Last time the U10 Girls played Anchorians Halos, they knocked us out of the cup at home, 5-1. So we knew they were a strong side.

Anchorians started quickly but Risers matched the game's early intensity. Even after the first 5 minutes there had been chances at both ends. Connie in goal had a great first half, stopping a number of shots and coming out fast to clear balls. Risers' first-half chances came from Eloise, who didn't have quite enough time to bring the ball to her right foot for a shot 6 yards out, and Amy, who hit an absolute rocket from well outside the box, just wide. But my word, if that had gone in... All even at half time, thoroughly entertaining football from both sides.

The high tempo continued in the second half, it was Anchorians that got the breakthrough, about 8 minutes in. Risers looked gutted as they kicked off again, but very quickly carried on playing their positive game. For the rest of the game it was Risers that looked more likely to score, with notable chances for Bea Farrell, who shot just wide, and Grace, whose shot was also just wide at the other post, after a lovely throughball from Eloise.

At the finish, the girls had given their all, but I'm not sure I've ever seen a game where a loss almost felt like a win... The sheer determination of the Riser girls and the brilliant football being played was so good. Parents rushed over to congratulate the players, who all received 'player of the match' from Kathryn. One of the opponents' parents also came over to complement the team, especially Connie's commanding goalkeeping.

- Rick Farrell (team coordinator)