick had created three good chances. Biggleswade’s first chance of the half came from a long ball but not much beats Alicia in the air and she was again strong, winning a header on the edge of the box. On 51 minutes Flitwick’s pressure told. Daisy found Kally down the right, her first cross was charged down but when the ball rebounded to her she put a lovely ball through to Lucy E, who despite being surrounded by two Biggleswade defenders and the keeper emerged with the ball and struck it into the empty net. 2 – 0. Within a minute it was nearly three and once again it was Lori but frustratingly she was again denied by the Biggleswade keeper who was having a great game. Flitwick had to remain alert and a warning came on 58 minutes when Christy was forced into another last ditch challenge which led to a corner. The resulting corner found its way into the heart of the Flitwick box but Robyn cleared. Right on the hour mark it looked as though the game safe. Kally was heavily involved in the move that saw Zoe flick the ball on with her head and into the path of Kerry, whose great footwork saw her create space and finish coolly past the keeper. 3 – 0. If we expected Biggleswade to crumble we were sadly wrong. Perhaps there was an element of Flitwick feeling that they had the job done but Biggleswade showed great character and determination and went all out to get a goal. On 63 minutes this nearly happened but once again Flitwick were grateful to Chloe who was in great form and she saved well from a shot that looked as though it was going in from a long way out. Biggleswade corners from the Flitwick left were also causing problems and just a minute later Zoe cleared the ball off the line. However, the pressure finally told and after failing to clear the ball Biggleswade got on the score sheet with a high looping shot giving Chloe no chance. 3 – 1. The next goal could be crucial. On 70 minutes a Flitwick corner saw the ball reach Lucy E and with her back to goal she flicked the ball over her head but it just crept over the bar. Zoe then went close after chasing a ball through the middle she found herself one on one with the keeper, she saved with her feet, the ball rebounding back off of the Flitwick captain only to grow cruelly wide of the goal. However, with just five minutes of regular time left, Flitwick failed to clear a Biggleswade corner and it was 3 – 2. Surely we weren’t going to give it away now? With three minutes to go there were two opportunities for Flitwick to seal the game. From a Biggleswade attack Daisy won the ball and surged forward, Zoe made an excellent run and when the ball came to her in the box she just had the keeper to beat, but once again the goalie saved well. From the resulting save the ball came to Daisy, she shot but with the ball heading into the top left hand side of the net the keeper plucked the ball out of the air. It was all very nervous and tense and two minutes into stoppage time Biggleswade won another corner on the left from which an excellent delivery saw the ball flash past the Flitwick goal. With the Flitwick fans baying the referee to blow his whistle after nearly six minutes of added time he eventually did; cue rapturous celebrations. Final score 3 – 2.
Well what can you say about a game that had everything? Both teams can be proud of the part they played and the enjoyment and excitement they gave the crowd. However, through the whole season whenever our backs have been against the wall we have shown great character and the cup final was no exception. In many respects this game typified what makes this team great. The girls have developed a winning mentality and can get results even if they don’t play at their best. To be able to cope with such pressure and deliver every time is a fantastic quality. This season has been incredible and every girl has played their part and deserved their medals.
It has also been deserved success for the Flitwick Eagles management and coaching staff, without which none of this would be possible. Thank you from all of the parents.
Beds & Herts County Girls U15 League
Sandy Colts vs Flitwick Eag;es
7th May
Sunderland Road Sandy
Match Report:
Team: Chloe, Robyn, Katie, Alicia, Lucy H, Christy, Zoe, Lori, Kally, Jess, Lucy E, Catriona
Scorers: Lori (2), Zoe, Lucy E
This was the last game of the league season and the priority was another win which would give us a 100% record, an incredible feat. A bonus would also be another clean sheet. Unfortunately we achieved the win but the clean sheet eluded us.
Flitwick started the game with a slightly different line up with Kerry out injured (we’re all hoping that the ankle mends itself for Sunday) and Daisy missing through illness. It was good to welcome Lucy H back and she slotted in nicely to the right back position. The away side started brightly and a promising run from Kally straight from the kick-off forced an early corner. A minute later saw a great run from Lori down the left, she took the ball past three defenders and with only the keeper to beat she shot narrowly wide. However, on just five minutes she made amends. Another Zoe corner saw a goalmouth scramble and Lori was sharper than anyone, getting to the ball and shooting home convincingly. 1 – 0. Six minutes later Flitwick doubled their lead and again it was Lori. This time Christy won the ball in midfield, she found Kally who took the ball around two defenders and a lovely pass split the Sandy defence leaving Lori to finish sweetly. 2 – 0. It was all Flitwick. Good inter-play between Jess and Lucy E saw the latter’s shot well saved by the Sandy keeper. Kally then went close after a strong run down the left. A succession of Zoe corners tested the home team’s defence but we failed to convert them. It was 25 minutes before Sandy created any real forward pressure but Katie V was strong in the tackle and cleared the danger. A minute later Sandy did get a shot on target but Chloe saved well. Robyn was seeing a lot of the ball in the left back position and was combining well with Lori and from such a move the latter put in a lovely ball for Lucy E who just failed to convert. Shortly before half time a clearance from Alicia found Kally, she rounded the defender and a cracking shot rebounded off the post. Half-time 2 – 0.
