Ipswich U14 Girls v Braintree

What an impressive start to this years season. For most of the girls it was their first match at full pitch and to be playing for over an hour, and they stepped up!
We fielded a team of 12 but Braintree only had 10, due to injury, so two of our girls volunteered to play for the opposition for half a game each. Great sportsmanship, Maddie and Lily, we love that attitude. The first half saw the play balanced equally between the two teams with some strong play from both sides. An early goal to Ipswich boosted their confidence. Side line coaching from Nina supported them in positional awareness and the first half ended 1-0 Ipswich. Braintree scored an equaliser and a the game was on… the girls were determined and fought back hard, bolstered by some inspirational half time feedback. The defence held strong with some great tackles from Millie, Bea and Anya when the Braintree girls made an attack, Clara had it covered with some great saves, but our defence were able to push up as we began attacking well.
Rebecca was working the space on the right by using the width of the pitch, with Tallulah and Zara making the plays up front. We forced many short corners and put Braintree under huge pressure. Goals started to happen! An amazing strike in by Issy which Tallulah connected with, even got a mention by the opposing manager as a great play!
As the game progressed the confidence grew, as did the communication and the passing through the midfield, Stella and Bella finding space for the easy passes to go around the opposition.

Overall… an amazing first outing for this team, they worked so hard, they listened and actioned Nina’s coaching and their play improved immensely over the course of the game. Goal scorers - Millie x 3, Tallulah x 2, Final score line 5-1… yes girls ? Oppositions choice player of the match- Issy. Nina channeled her inner “ Rixie” and made the girls each reflect on their positive contribution to the game, in their post match chat. Lots to be proud of and exciting times ahead.