U14’s Wigan Athletic Ladies 2 U14’s Ladybridge Girls 3 (LFA Girls League 11-a-side)

Team- Danni Joule, Stephanie Greenshill, Jessica Morris, Katie Donohue, Jessica Martin, Hayley Hulme(capt), Jade Calland, Laura Hunt, Melissa Washbrook, Lorna Nicholson, Naomi Morris-Ashton.

Well here we were, embarking on a new era for the Ladybridge U14 girls playing 11-a-side foortball in the very competitive Lancashire FA Girls league. We had only played one game of 11-a-side football prior to today in a friendly match against Euxton Girls which we won 5-1.

We arrived at the JJB soccer dome in Wigan blessed with beautiful sunshine but with only 11 players to count and as yet no permanent keeper. We decided that 2 girls should have their names drawn out of the hat and do half a game each. The game got off to a brisk start and Ladybridge had the better of the play. We pressured the Wigan defence on numerous occasions from out wide and inch perfect crosses that only need a timed run to finish. The Wigan keeper was in fine form, keeping out many on-target efforts from the Ladybridge camp. Our first goal came from a well worked move from midfield sending Jessica Martin on a run on the right wing to open the scoring, 1-0. The girls were on fire keeping Wigan pinned in their own half for most of the first period. The second goal came from Melissa Washbrook after persistent pressure paid off with a well deserved goal. Many chances went begging during the first half but we were pleased with a 2-0 lead at half time.

With having no subs to speak of we had to face the prospect of tired legs during the second half. We had to switch the squad around slightly with Hayley Hulme dropping from mid field to help out in defence and Lorna Nicholson moving up into midfield. As time passed in the second half mistakes were being made and Wigan managed to get forward more putting pressure on the back four. Jessica Morris was handling the ball well and commanding her area like she should.

Wigan had a corner and I could see from the marking what was going to happen next. A lack of concentration due to tiredness gave Wigan the space to score. A further 10 minutes passed with end to end football and we managed to get a ball out wide to Jess Martin who prised open the defence to fire past the helpless Wigan keeper. I think we thought that was it for us as we stepped off the gas and let Wigan back in with only minutes to go to make it 3-2. We held on until the end with what was a very fine display by the whole squad under very warm conditions and having no fresh legs on the sidelines.

Player of the Match was tough to call today but I decided on Jessica Martin for an outstanding performance throughout the game and 2 well taken goals to boot. WELL DONE JESS AND WELL DONE GIRLS!!!!!!

Next week we are at home (Ladybridge High School KO 2pm) Against Birchwood Juniors. Come along and give the girls some support!!!!!