FLEETWOOD, Lancs, 17 March, 2009

Under 11 Girls
Fleetwood Town 2-3 Blue Star
Sunday 15th March 2009

Fleetwood entertained Cup Finalist and championship contenders Blue Star at the Memorial Park on Sunday.

Both teams were slow to start and early chances were few and far between. The visitors had numerous corners but the Fleetwood defence stood strong.

Midway through the first half Fleetwood broke out of defence and Lucy Johnson found herself clean through but the Blue Star keeper made a good save. The visitors responded and had a well struck effort hit the foot of the post. Further chances for both teams followed with Francesca Hearty going close for Fleetwood.

Blue Star started the second half the better and took an early lead when Fleetwood failed to clear their lines.  Town didn’t let their heads drop and were soon back in the game when Demi Leigh Devereaux scored direct from a corner kick. Fleetwood had their tails up at this point and Demi Leigh gave Fleetwood the lead when she lobbed the keeper from 20 yards. Unfortunately Fleetwood couldn’t hang on and two goals in the last 15 minutes saw Blue Star take all 3 points.

Manager, Paul Hearty said “Given the balance of play this was probably a fair result, although had the points been shared neither team could have complained. Fleetwood can take a lot of positives from this game. We have to remember that this is another top team that we have given a good run for their money. Yet another opposition manager has said that this is the best game that they’ve had this season. Girls, you are a credit to the club. Well done to all.”

Squad – Gabi Aston (GK), Kelsey Hargreaves, Demi-Leigh Devereaux,  Anna Reynolds(c), Yasmin McLaren, Lucy Johnson, Francesca Hearty, Madeline Lauder, Charlotte Brooks, Jade Terry, Kirby Blyth

Man of the Match (as voted for by the opposition) Anna Reynolds
Managers Man of the Match – Kelsey Hargreaves (pic)


Under 14 Girls
AGSA 1-9 Fleetwood Town
Sunday 15th March 2009  

A sunny day in Accrington saw a welcome return to winning ways from the Fleetwood Town girls.

A shaky start, with both sides testing out the opposition, led to possession changing hands far too often.  However, as Fleetwood settled down, Rebecca Harper took on the final defender and made no mistake, scoring the first of her four goals past the despairing keeper.

Lauren Fail in midfield began to dominate, winning possession at will and making intelligent passes.  Rebecca Lowe dazzled the opposition with her close ball control and her ability to twist and turn.  Cath Robinson’s movement and drive, linking play together with great vision, drove Fleetwood forward in wave after wave.  At the back Steph Massie was again a colossus and is arguably the best defender in the league.  She was ably supported by Chloe Holme, Jess Smith and Victoria Lowe, making the AGSA attack look ordinary.

Following a period of sustained pressure, Fleetwood went two up.  Rebecca Lowe won the ball and retained possession, despite a number of tackles, and passed the ball into space. Meg Brown, who played a key supporting role throughout the half, passed the ball wide and Em McCarthy ran onto it, slipping it under the keeper’s body.

AGSA were relying on breakaway attacks but Lottie Walsh read the game well and collected the ball when necessary.  However, they won a corner against the run of play and somehow scrambled the ball over the line to bring the score line to 1 –2.  

Fleetwood turned the screw and a short time later Em McCarthy started another attack with a throw-in into the box.  Megan Brown ran onto the ball and pushed it wide of the keeper for a well-earned goal.

Rebecca Harper was to seal her hat trick before the halftime whistle.  For her second goal she bustled through the AGSA defence, shrugging off challenges and then curled a beauty away from the keeper and into the top corner.  Her third followed a superb pass from Lauren Fail, beating the back four at a stroke.  Harps looked up and hammered the ball home, giving the keeper no chance.

In the second half Sasha Gray came on for Jess Smith and continued to show that she is a fine addition to the squad.  Her game continues to develop and she shows an ability to adapt to a variety of roles.

Fleetwood began to press forward and Em McCarthy received the ball on the edge of the box. She shot across goal and over the keeper’s head into the far top corner.

At the back Fleetwood looked invincible, as the back four and the keeper worked together to stamp out any danger.  Fleetwood had the lion’s share of possession and began to return to the passing game that had been the hallmark of their play in the early season. Suddenly players were running into space as the girls let the ball do the work. Rebecca Harper netted a fourth before she and Megan Brown were substituted.  It is a sign of the strength in depth of the squad that both substitutes, Sarah Fay and Em Hanson, were also to score before the final whistle.

Fleetwood had cruised to a 9 – 1 victory and they can be proud of their efforts.

Team:
Lottie Walsh, Chloe Holme, Steph Massie (Captain), Jess Smith, Victoria Lowe,  Lauren Fail,  Rebecca Lowe, Cath Robinson ,  Em McCarthy, Megan Brown, Rebecca Harper

Subs:   Sasha Gray, Sarah Fay, Em Hanson

Player of the match: Em McCarthy
Managers Player:  Rebecca Lowe (pic)