U14 Girls - Lee Valley here we come!!

The U14 girls had an early start to be at Cheltenham for a 10:00 meet for their EH Cup Regional Competition. The first match they knew would be tough as was against Stourport who beat our girls last year. The match did not disappoint and with chances both ends ended in a 0-0 draw. Onto match number 2 against the hosts Cheltenham. The girls soon took the lead with a well executed short corner. 2 more converted short corners in the first half and the score was 3-0. The second half and Marlow started strongly again, but Cheltenham pushed forward and were awarded their first short corner which was hit well and made the score 3-1. Marlow knew that goals could count so pressed again and again and were awarded a further 2 goals with the final score being 5-1. Leading into the final match against Cambridge, we knew a win would put us through, a loss would put Cambridge through and a draw would result in a 3 way goal difference battle! The first half was end to end with chances for both sides and both keepers making saves. After a team talk from coach Porter at half time, the girls knew what they had to do, score and not concede - easy!! Cambridge were definitely looking tired and the attacks were more and more from Marlow. On the 10th minute captain Luisa picked up the ball on the 23 metre line, beat a couple of players and fired into the goal to break the deadlock. Jubilation from the sidelines and on the pitch! But then focus, these girls had been there before to be close so they knew what to do. They dug deep and kept their shape for a long long 5 minutes, attacking and defending but with no real chances for Cambridge. The final whistle went and they had won and the prize to play at Lee Valley. A happy squad and 2 happy coaches in Kate Porter and Jo Rees