Sometimes football gives us a joy that cannot be found elsewhere. Sure – there are plenty of things that we smile about and really like being a part of – but when your favourite football team produces the comeback of all comebacks, there isn’t much that can rival that feeling. And that’s exactly what our u11 Tornadoes provided the gathering County fans today…
Having started off slowly with not many chances being created by either side, it was County that came closest to taking the lead with good chances from Molly and Chloe just missing the target – and with shots then reigning in, the woodwork was really busy with the posts and the crossbar keeping out some really good efforts. But as both teams came in at the break, it was the County coaches that has the most work to do…
They must have done it well because as soon as the second-half started, there was a massive turnaround – and it was the team in blue doing all the pressing now. Mali had been fouled and picking herself up and dusting herself down, she placed the free-kick purposefully – and with that wand of a foot of hers, she slammed the ball into the back of the opposition’s net to the delight of the County fans gathered over to the left. Was the comeback on? Too right is was!
Because it wasn’t long before the persistence of our Hannah saw her rob their defender and stride forward with determination. She looked up and spotting the gap, she unleashed a thunderbolt of a shot that gave their No.1 no chance of stopping it as it flew past her at about 100mph! What a strike! And more importantly – it was all-square again…
Getting back on level-terms really spurred our kids on and with the bit between their teeth now, we were playing some beautiful football – knocking it about well and making sure we gave the player on the ball options by which to pass it. All over the pitch we were working hard for each other and although it seems that luck has definitely been against us at times this season, this all changed when a glorious ball over their defence saw our Heidi pop up in their penalty area and with a calmness that belies her tender years, she controlled it instantly and slammed her shot into the back of their net! Her team-mates rushed to celebrate with her and the County fans were bouncing up and down in triumph. What a comeback! What a performance! And surely that was that now…
Despite a really tense final few minutes, we managed the game expertly and whenever the opponents did try to attack to find a way back, we held them at bay – with some of our defending today being absolutely majestic. So when the referee decided that enough was enough and blew the whistle for the last time today, it was the team in blue that were the happiest! Each and every girl out there had played their part in this fantastic result and as the handshakes were done with pride, the smiles on our faces were there for all to see…
As they came in, the coaches made sure they praised each and every one of their troops for their efforts out there. They had shown today that with the battling spirit and the quality amongst the ranks, we can really play well when we want to – and today was one of those days! Long may they continue eh?
The Player of the Match was awarded to the one and only Hannah – who has settled into the ranks brilliantly and looks like she’s played for County for years now! We’re so pleased to have you on board kid – as with the rest of your team-mates – and if we can play like this every weekend, this could end up being a really successful season…
Onto next weekend then – and we hope to see you all there cheering us on again because the fans were great today!
#UpThe County!