The second-half saw Catriona come on and almost immediately she was involved in the action. Robyn found Jess in the wide left, she in turn found Catriona who after some tricky footwork put a dangerous ball in the box but it was just too far ahead of Zoe. Five minutes into the half Sandy got their first corner of the match but a combination of Katie V and Lucy cleared the ball to safety. Shortly after Flitwick’s captain made it 3 – 0 after good work in the midfield from Kally. It was all very comfortable and the game was taking on an end of season feel. Unfortunately, a slight lapse in concentration saw us concede our first goal in seven games after a Sandy attacker nipped in to steal the ball at the back and finish well. 3 – 1. However, the goal failed to put the girls off their stride and Flitwick continued to attack and force chance after chance. On several occasions Lori could have got her hat-trick but unselfish play saw her create chances for Jess and Lucy E. Catriona was also seeing a lot of the ball and despite being surrounded by defenders she still managed to get a host of shots off. It looked as though the fourth goal was never going to come but with two minutes to go Kally once again was provider, her ball leaving Lucy E with an open goal to slot the ball into the empty net. 4 – 0 final score.
A 100% record over a season is an excellent performance and one that all the girls can be thoroughly proud of. While we were not at our sharpest today, we were never in any danger and clearly thoughts were on the cup final. We know that we will have to be at our best to beat Biggleswade and we also hope Kerry is fit to play, she has given so much this season and it would be cruel if she were to miss the final. Once again well done girls we are all very proud of you, now let’s go and win the cup.
Toddington Rovers VS Flitwick Eagles
30th April
Poplars Pitch
Match Report:
Team: Chloe, Daisy, Katie, Alicia, Robyn, Christy, Zoe, Lori, Kerry, Kally, Jess, Lucy, Catriona
Scorers: Kerry (3), Kally
Without a game for a three weeks or training and against a side who didn’t take defeat well last time we played them, it was difficult to know what to expect from this game. However, what we got was another highly professional performance.
May be it was the gusty conditions or just that everyone was keen to play again but any cobwebs were quickly blown away and within the first minute of the game a run from Kally down the right forced an early corner. However, the home side cleared and on the break a long ball set the Toddington forward free, she cracked a shot from the corner of the box but Chloe was equal to it and saved well. Both sides were full of attacking intent and lovely play between Kerry and Kally saw the latter go close with a shot from just inside the area. It was end to end stuff and on ten minutes Chloe again was forced into a save. That was the home side’s last attempt for a while as Flitwick started to take control. First Zoe and Jess combined but the latter’s shot dipped over the bar. Then it was Lori who put in a dangerous cross after a break down the left but Kally just failed to connect. On 19 minutes the deadlock was broken. Kally won the ball in midfield and a lovely weighted pass set Kerry free, she worked the ball round three defenders and finished neatly. 1 – 0. Flitwick were well on top and anytime Toddington did get the ball the Eagles defence was solid. Christy sat in front of the back four and once again had the home side’s best player in her pocket, while Alicia and Katie in the centre of defence let nothing get past them. On the half hour mark Flitwick doubled their lead. A poor goal kick was pounced upon by Kally whose hard work was rewarded by a well taken goal. 2 – 0. Shortly after Flitwick went close to adding another, a quick throw from Daisy put Lori in but her well struck shot dipped just over the bar. Half-time 2 – 0.
Sometimes a 2 – 0 score can seem vulnerable but truth be told, the result was never in doubt. Flitwick started the second half as they had finished the first, pressing for a third goal. This nearly came when a great long throw from Robyn found Kerry in the box, she drifted past two defenders but her shot went just wide. A lovely move that again started with Robyn, saw her pass find Zoe, she then found Lucy who put a great ball in the box for Jess, her shot being well saved by the keeper. Just after the hour mark we did get our third goal. This time Jess was the provider and it was Kerry once again who finished with great panache in the bottom right corner of the net. 3 – 0. Zoe then twice went close with efforts both of which were saved by the keeper. Toddington were not much of a threat and their long ball tactics were easily dealt with as anything that did get round the Flitwick defence was easily picked up by Christie – including a great slide tackle that took ball and attacker. Chloe did have one save to make in the second-half and a good one it was as well, covering her near post and saving with her feet. But that was largely it as far as threats on the Flitwick goal were concerned. We did have several chances to extend our lead further with Lori unlucky on several occasions. However, with two minutes left, great play and tenacity down the right by Catriona saw her tie the Toddington defence in knots and her cross was met by Kerry and she made no mistake, grabbing yet another hat-trick and Flitwick’s fourth. Final score 4 – 0.
