FLEETWOOD, Lancs, 13 October, 2008
Town Under 11 Girls 4-7 Great Harwood Rovers Under 11 Girls
Sunday, 12th October 2008
By Paul Hearty

Fleetwood Town Under 11 Girls entertained table topping Great Harwood Rovers with a depleted squad.  Fleetwood started the game brightly and spent much of the first 15minutes camped in the Great Harwood half, despite the constant threat of Anna Reynolds, Fleetwood couldn’t make their early pressure count.  Gradually Great Harwood came more and more into the game and they scored the opening goal with a cross come shot which deflected past the unlucky Fleetwood goalkeeper. 

Great Harwood continued to press and scored two further goals despite the valiant efforts of the keeper Francesca Hearty.  Just before the half time interval after a strong run, Anna Reynolds pulled a goal back for Fleetwood.  Fleetwood could count themselves unfortunate to be going into half time 3 – 1 down. 

In the second half Great Harwood extended their advantage to go 4 – 1 up, but undeterred, Fleetwood continued to press and following a cleverly worked short corner with Lucy Johnson, Anna smashed the ball home from the edge of the box.  4 – 2 Great Harwood.  As the half progressed gaps started to appear and Great Harwood capitalized going 5 – 2 up.  The spirit of the Fleetwood team continued to shine, none more so than in Yasmin McLaren who confidently strode out of defence and put a great through ball for Lucy Johnson who coolly slotted home a well deserved goal for the determined and hardworking striker.  Back came Great Harwood who scored again to regain their three goal cushion. 

Fleetwood would just not give up, Anna Reynolds who had caused Great Harwood numerous problems all game completed a well deserved hat trick when she slotted in from a tight angle.  Fleetwood had sensed they could get something out of the game and went looking for more goals and at this point the game was real end to end drama, unfortunately Fleetwood where unlucky and got caught on the counter attack to concede another goal, making the final score 7–4 to Great Harwood.

Both sets of managers and supporters where treated to a fantastic game played in superb spirit.

A great all round team performance by Fleetwood, who can count themselves unlucky to come away with no points, but can hold their heads up high with another brilliant performance.

Man of match (as voted by opposition)
Francesca Hearty

Managers man of the match (sponsored by Tramway Café – Cleveleys)  Yasmin McLaren