Girls Under 11s Red
| Manager: | Paul Kendrick |
|---|---|
| Assistant Manager: | Nick Merrin |
| Team Colours: | Red & Blue |
| League: | North Valley League |
| Home Pitch: | Lammack (Old Blackburnians) |
| Kick-off Time: | |
| Training Time: | Wednesday |
Walshaw U-11 Girls v BCSC U-11 Girls
Posted on 25/03/2012 by Paul Kendrick
As the old Queen hit goes, "We are the Champions" and boy, does it feel good. We have virtually been there for a couple of weeks now, but to actually wrap it up is a relief and a fantastic feeling.
On a day of bad omens - this was our 13th game of the season, we turned up at the wrong venue(!) and we had to play on an uneven pitch with long grass - the girls, as in the Jimmy Cliff song, overcame all the "obstacles in our way" to gain the requisite point (actually took all 3) and claim the league title.
On an unseasonably warm March morning we travelled en-masse to Walshaw to play, what we hoped, would be the match to settle both the title, and our nerves - just needing to avoid defeat to achieve our aims.
We knew that this would be a big ask, as we had played in two extremely hard fought games against Walshaw this season, winning through 2-0 and 4-3.
We were enforced into one change from the previous game with Emmie being drafted in to replace Cristy, plus we had Lucy carrying a knock and Chloe who had been unwell during the week.
We would be grateful for having 3 subs, as the warm temperatures and uneven pitch would make for a gruelling hour.
The game started rather slowly, with both teams sounding each other out, much like a heavyweight boxing match, waiting to find the oppositions weak spot and land the knockout blow.
After a couple of half chances for each team, we were able to make the breakthrough, with a superbly worked goal, a number of quick precise passes enabled Kourtney to break through the defence and coolly smash the ball home.
The relief was palpable, and the girls seemed to relax into the game and soon went 2-0 up, Emmie reacting well in the area to pick up a loose ball and clinically finish.
However, much to their credit, Walshaw hit back strongly and only a couple of top drawer saves by Emma kept them out. It looked as though we would go to the break with a 2-0 lead, but on the stroke of half time a strong run and shot by one of the Walshaw midfielders halved the deficit.
HT - Walshaw 1 - 2 BCSC
The second half started much like the first, with half chances being created providing a tense atmosphere on the touch line as the game was on a knife edge.
The tension would be broken midway through the period, when Emmie picked the ball up on the corner of the box, and as everyone waited for her to cross the ball, she decided to unleash a shot into the bottom corner, 3-1.
This goal was quickly forward by another 2 - firstly a rather unfortunate own goal, a Walshaw defender volleying into her own net from a corner, followed by a great individual goal from Kourtney, beating a couple of defenders and hitting the ball into the far corner of the net to make it 5-1
The final say of the match would, deservedly, come from Walshaw when a cross shot sneaked into the net after Emma was distracted by an onrushing forward.
FT - Walshaw 2 - 5 BCSC
In summary - a fabulous team display to record the victory needed to give us the title. The plaudits go to Kourtney and Emmie for the goals, but a mention has go to the defence, (Chloe, Imogen, Leah and Lucy) and keeper (Emma, Player of the Match) who don't get the headlines that often, but had to play well to keep out a dangerous opposition, plus the hardworking midfielders (Sophie, Katie and Dion) who ran their socks off for the team in draining conditions.
This victory makes it 13 out of 13 this season - a fantastic effort by all the girls who have played throughout the season - who have now come on wonderfully over the last 7 months, playing some excellent passing football - a credit to themselves and the club.
We finish off with two away games against Euxton in April.
Onwards and Upwards!
Squad - Emma, Chloe, Imogen, Leah, Sophie, Dion, Katie I, Emmie, Kourtney, Lucy
Scorers - Kourtney 2, Emmie 2, own goal
MOM - Emma
BCSC U-11 Girls v Myerscough U-11 Girls
Posted on 18/03/2012 by Paul Kendrick
The girls took to the field, on a beautiful sunny spring morning, to play out their last home game of the season.
Unlike the previous week, we had a full compliment of coaching staff, and luckily we didn't find ourselves two down within two minutes - maybe it was my presence on the touchline (or probably not)
The girls went on the attack from the first whistle and after some dogged resistance from a resilient Myerscough team (special mention here to the keeper) the deadlock would soon be broken by a thumping drive by Kourtney.
Once the first goal was registered the girls relaxed into the game, and started to play the neat (simple) passing game that we have tried to instill in them.
