ESFA Cup Quarter Final – U14s Girls away to Sefton
WOW! What a match
ESFA Champions Cup Quarter Final – between Sefton Schools and York & Districts – Girls U14s
Location:
- Crosby
- Kick Off: 7:30pm
Team:
- Izzy – Lucy – Holly – Aria – Sophie – Molly – Erin
- Leila – Lacey – Poppy – Abbie – Rhiannon
- Hattie – Grace
Rested/Unavailable:
- Kathryn – Vanessa
What a game!
A 2+ hour long journey to the west end of the M62 and Northern end of the M57 saw a match and a half between York U14 Schools Girls vs Sefton Schools in the quarter final of the ESFA Cup. With so much at stake – early-departures were made by the York team to make sure of no Friday evening nightmare traffic journeys!
A nervous team met up for the first competitive match since early December! And nervous parents discussed the form of both teams wondering what was to come. And what a feast was provided…
First Half:
A quality display from both teams saw attack and counter-attack in an end-to-end half.
Limited chances for shots from both teams didn’t reflect the quality of the play. Both teams playing high quality football; attacking strongly but both midfields closed down well and defences held firm.
25mins saw York playing out from defence and a loose pass was intercepted on the edge of the area – by the Sefton right wing – who carried the ball into the box and finished with a shot into the bottom right hand corner.
1:0 Sefton
Not allowing the goal to disrupt them York responded well and follow with a strong period of pressure in the Sefton half.
But no further score comes and first half ends with Sefton 1:0 York.
Second Half:
The entertaining football continued into the second half. Quite balanced play from both teams – but as York sought to make more use of their pace on the break a demonstration of this came as Poppy drove across the half way line and released Hattie into space. Taking the ball into the area Hattie is taken down and the referee has no doubt and a penalty awarded.
Erin steps up to take the penalty and strikes the ball cleanly and comfortably away from the reach of the Sefton Keeper’s right hand.
Back in the game Sefton 1:1 York
Another break from York saw Hattie through on goal again. Hattie nudged the ball into the ‘D’ away from the on-rushing keeper – but a desperate foul from the keeper resulted in a freekick on the edge of the penalty area – and an obvious yellow card for Sefton’s keeper.
York were now looking the more likely with promising attacks, shots on goal, comfortable in defence and controlling the midfield.
The tension was building in the crowd and an increasing volume saw all the noise from the York supporters.
Full time: 1:1
Extra time (ET):
A brief break and 10 minutes each-way were arranged; and final advice imparted to both teams.
ET period 1:
The stalemate continued with pacy attacks by York down the wings – whilst Sefton continued to attack through the middle.
Still 1:1 at the end of the first period of extra time – all out attack was the only option. Strong defences continued to remain resolute but as defences were urged into attack spaces and opportunities started to present themselves.
ET period 2:
All out attack from both teams made it an exciting final 10mins.
York were breaking from defence and keeping pressure in the Sefton half. A long, clearing ball from defence set Grace free down the right wing and stretched the Sefton defence out of position to cover.
A great cross was put in and Lacey ghosted in a the back post and clinically finished.
Final score: Sefton1:2 York
There was little time left and Sefton had no answer to the challenge and York became winners of the Girls U14s ESFA Champions Cup quarter final!
Proud coaches and parents congratulated the super performance from the girls and quickly turned their attention to who might be the opponent – in the semi final. Strength, determination, concentration and skill underpinned a high energy, high quality performance. Very well done girls!
Special thanks to all the parents this week.
A very long journey – but a great and very memorable game to reflect upon.
Next ESFA Cup Match:
Semi-final to be played by 24 February: (see fixtures for final arrangement details)
- York vs Medway (17th February 2pm @ QE Collegiate)
Other semi final details:
- Liverpool vs Brighton – to be played by Saturday 24th February 2024
Many thanks as always to our sponsors:
