Girls' U14B v Dean Close

Date: Saturday 5th December

Venue: Home

Team: S. Matthews ( Capt ),  A. Broadhurst, E. Atkin, L. Edwards, A. Stevens, Z. Furness, M. Piekert-Brown, L. McSweeney, A. Findlay, B. Tweedie, M. Whitten.

Result: Won 2 -1

Match Report:

Despite missing regular left and right wingers through illness and injury, and our centre-midfielder through promotion to the A's, we felt nervously confident that we had enough depth to tackle Dean Close and end the season on a high. To this end the first five minutes saw Repton storm into the attack, putting enormous pressure on Dean Close which resulted in a neatly taken goal by Alicia Stevens. Melissa Piekert-Brown and Annie Broadhurst were unleashed from defence for a half each and had great fun on the right wing, greatly adding to our attacking options. Emma Atkin and Annie Findlay gaining in confidence, supported the attack well and were good at filling the ground and returning to defend when necessary.  Maddie Whitten, risen from her sick bed to make up numbers had a superb game, showing genuine team spirit and a hacking cough, and the back four had yet another tremendous game. Unfortunately Dean Close broke through in the second half and our lead was snatched away. The second half saw an improved performance from Dean Close and a shot deflected high into the net looked as though they were 2 -1 up but, for some reason their umpire disallowed the goal, amidst some confusion, and no little consternation, and Repton were given  a chance. With it being Emma Atkin's last game and her plea for a win Repton wasted little time in the counter-attack and stormed back into the attack. An intelligent goal, again from Alicia Stevens, brought the lead back to Repton. From the restart Repton stole the ball and once again launched a fast-paced attack reaching the top of the circle when the final whistle blew. An exciting game, containing drama, tension and good quality hockey drew the season to a successful conclusion. The team, relatively inexperienced at the beginning of the season, has played some of the strongest hockey schools in the country and ended by playing two of the very best and beating them in back to back victories. It has been a really enjoyable season so well done all and I hope that you have a very Merry Christmas.