Chances were created, and taken, throughout the half with 4 more being taken by the break.
The goals were scored by Dion, 2 more by Kourtney to complete her hatrick (the third came when she diverted a shot from Sophie into the net from close range - a true poachers effort) and an unfortunate own goal.
HT BCSC 5 - 0 Myerscough
We changed the positions around in the second half, giving the girls an opportunity to play in unfamiliar roles and therefore, understandably, the second half didn't quite live up to the first.
However, to their credit, the girls did continue to play the "right" way - trying to pass through the opposition. This was demonstrated perfectly for the opening goal of the second period when the ball was moved from defence to attack in 3 passes, and ended up with Cristy bursting through the middle and tucking the ball past the keeper.
Emma was given a reprieve from playing in the nets, with Kourtney volunteering to don the gloves, and Emma duly got on the score sheet with a neat finish.
Two expertly taken late goals from a lively Sophie put the final coat of gloss on the performance and to take the score to 9-0.
Result - BCSC 9 - 0 Myerscough
In summary - a very pleasing way to bring our home campaign to an end, the girls played some very neat attractive football - always trying to get their head up and pass the ball - to be comfortable in possession - but also know when to put their foot through the ball when needs be.
Both Nick and myself are very proud of how the team has progressed this season, and how the girls have listened to/and put into action our philosophy on how the game should be played - well done.
We now have 3 tough away games against Walshaw and Euxton (twice) and require one more point to clinch the title outright.
Team- Emma, Imogen, Chloe, Lucy, Leah, Kourtney, Dion, Sophie, Katie, Cristy
Scorers - Kourtney 3, Sophie 2, Cristy, Dion, Emma, own goal
MOM - Emma
BCSC U-11 Girls Red v Euxton U-11 Girls
Posted on 11/03/2012 by Paul Kendrick
Our first meeting of the season with Euxton was played in my absence (a christening in sunny Hereford was on the agenda), however the team was left in the more than capable hands of Nick.
This report was written from info passed to me from various sources, so I take no responsibility for any errors or omissions !!
After a last minute dash to get the pitch set up for kick off, the girls seemed to have left their boots in the dressing room as within 2 minutes they found themselves 2-0 down against an opposition who were fast out of the blocks.
However, as the girls have proved time and again this season, they did not panic (unlike one or two on the touchline) or let their heads drop, just got on with the job and by half time found themselves 3-2 up.
The comeback was started by Kourtney, followed by an own goal (unfortunate deflection into the net) and a sublime second by Kourtney, finding the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
The second half was (at least in goal scoring terms) a more sedate affair with Sophie calming any lingering nerves with a classy finish following a dribbling run.
Both Nick and Kelvin told me that all the girls deserve great credit for the performance and were especially pleased with the passing side of the game - in fact he said that it was in his opinion the best the girls have played this season (so far!!)
We now go into the last four games of the season, starting with what will be our last home game, against Myerscough next Sunday.
Lets hope the girls continue improving as they have done so far, and that they can finish the season off in style.
FT - BCSC 4 - 2 Euxton
Team - Emma, Chloe, Imogen, Cristy, Kourtney, Sophie, Dion, Katie I, Leah
Scorers - Kourtney 2, Sophie, own goal
MOM - Katie I
AGSA U-11 Girls v BCSC U-11 Girls Reds
Posted on 26/02/2012 by Paul Kendrick
After an enforced winter break (having last played at the end of November) the girls finally had the chance to shake off the cobwebs and get back on the field.
The fixture pitted us against a constantly improving AGSA team, who we squeezed past in our previous meeting with a last kick of the game 4-3 win.
We went into the match without a recognised keeper, however we did have 2 willing volunteers in Cristy and Dion.
The first half was very evenly matched, however we did appear to have put ourselves into a strong position when Sophie banged in two quick goals, the second being the pick - after collecting the ball on the corner of the box, she swiveled before placing it into the far corner.
AGSA got themselves back into the game just before the break, when the ball was prodded home following a goal mouth scramble.
The girls were to face a severe test of their resilience at the start of the second half, with the home team putting us under pressure.
They held firm until AGSA were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box and the ball was struck into the corner.
As in the match against Walshaw, we then changed our formation by playing Cristy just in front of the defenders - this made us more secure at the back and the confidence to push forward.
The defining moment came 10 mins from the end, when the AGSA keeper cleared the ball upfield, only for Sophie to immediately return it with interest, straight into the net for 3-2.
