Sunday, 25 February 2007
Cambridge City U14 4 v 5 Hitchin Town Belles U14
Home Counties Girls Football League; U14 Cup Knock-Out Round 1
Players: Elise, Alex, Roisin, Louise (Captain), Sarah, Natalie, Lauren, Kerry, Monica, Sammy, Sian, Stephanie, Eva, Joanna.
Scorers Hitchin; Sian (2) Louise (2) Sarah (1)
Half Time; Cambridge 1 Hitchin 4
Match facts;
A slightly different Match report today to merit the team’s outstanding achievement, rather than record the action in this great victory it is probably better to record each individual players outstanding contribution as they proved the whole team was better than any single part of it and even better knocked 5 goals past the top team in the league, put them out of the cup and left them shell shocked and traumatised. David really did beat Goliath big time today!
An away cup match at Cambridge was always going to be a massive challenge but the Hitchin team rose to this magnificently to beat one of the classiest teams in the league and cup competition in an exciting and thrilling cup-tie, which had it all. This was perhaps Hitchin’s greatest ever triumph but they have been steadily progressing throughout the year, however to come to Cambridge and play lovely attacking football then thoroughly beat Cambridge was beyond any ones wildest dreams. Paul‘s grin can now be seen a far as Cambridge from Hitchin and he will be dining out on this for weeks and rightly so. This was one mighty scalp to take today. The shock waves will be felt through out the league, as Hitchin remain unbeaten in League and cup action this year.
Hitchin played some lovely attacking football coupled with a tremendous battling attitude that saw them win 80% of the important 50/50 balls. They always looked more dangerous side and the finishing today was ruthless.
There were some outstanding individual performances with Louise playing a superb Captains role with some great touches, darting runs and scoring 2 great goals. Lauren looked unbeatable in defence and played perhaps her best ever game as she was an absolute rock today. Sian took every chance well and really unlocked the Cambridge defence with some great running on and off the ball rounding off an excellent day with 2 well deserved goals. Though not on the score sheet a classy contribution from Sammy with some great unselfish play saw her torment Cambridge on the left with her trademark close ball skills that terrify defenders and a great left foot that can really hit the ball hard.
Sarah always seems to relish playing Cambridge and her direct runs at their defence and tracking back really put the pressure on Cambridge, Sarah rounded off a great individual performance with a goal. Steph put in a tremendous battling performance to win those crucial 50/50 balls and really got stuck in to add real bite to the mid field.
Eva got in some serious goal-keeping practise as Cambridge peppered her goal with shots and she made some very good stops. Monica was great in stopping the fast Cambridge players on the right and again passing intelligently out of defence and grew again in her authority of play.
Natalie fresh back from her ordeals with mad squirrels read the game extremely well and put through a pass to set up one of the goals. Her composure and work with Lauren adds real strength at the heart of defence.
Alex was great on the right and continually tracked back to help in defence but her blistering pace left defenders for dead when she moved forward. Roisin was a giant in defence always taking on the bigger players always winning the ball and then linking up with Sammy to turn defence into attack.
Elise made some very good tackles when she came on as substitute and Jo was great on the left stopping several dangerous Cambridge attacks. Kerry came on to relieve tired legs and her speed caused several moments of panic in the Cambridge defence.
A great cup tie to watch and all credit to Cambridge who never gave up and really put Hitchin under pressure during the second half. The final few minutes were not for the faint or weak hearted as Cambridge threw everything forward to snatch a draw. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife and for the spectators it was heart in mouth and racing pulse time. All credit to the referee who stepped into the breach at the last minute to referee an exciting and close match. Hitchin though were worthy winners and can now can face any team in the league home or away safe in the knowledge that as a team they are now the equal of or if not better than any one they will now play.
Harvester A at home next week and another big challenge but on this form anything can happen. The Hitchin player’s attitude today was very good and it will be needed again next week.
A massive well done to all of the players on an outstanding performance that typified Hitchin’s best qualities, fast attacking football, a great battling attitude, and a firm defence. Best of all they all enjoy their football and it showed today.
Roll on the next cup-tie and as Cambridge graciously conceded may they have a very long cup run after such a great win.
The whole team as this was Hitchin’s best ever team effort that saw them hit top form and record their finest ever victory.
Report by Mike Thompson