School Girls U14s vs Medway (Champions Cup semi-final)
Venue: Queen Ethelburga’s collegiate
Date: 17 February 2024 – 2pm kick off 12:45pm meet
Officials: Independently appointed
… And so following the exciting extra time win against Sefton we move onto the long awaited Champions Cup semi final.
Some hard fought arrangements had been made, unmade and remade to get the fixture to take place in/around York and at a suitable venue. After much seeking – well done Laura and Scott – Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate offered to help us. 
What an amazing venue it is. Nestled in the vale of York the school, academic college and performance sports college provided the back drop and setting to our eagerly awaited semi.
The buzz around QE college was of eager anticipation. The temperature was pleasant but as the players warm-up started so did the rain.
A full officials contingent with appointed referee and two linesmen were in attendance and added to the feel and importance of the match.
Throughout the week messages of support had been received from councillors, schools and teachers, coaches and players, a good number of whom also came along to add to the hundred (plus) strong pitch side support.
Squad:
- Lucy – Izzy – Holly – Aria – Sophie – Erin – Leila – Abbie – Poppy – Lacey – Hattie – Grace – Kathryn – Molly – Eleanor
First half: Kick off 1:58pm
Some good open play started the match. And after initial quick attacks by both teams
Hattie chasing quick through ball
Excellent sliding challenge by Sophie as Medway breakthrough
Good Early York pressure – seems promising.
14:03hrs
Lacey’s throw to Leila is laid off and leads to pass turn and shot from Poppy. Good shot just wide of the keepers right.
Abbie strong in the challenge down right. Attempted cross
Lacey shot from the left – at distance – slides past the post.
Continued pressure from York – with only a few efforts from Medway to counter. Thwarted well by York defence and Izzy (first half keeper)
14:15hrs
A wide pass from Grace gives Hattie a chance just into Medway area. Super finish. 1:0 York
A similar break gives Hattie another chance on goal. Shot this time higher shot saved by keeper
14:16hrs
First corner to Medway is played into the box but is miscontrolled and leads to a York goal kick.
14:18
Cross from the right looks a comfortable take for the keeper but with pressure from Grace the keeper fumbles and the ball breaks loose Grace scores.
The referee consults with his linesman and decides the goal is good. 2:0 York
More balanced play now as Medway seek to steady the ship and react.
14:27
Nice interplay from York breaks into the Medway defence and a cross from Eleanor assists for Hattie to chip over the keeper. Exquisite goal! 3:0 York
14:32 More York pressure sees a shot from Eleanor just wide of keepers right.
14:33
Looking sharp on the attack the Medway midfield slide a through ball to leave their striker one on one with Izzy. She takes an early shot chipping the on rushing keeper.
3:1. Looks of slight concern on the York parents faces – could there be a Medway fight back?
Half time. York 3:1 Medway
Second half 14:45
Lucy on.
Kathryn on
Molly on
Looking a slightly more balanced game both teams showed attacking promise without significant event.
First saw a period of York pressure then a period of Medway pushing York back into their half.
14:55
Attack from York gains a corner – and sees a cross from Leila drops to Molly who quickly shoots but a comfortable save for keeper.
Follow on pressure sees Kathryn in on goal but her shot is blocked by the stretched Medway defence.
Layla sweeping up all loose ball in midfield.
Abbie having a super game strong and determined winning the ball whilst quick and skillful in attack.
Poppy ran at the defence and terrorised them all as she dribbled drove and tricked in attack.
Erin and Holly looking commanding in their full back roles – whilst Sophie and Aria put in strong determined performances stepping out to enhances the attack when needed and being tough determined and strong in defence.
Starting to reinforce the score line York refocused efforts and
15:03
Poppy back on and driving play down right wing.
15:07
York attack down right wing with Poppy and ball breaks free to long ball for Grace.
Carries into the area and scores to keeper right
4:1
15:09
Abbie shot thunders the cross bar
15:12
Shot from outside area leaves comfortable save for Lucy
Last
Pressure all for York now.
5:1
Abbie scores from a defender clearance
Final score – York 5:1 Medway
What a team performance today! and to be through to a final in the inaugural year is a huge statement from the team that York and District Girls football is standing up to be the true trailblazers for girls in York.
Huge congratulations to Laura James and Scott – our coaches – who have worked incredibly hard to bring the team together, worked even harder to find venues training and fixture timings together – and to make it such a special day for everyone.
Special thanks once again to our supporters and sponsors including
- Air Supply
- No 5 Heating and Plumbing
- City of York Council and
- for our venue St Ethelburga’s Collegiate who really helped us out with a venue second none!
A special note to North Riding FA who also facilitated the release of players to allow the match to take place on a Saturday – rather than a Friday evening.
Thank you all – your support vital to us and we really appreciate it.
… And on to the final vs Brighton or Liverpool… date time and venue to be advised.
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