Rising Stars U16GY H v Anchorian Angels U16s
KGLFL Div 2, Sun 17 December 2023
Risers put in a good performance in this top-of-the-table clash on a sunny Sunday December morning that produced five goals, all in the first half. But it was Anchorians who took the three points, mainly due to a keeper who would have given Mary Earps a run for her money between the sticks!
Risers got off to a strong start in their last game before Christmas. The line-up saw Lydia move into midfield with Syd slotting in at centre back. There was some good attacking play, with Ella and Jeea linking up well on the left as they have done all season, and Eloise putting balls out to Grace on the right to set up some good crosses into the box. Risers’ first goal came 11 minutes in from a lovely piece of interplay that started with a short corner, Ella playing it to Jeea who played it back to Ella, who pulled it back to Eloise near the 18-yard line, who struck the ball beautifully.
1-0 to Risers!
Unfortunately Risers’ lead didn’t last long, as Anchorians equalised on 13 minutes with a cross that went over Connie’s head and was chested in by the striker. Not a pretty goal but they all count…
1-1
Risers’ defence continued to press the ball, Lia putting in some good blocks and Syd being cool, calm and collected with her clearances, and controlling the ball well from the air – which happened a lot given that Anchorians were playing the long ball from their very capable keeper.
Risers kept attacking though and another lovely move started by Ella produced their second goal. She put in a cross to Grace, who controlled the ball calmly before a thunderous shot, that the keeper got hands to but couldn’t keep it out of the net.
2-1 to Risers!
Again, the lead didn’t last long, Anchorians’ no.16 getting through on goal from yet another long ball and taking advantage from a moment of Risers’ hesitation to drive a shot into the goal.
2-2
It was the no.16 who troubled the Risers’ defence five minutes later to put Anchorians 3-2 ahead.
The second half saw Risers make a few changes. Lydia was asked to man-mark the no.16, which she did to great effect. And Sophie had a spell in defence, protecting the ball well and playing safe when need be. Risers kept driving forward, but whether it was 1-on-1s or shots from crosses, the brave Anchorians keeper seemed to have a forcefield around her goal.
Eloise had a fantastic game, often taking on 2 or 3 opponents before distributing the ball or having a shot, a few of which – and one just minutes from full time – agonisingly went just wide of the goal. Eva and Madison also had chances but the ball just wouldn’t sit for them. Jeea, Nancy, Emily, Syd and Lia all played really well – intercepting, blocking, challenging, driving forward when the opportunity arose. Emily made some important clearances in the latter stages of the game to keep us in with a chance of equalising. Connie didn’t have as much to do in the second half but made a crucial save with her knees just minutes before the end, again keeping Risers’ hopes alive.
Final score: 3-2 to Anchorians.
Risers just didn’t seem to get any luck today and had it not been for the Anchorians keeper, who must be a recent new signing for them, we surely would have won the game. But bring on the new year and Risers will do their absolute best to compete for the top place!
Starting line-up: Connie, Emily, Syd, Jeea, Nancy, Lydia, Ella, Eloise, Grace, Lia, Syd, Eva
Subs: Mads, Sophie
Opponents’ player of the match: Syd
Coaches’ player of the match: Lydia
Thanks to Rob and Ethan/Bea for running the line!
