Having had last weekend off, it was back to the action for our u11 Tornadoes Girls and they were raring to go as we set off. It was the trip over to take on Leigh Genesis that was on the cards for us on this cloudy Sunday morning so with the smiles and laughter out in full force on the way there, the plan was to make sure it stayed like that for the journey home..

The girls were out stretching and doing their warm-ups quickly and as the referee called the captains together, a large crowd was starting to gather for this one. It is always great to see so many County fans there cheering us on and once again, you did us proud today. With a quick blast of the whistle, the game was underway…

However it was the home fans that were celebrating first when they won a corner over on the left and as it was swung in, we just couldn’t clear our lines quick enough and the ball was forced home from close range. There was a lot of work to be done now…

The girls came into the game though and the rest of the first-half was really even – with both sides having good chances to score. Some of our passing was superb at times but it was that little bit of quality with the final one that was making it hard for us to make chances. But we were doing well – and we knew that we’d have to do the same and a bit more in the second-half…

As the second half began, the Tornadoes were quickly in their rhythm and as we began to get the ball forward more, the opportunities started to come more often. We were so unlucky not to equalise when a good move saw the ball land at the feet of our Chloe and she looked up before slamming in a great shot and looked destined for the back of their net – until the Genesis keeper came from nowhere to make a great save. So close…

But we just couldn’t get that ball across their line and when the whistle went to end the match, the scoreline didn’t really reflect the performance. Each and every one of them out there had put in 100% effort and it was a vast improvement on the last time out. The coaches were happy. The supporters were happy. Job done then eh?

Bella was awarded the Girl of the Game for some really determined tackling and some excellent clearances in the heart of our defence – but they can all go home knowing they played their part. We’re well proud of you girls…

#UpTheCounty!