This weekend saw action from round 2 of the Cumberland FA U16 Girls County League with U15 & U16 Girls competing as well as a host of games in the WCYL U12 Leagues.
On Sunday in the Cumberland FA County League, the Whitehaven AFC U15 Girls found themselves up against their older club compatriots, Whitehaven U16 Girls.
The was highly competitive with good football from both sides, but despite the age gap it was the Under 15s who started the brighter creating several half chances but it wasn't until mid way through the first half that they managed to break the deadlock. A clever through ball from Laya Mckendrey found Keira Clark who continued her fine goal scoring form with a calm finish, 1-0. Further chances, for both teams, in the first half came and went and just when it looked like remaining 1-0 at the break a bit of quick thinking by Laya Mckendrey found Sophie Douglas, with a throw in, who ran through to round the keeper and make it 2 - 0 at the break.
The second half saw the Under 16s come out determined to get back into the game &, after sustained pressure, they were rewarded with a superbly taken headed corner by Maddi Hawthorne after a pin point cross from CharlI Gibbons 2-1.
The remainder of the second half followed a similar pattern of chances at both ends and the U16s really tried to press to get another one with great shots from both Holly Laing & Calla Mattinson, only to be denied by Goalkeeper Kaela Reay but against possibly the run of play in that period it was the Under 15s who extended their lead when Poppy Fitzwilliam received a throw in, turned the defender before finding the bottom corner to make it 3-1.
Despite several more chances for the u15s to add to their lead, Scarlett McAvoy tried you grab the game by the scruff of the neck and made several positive runs and chances down the right of midfield and deservedly got her goal when after gliding past a couple of defenders she beared down on goal and after a scramble inside the Under 15s box it fell kindly back to her as she drove the shot low to grab one back, 3-2.
This lead to a tense final 15 minutes as the Under 16s tails were up and pressing for the equaliser. But credit to the younger under 15s who kept playing their football and it was them who scored next with a fine strike by left winger Jessica Bridgman, which proved to be the final goal of the game & make the final score 4-2 to the Whitehaven AFC Under 15 Girls in what was a brilliant advert for Girls Football at Whitehaven.
WCYL U12 Girls Red League
Whitehaven AFC Blues beat a very good Cockermouth side 3 - 1 in their latest outing. Although the Blues won the game it could very easily of gone the other way in the first half. Missed opportunities and mistakes in defence could of cost the Blues the game. Luckily lady luck and top goal keeping skills kept us the Blues 1-0 up until half time.
The second half so a much improved Blues side and passing was on point, leaving Cockermouth under a great deal of pressure as they struggled to contain the Blues who went into score a further 2 goals and round off a lucky buy deserved win.
Girl of the match went to Lacey who did everything right. She pushed on the attack, tracked back to defend, released the ball at the right time and made countless aggressive tackles to win the ball.
The U12 Girls traveller to Allerdale Tigers to continue their league campaign. It was a tough afternoon as a switch in the Allerdale formation to sit deeper and defend their goal made it extremely difficult for the U12s to break them down. To the u12s credit they never got frustrated and continued to dominate the game from start to finish, with at least a dozen well taken shots on goals only to be denied by the Allerdale keeper whilst other shots were blocked, however they did take the lead through Caitlin Routledge in a scramble in the box to go in 1-0 up at half time.
The second half went very much in the same vein as the first but after only giving up 2 real chances to Allerdale the entire game they managed to grab one goal in a smash and grab to Nick a point 1-1 at full time.
WCYL U12 Girls Blue League
A tough and frustrating day at the office for the Whitehaven AFC Yellows in their game, going down 6-0 in a game where the scoreline didn‘t really reflect the Yellows performance and they amount of effort the girls put in.
Errors cost the Yellows massively and unfortunately the Yellows had a big hand in pretty much every goal Senhouse scored who were ruthless when chances were given, through poor decisions and just general mistakes.
It was in the first half a very entertaining free flowing game with some lovely football on both sides, but with the Whitehaven team creating lots of good play to get into the final third but just couldn’t get the break through, whilst Senhouse looked dangerous on the counter.
Isobella Robson had some strong runs on the ball and great little one two passing exchanges. Kelsey had a really strong game, passed and tackled really well.
Kate had another great game and created some really good chances for herself and others.
Ava played really well, battled for everything and was another one who was unlucky not to get on the score sheet.
Girl of the match was chosen by the Senhouse Girls and they gave it to Kitty. She we an absolute rock in defence, made some great passes out from the back and seems to just be improving week by week.
Previous Girls Lead for WAFC Rob Campbell was down at the game and refereed for the girls and commented ‘It’s been a little while since I’ve seen the WAFC U12 Yellows play you close and got to say WOW!! Although they may not of got the win today, their were so many other wins over the game which they should be so proud of. This group of girls I believe only been together for a relatively short period of time but the quality they displayed in that short period of learning is crazy good. The skills, the runs, staying on the ball in difficult positions and some of the inter play passing for some so young was a pleasure to watch.
I can only see good things coming from this group of young guns and they going to be a real class act as the weeks and months move on, well done girls’
Full Results
U16 CFA County League
Whitehaven AFC u15s 4-2 Whitehaven AFC u16s
WCYL U12 Girls Red League
Allerdale Girls 1-1 Whitehaven AFC U12s
Whitehaven AFC U12 Blues 3-1 Cockermouth Girls
WCYL U12 Girls Blue League
Whitehaven AFC Yellows 0-6 Senhouse Girls