This was a thoroughly professional performance and the tactic of playing Christy in front of the defence and marking Toddington’s best player helped us to achieve our sixth consecutive clean sheet. Often the glamour goes with scoring goals but we have only conceded nine in the league this season thus far, a truly tremendous achievement. The target is now to maintain our 100% league record and in doing so keep another clean sheet and finish it off with winning the cup. Well done girls.
Flitwick Eagles 9 Cranfield 0
Team: Chloe, Daisy, Katie, Alicia, Robyn, Christy, Zoe, Lori, Kerry, Kally, Jess, Lucy, Catriona
Scorers: Kerry (4), Zoe (4), Kally
We couldn’t have asked for a better day as the girls strived to make it a Flitwick record of three consecutive league titles. Not only was the sun shining but we also welcomed back Catriona after a long absence due to injury. Although we were clear favourites a combination of expectation and a Cranfield side that gave us a stern test earlier in the season, meant that nothing could be taken for granted.
In order to settle the nerves an early goal would have been a great tonic but this wasn’t to happen and indeed it was Cranfield who forced the first corner of the game on three minutes. However, this was easily dealt with by Alicia who brought the ball out of defence and a well weighted pass set Lori free down the left. Lori sped past the Cranfield right back and put in a dangerous cross but no Flitwick player could connect. Shortly after, the home side had their first shot on target but Zoe’s effort was well saved by the Cranfield keeper. From Zoe’s corner the ball found its way to Daisy but her shot was straight at the keeper. Flitwick were now firmly in control but despite forcing several corners the Cranfield goal was yet to be breached. However, on 18 minutes the deadlock was finally broken. Kally picked the ball up from a corner, she put in a great cross and Kerry sweetly volleyed home. 1 – 0. Seven minutes later it was a cross from the other side (Lori) and this time it was Kally who supplied the finishing touch to make it 2 – 0. The football was now flowing and Cranfield had no answer. On 27 minutes Zoe picked the ball up outside the away team’s box, took it past several players and finished with real aplomb. 3 – 0. A minute later it was nearly four after a great move that involved four players. Christy won the ball in midfield she found Daisy, her pass then found Zoe who put a lovely weighted ball through to Kally but the speedy winger saw her shot go just over the bar. Flitwick didn’t have to wait long for another though and once again it was great footwork from Zoe that bamboozled the Cranfield defence and having made space she shot neatly home in the bottom right hand corner of the net. 4 – 0. Four minutes later it was 5 -0. This time it was Robyn who won the ball at the back, her clearance found Kerry who waltzed through the Cranfield defence and gave the keeper no chance. Catriona then came on and despite her long absence she looked really sharp, particularly when she cleared after a rare Cranfield corner. Half-time and in reality the league was won.
With the game won the girls began to enjoy the occasion. With just three minutes gone in the second half, Zoe so nearly got a deserved hat-trick but her shot hit the post, Kerry also went close a minute later. However, Cranfield never gave up and just when it looked as though they would get through the Flitwick defence Katie put in a great last ditch clearance. Zoe was not to be denied a hat-trick and on 49 minutes she picked the ball up on the Cranfield left and from 25 yards out hit an unstoppable shot that no goalie could have saved (yes and we saw the smile on the face of the proud dad). 6 – 0. Not to be outdone in the great goal stakes, lovely inter-play between Jess and Kerry ultimately saw the latter take the ball around four Cranfield players and dispatch the ball in the bottom right hand corner of the net for her third and Flitwick’s seventh. 7 – 0. Cranfield continued to play with great spirit but threats on the Flitwick goal were few and far between but on one occasion Chloe did have to be quick off her line to foil a dangerous ball and once again Katie found herself as the last line of defence but easily saw off the danger. However, apart from this it was all the home side. Lucy nearly made it eight after Robyn found her on the edge of the Cranfield box but her shot went just wide. Christy and Alicia both went close for corners but the goals would be reserved for the midfield duo of Zoe and Kerry. On 63 minutes another nice passing move saw Daisy find Zoe on the edge of the box, once again she showed great skill in beating the Cranfield defenders and with her shooting boots firmly on, it was 8 – 0. A series of chances then came, but Kally, Jess, Lucy, Catriona and Lori were all denied. With seven minutes left it was Kerry who closed out the scoring with yet another brilliant finish for her fourth of the game. 9 – 0.
After a slow start, once the first goal went in there was only going to be one winner. We may have scored more goals this season but the quality of today’s were as good as any we have scored all season. This was a great performance from the whole team and although Chloe never had a save to make, she never let her concentration slip and on several occasions came off her line to snuff out any danger. The defence was immense and this was our fourth clean sheet in a row, while the inter play between the midfield and attackers was excellent. Well done girls.
We now have three more goals to achieve. 1) Win both our remaining league games. 2) Do not concede another goal. 3) Win the cup. This would crown an excellent season.
Team News:
WELL DONE GIRLS - 100% LEAGUE RECORD - PLAYED 16 WON 16. LEAGUE CHAMPIONS! AND
NOW LEAGUE CUP WINNERS TO FINISH OFF A SUPERB DOUBLE WINNING SEASON!!