U12 Falcons 7 South Park Rangers 2 The Falcons travelled to South Park Rangers on a wet and freezing day. In horrendous conditions the lads really did go out and show what they are all about. Great display and despite being stood there soaked and freezing it was a pleasure watching them play. Today was possibly one of our most attacking performances this season with everyone really pushing forward when they saw the opportunity. Great bravery from all the players to take ownership of their own game. Calm in possession and always played with the best intentions. From the Goalkeeper right through the team all players were excellent. Keep it going lads. Goals from Dylan, Travis, Zack and Aiden. MOM was Travis – he came on from the bench and really was a menace to the opposing defence. He helped us push their team back allowing other players the space to capitalise. Not forgetting also bagging two goals himself. Tough man of the match to pick today because all of the players were worthy of it in my eyes. Well done all. NAYFC Angels Blue Boldon Girls v NAYFC Angels Blue Nine girls arrived for their second cup game, and what an explosive match this was against the current unbeaten premiership champions. The game kicked off to lots of passing and movement, and the teamwork was top drawer. Angels led with an early goal from Charli, however Boldon then got organised and used their shape to their advantage. Erin in goal came out to several balls, sweeping them away, putting pressure on the attack and getting some great saves in. With Boldon remaining on the attack, they proceeded to get three goals in succession therefore the Angels changed tactics. Our defence held fast with blocks from Evie and tackles and runs from Macie and Ella – allowing Heidi and Isobel to push forward. Ella made countless tackles to then direct the ball with precision upfield and Heidi was relentless in her runs. Many goal attempts and many smiles…the girls were having fun and visibly on the attack. They pushed hard and found themselves running on the ball with fluid passes. Macie made a great run up the wing and a tap pass across to Isobel converted solidly to pull us a goal back on the half time whistle. Going into the second half down a goal, the Angels were challenged to keep their shape and go towards the ball rather than waiting for it. This was a close game, with lots of chances to both sides. Sophie was intercepting balls with speed and taking the ball on runs, always with her head up looking for the pass or the net. Isobel was a menace to their attack, getting precision touches on tackles and finding space to lead counter attacks. Macie was quick to pick up any stray ball, or just any ball! She took advantage of a short keeper kick, striking the ball sweetly from outside the box – it spun over the keepers head and straight into the net, taking us level. Evie and Ella worked hard defending, any balls getting through were swept up by Heidi in goal. The Angels controlled the latter part of the game with top quality passing and movement and the energy didn’t falter. Sophie made a strong tackle, took the ball down the wing and struck the ball at the net, the keeper got a touch but the rebound was straight at Hannah who deftly bounced the ball back at the net. Now with a lead, the girls were on fire. Teamwork was fantastic, Erin passed a great ball through to Isobel, who touched it into Charli’s path – another goal. Despite another goal from Boldon, our girls finished the game on top, with Coaches from both teams commenting on what a fantastic game this was. Well done girls. STAR PLAYER went to Heidi who had an amazing all round performance – great job, always 100% effort. CLS Amazons v U7 NAYFC Wildcats This was another tough game for the girls after the draw with Boldon last week as we came up against a much improved Chester-le-Street side. For the first 7-8 mins it was a midfield battle with few chances falling to Ava and Lucy. Ava had two across the face of the goal and one the keeper saved, whilst Lucy had an effort just past the post. Mia was performing well making some decisive tackles whilst getting forward when she could. Skye looked extremely confident whenever the ball came in and Kaitlyn was winning tackles as their attackers got forward. On about 10 mins, CLS got a breakaway and as Skye came out the shot deflected into the goal. Lucy and Kaitlyn came off for Sofia and Nyah to go on and they continued to work hard and press, but no more real chances before half time. After Steve and I gave them some positive encouragement the girls came out fighting as they always do and continued pressing. Sofia got some great tackles in to break up attacks and Nyah worked hard up field to get forward and support Ava, who was again working tirelessly. The hard work paid off and after Ava hit a great effort towards goal the keeper could only parry it and following up was Mia to score from the rebound. The girls confidence was up again now and the momentum continued. Skye’s handling was again great and her distribution superb. Lucy and Kaitlyn came back on for Sofia and Mia and they continued to push, not settling for a draw. Within two minutes the game changed when a ball from Nyah came to Lucy who took a first time shot, but, although she didn’t get the full power, it fell to Ava who tucked it away for another goal. Straight from kick off, CLS attacked and had a rebound off the post, with the resulting attack Ava took the ball down the left and hit a wonderful strike across the keeper and into the far corner. The girls really don’t know when they are beaten and again they battled to the final whistle. Great win vs tough opposition.