Despite a nervous moment or two, the game was wrapped up in the final couple of mins when a Sophie corner was deflected into her own net by an unfortunate AGSA defender.
In summary another gritty performance from the girls, who keep going for the full 60 mins, and once again overcame a committed opponent to gather another 3 points
A special mention to Dion and Cristy for selfishly taking the keeper gloves in Emma's absence.
FT - AGSA 2 - 4 BCSC
Team - Cristy, Dion, Lucy, Chloe, Imogen, Leah, Sophie, Kourtney,Katie I
Scorers - Sophie 3, o.g. 1
MOM - Katie I
Walshaw U-11 Girls v BCSC U-11 Girls
Posted on 20/11/2011 by Paul Kendrick
We traveled to our nearest rivals in the league, with a different line up, to the one we originally expected. We weren't able to use any of the girls we share with Simon's U-11 Blues as they were playing on the same day so, we had to bring Imogen and Lucy (who were going to be rested) back into the team.
We decided to play an unorthodox 2-1-2-1 formation with Cristy playing just in front of the back 2, to give cover to the defence, and to try and stop Walshaw attacking through the middle. This proved, by the final whistle, to have been a tactical masterstroke by Nick and myself !!
The game started at a hundred miles an hour, with both teams creating chances and already showed the signs of being a classic encounter.
Walshaw took the lead early on, but we kept battling a creating chances and eventually Dionn produced a calm finish to level. Shortly after Dionn hit the post and it looked as though we would go to the interval on level terms, however Walshaw grabbed a second just before the whistle.
We had an easy half time talk, just informing the girls to play exactly the same, and our chances would come.
In a pulsating second period chances were created and missed at both ends before we turned the game around with two quick fire goals, one of which was a sublime turn and shot by Kourtney from the edge of the box.
Back came Walshaw to claim an equaliser to make it 3-3, with still 7 or 8 mins left. The remainder of the game was played at break neck speed, with attacks, counter attacks, tackles, blocks, deflections, goal mouth scrambles - almost everything you could think of - but fortunately we managed to make the most telling contribution, grabbing a well worked (late) winner to make it 4-3.
In summary, this was an extremely enjoyable game between two evenly matched teams, which was determined by the team who managed to take their chances more clinically.
Special mention to the defence (usually midfield and attack that get the plaudits), to Lucy (who got MOM), Chloe and Imogen and to Cristy who played the holding role between defence and midfield to perfection.
FT - Walshaw 3 - 4 BCSC
Scorers - Dionn 2, Kourtney 2
Team - Emma, Lucy, Chloe, Imogen, Cristy, Katie I, Dionn, Kourtney
MOM - Lucy
BCSC U-11 Girls v Myerscough U-11 Girls
Posted on 13/11/2011 by Paul Kendrick
Today's match saw us take on Myerscough for the second time this season. The previous game had been one of the new formed teams first matches, and though they competed very well our experience showed through.
However, this game was much tougher, Myerscough showing a great improvement over a short period of time, and as a result we had to be on our toes and fully switched on.
The opening exchanges were shared between the teams, with both sides going close, however we managed to nudge ourselves in front when Katie I slotted home.
Two further goals before the break, by Kourtney, gave us a slightly flattering 3-0 lead.
The second period saw us produce some of our best football, the girls seemed to feel confident in their positions and the role they had to play within the team - and they started to play the ball through the team and get their heads up and find team mates in space etc.
We added to additional goals from Dionn in the half to secure a 5-0 win, but again we had to withstand period of pressure which we did well, with Leah outstanding at the back.
Another good team performance against good opposition.
FT - BCSC 5 - 0 Myerscough
Team - Emma, Leah, Chloe, Imogen, Katie Dux, Katie I, Dionn, Kourtney
Scorers - Kourtney 2, Dionn 2, Katie Iglesias 1
MOM - Kourtney
BCSC U-11 Girls v AGSA U-11 Girls
Posted on 06/11/2011 by Paul Kendrick
The game kicked off in serene conditions, blue skies above, warm temperatures and a perfect playing surface, but what followed was anything but !
The next 60 minutes had everything - chances, goals, tough tackles, good defending, controversy and a dramatic twist in the tail.
Our fixture on the opening day of the season had been a closely fought encounter which we edged 5-2, so we expected a tough game, and how right we would be.
The opening 10 mins was played almost entirely in our half and it came as now surprise when AGSA took the lead. However, much to their credit the girls went straight down the other end and Katie I smashed the ball into the roof of the net for the equaliser.
Just before half time we snatched a lead when a speculative stab forward by Kourtney found itself ending up in the corner of the net, and we went to the break 2-1 up.
The half time talk was about keeping it tight and trying to get a third goal - all was going to plan until the last 10 minutes when we conceded two quick goals to find ourselves 3-2 down.
The remainder of the match saw us constantly attack, but we just couldn't find the breakthrough - then with 1 minute left on the clock Dionn found herself clean through, the crowd held its breath, and Dionn stroked the ball into the corner 2-2 and celebration among the homies.
Then, incredibly from the kick off, we regained the ball, broke quickly and Kourtney half volleyed into the top corner from the tightest of angles - cue wild (but not over the top!) celebrations. Just time to kick off before the ref brought proceedings to a finish - phew !
Great performance by the girls - showed their battling skills and never say die attitude - a real credit to the club - well done.
FT - BCSC 4 - 3 AGSA
Team - Emma, Leah, Lucy, Katie I, Imogen, Chloe, Kourtney, Dionn, Cristy
Scorers - Kourtney 2, Katie Iglesias 1, Dionn 1
MOM - Kourtney
Langho U-11 Girls v BCSC U-11 Girls
Posted on 30/10/2011 by Paul Kendrick
On a sunny but chilly day we took to the field against Langho hoping to keep our unbeaten run going.
Although we had beaten Langho on our two previous meetings we had to guard against being complacent, as the opposition had shown signs of improvement in our last meeting.
However, any pre-match nerves were settled when we scored almost from the kick off.
This gave the girls the freedom to express themselves and, watched by a healthy crowd (many of whom had come outside from the Christening do in the club house to watch some footy), we ran out 12-1 winners.
As said many times this season, the girls produced a professional performance, and a special note for Katie Duxbury who bagged her first goal of the season.
Result - Langho 1 - 12 BCSC
Team - Emma, Leah, Lucy, Kate I, Katie Dux, Ione, Sophie, Chloe, Imogen
Scorers - Sophie 5, Ione 3, Kate Iglesias 2, Leah 1, Katie D 1
MOM - Ione
BCSC U-11 Girls Red v Langho U-11 Girls
Posted on 16/10/2011 by Paul Kendrick
We were matched up against Langho for the second time at home this season, however the opposition had strengthened their squad since our last meeting with a familiar face in their ranks.
Although we beat Langho 18-0 in the previous game, this was to be an all together tougher task.
Despite scoring early on, we found ourselves pegged back twice, and after 10 mins the score stood at 2-2.
However after a strong end to the first half, we went to the break with a 7-2 advantage, including 5 from Kate Daniels, one which was given as over the line by a Langho parent after the ball had come back off the crossbar - the sportsmanship was warmly applauded.
A tight second half saw the girls knock in 3 unanswered goals to run out 10-2 winners. A mention must go to the defence who held out strongly to remain unbreached against substantial pressure.
In summary - a very competitive match which was decided by a strong defence and clinical finishing - a really good work out for the girls.
FT - BCSC 10 - 2 Langho
Team - Emma, Kate Daniels, Kate Duxbury, Kate I, Lucy, Chloe, Imogen, Leah
Scorers - Kate Daniels 8, Kate Iglesias 2
MOM - Kate Iglesias
Myerscough U-11 Girls v BCSC U-11 Girls Red
Posted on 09/10/2011 by Paul Kendrick
The game against Myerscough went ahead despite the relentless rain over the past few days, with the pitch in decent condition.
Due to a number of girls having prior commitments, we were only able to muster the requisite 7 players - so we would have to play on a heavy pitch with no subs.
However, as it transpired this did not seem to affect the girls too much.
The first half saw us race into a 7-0 lead. Although it would appear that it was a walk over, the truth was far from it. Emma had to pull off a couple of top drawer saves and the defence had to be on their toes to keep out a lively Myerscough team.
At half time we emphasised that we wanted the girls to concentrate on passing and moving, playing with more confidence, which to their credit they attempted to do.
The second half was much of a repeat of the first, as we went into an 11-0 lead, albeit whilst still being put under a fair bit of pressure.
We were not able to hold out for another clean sheet as Myserscough did manage to score a goal, which to be honest, their endeavour deserved.
As in previous games, a good all round performance to record a 4th win on the bounce and maintain our 100% start to the season.
Finally - many happy returns to Chloe & Imogen who were 11 today (& to me who is 21 again on the 10th !)
FT - Myerscough 1 - 11 BCSC
Team - Emma, Leah, Lucy, Kate I, Imogen, Chloe, Kourtney
Scorers - Kourtney 5, Kate I 5, Imogen (on her birthday!) 1
MOM - Katie Iglesias
BCSC U-11 Girls Red v Walshaw U-11 Girls
Posted on 02/10/2011 by Paul Kendrick
After a 3 week break we took on, what many perceived as the favourites for the league in the form of Walshaw.
The match more than lived up to expectations, with many parents agreeing that it was one of the best girls matches they have witnessed.
Playing on the slightly bigger of the two 7-a-side pitches we won the toss and decided to play against the slope in the first half.
The game ebbed and flowed, with both teams creating half chances, but due to good defending and a slice or two of good/bad fortune (depending on who you supported) the first half ended goal-less, an unusual occurrence at this level.
Following an easy half time team talk, basically carry on as you are, we took to the field attacking down the slope.
The second half was a carbon copy of the first, but with just less than 10 mins remaining the all important breakthrough came via the reliable boot of Sophie. BCSC 1 - 0 Walshaw
The game was still on a knife edge and could have gone either way, but relief was felt all round when Sophie bagged her second close the the final whistle.
The game ended with an extremely hard fought 2-0 victory.
Again, much credit must be given to a hard working team performance - with a special mention to Eve for her tireless work, which got her the MOM award.
Also a big thank you to the coaches, parents and players of Walshaw, for their comments after the match and the attitude of the girls on and off the pitch - a credit.
FT - BCSC 2 - 0 Walshaw
Team - Emma, Leah, Ione, Kate I, Sophie, Katie Dan, Eve, Dionn, Emmie
Scorers - Sophie 2
MOM - Eve
BCSC U-11 Girls Red v Langho U-11 Girls
Posted on 11/09/2011 by Paul Kendrick
Following on from the previous weeks victory we took another step into the unknown as we played on our neighbours from the Ribble Valley - Langho.
The girls came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders and we found ourselves 1-0 within the first minute.
The following half an hour saw us produce a clinical display, and we went into the break with a 10-0 lead.
The second half saw a number of positional changes, giving the girls the opportunity to play in unaccustomed roles, but the goals kept coming and by the final whistle the scoreline read 18-0.
A mention has to go, firstly to the Langho players, who despite trailing from the first minute never let their heads go down and played with a great spirit.
Secondly, to Emmie, who graciously agreed to replace Emma in nets and subsequently saved two one on ones and a penalty! Certainly didn't want to give up the clean sheet.
Congrats to the girls on a professional performance
FT - BCSC 18 - 0 Langho
Team - Emma, Lucy, Chloe, Katie I, Kourtney, Immy, Issy, Cristy, Emmie
Scorers - Kourtney 4, Kate I 4, Cristy 3, Emmie 2, Issy 2, Chloe, Emma, Immy
MOM - Katie Inglesias
AGSA U-11 Girls v BCSC U-11 Girls Reds
Posted on 04/09/2011 by Paul Kendrick
The girls took to the pitch, resplendent in their new pale blue kits, reflecting the skies above, to play the first game of the new BCSC era.
The pitch was in surprisingly good condition, considering the torrential downpours overnight.
The first half was a very tight affair with a couple of chances exchanged between the teams, however it was to be AGSA who broke the deadlock just before the interval, scoring after a quick counter attack following our corner.
HT AGSA 1-0 BCSC
The half time team talk was very positive, the girls encouraged to continue playing as they were, and the chances would come.
In fact, it didn't take long for the equaliser to arrive - following a neat one two between Imogen and Sophie the ball was played into the box by the former, and Kourtney just nipped in before the keeper to knock the ball over the line.
The girls were now getting into their stride, but were to suffer a set back when following another BCSC corner, AGSA unleashed another quick counter attack and re-took the lead.
However, the girls did not let their heads drop and pushed forward and were rewarded with cracking drive from Sophie into the top corner for 2-2.
AGSA's players seemed to struggle a little in the warm conditions, as they had no substitutes to call on, and our fitness soon showed with two further goals from Ione and Kourtney to put us 4-2 ahead.
The game was rounded off with another well worked goal, Sophie putting in a superb pass for Katie Inglesias to run onto and slip past the keeper.
FT AGSA 2-5 BCSC
In summary, a hard fought win against a very spirited opposition - a promising sign for the season ahead. All the girls played their part in a good team performance.
Squad - Phoebe, Imogen, Chloe, Lucy, Katie I, Katie D, Ione, Sophie, Kourtney
Man of the Match - Katie Iglesias