Match Report: U10 Girls v Anchorians Halos

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)

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Match Report: U10 Girls v Kings hill

A sunny Sunday afternoon at King's Hill but one to quickly move on from... An uncharacteristic performance but even the strongest teams have off-days, so we'll take the positives and move on.

Natasha was awarded player of the match with a really good defensive display, closely tracking the opponent's talented striker. Demi displayed some intelligent touches and broke up a number of King's Hill attacks down the right.

Hattie made some good runs into the box and was unlucky not to score, with a decent effort hitting the post. Home game next, so a chance to bounce back quickly.

- Kathryn

Match Report: U10 Girls v Anchorians Halos

Riser Girls U10s turned their focus to the cup this weekend with a home game against Anchorians Halos, albeit with a depleted squad. On a wind-and-rain swept pitch, it was Anchorians who started strong with an early chance  at goal within the first minute. Risers struggled to get into the game under a spell of sustained pressure until a well-cleared ball by Amy found Eloise running into the box to beat the keeper and slot into an open net to make it 1-0, against the run of play. Anchorians responded immediately, making it 1-1 by the break.

Supporters anticipated a tough second half, which proved to be the case as Anchorians capitalised on their sustained pressure, scoring 4 goals without reply. The 5-1 scoreline didn't tell the story of the cup match though, as Risers to a girl played some nice football, with Lilian on the right and Bea on the left making some great runs and delivering good through-balls. Natasha was strong in the tackle and Amy had good spells in goal, with long kicks down the field. 

In their toughest game of the season so far, Risers showed a lot of character and never looked defeated until the final whistle. Well done girls.

- Rick Farrell, Team Coordinator

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Demi's Little Princess Hair Donation

We could not be more proud of one of our Rising Stars…

I'm Demi and I am 8 years old. I have been growing my hair for two years so I can donate it to the Little Princess Trust. People think that it's only grown ups who get cancer but that's not right. Kids can also get it, and the treatment they get can make them lose their hair. I'll miss my long hair but there are others with none so they need it more than me.

I'm having it cut on 3rd March and want to raise as much money as I can so it can be sent off with the hair. Thank you for anything you can give.

Here is some information about the charity:

The Little Princess Trust provides real hair wigs free of charge to children and young people up to the age of 24 that have sadly lost their own hair due to cancer treatment and other illnesses.The Trust relies solely on the efforts of enthusiastic community fundraisers. We receive no formal funding. Please help us by donating through Demi’s Just Giving page:

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Coronation Street stars send videos of support Demi Sampson from Canterbury cutting her hair for the Little Princess Trust.

Some of the biggest names in television have sent messages of support to a Canterbury schoolgirl who is preparing to cut her hair for charity.

Eight-year-old Demi Sampson is donating her long locks to the Little Princess Trust so they can be made into a wig for sick children. But the decision hasn't been a snap one for the Canterbury Primary pupil, as she committed to the challenge more than two years ago and has been growing her tresses ever since.

Read More…

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Follow Demi’s progress on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DemisHairDonation/

Match Report: U10 Girls v Thanet Colts

The last time the two teams played each other, just a few weeks ago, was close, which explained a cagey start today. The breakthrough came about 10 minutes into the first half, when Amy (playing as a wingback) picked up the ball on the right and ran to the end of the box and lifted a delightful ball up and over, making it difficult for the defenders and keeper. Colts then pressed, with some corners and a number of good balls into the Risers' box. It was a clearance from one of these that allowed Risers to break on the counterattack, with Eloise making it count.

The second half got underway with Thanet looking to press again, but Risers continued their attacking play, winning a series of corners, which Amy delivered in style.

It was a physical game, with some solid defending by both teams. Connie, who had switched to play in goal, was covering ground with decent clearances outside her box, one of which started another Riser attack. Amy took the ball past a defender with a silky move before burying the ball in the bottom right corner, leaving the keeper no chance.

The team worked really hard for each other on a hot and sunny morning, and showed versatility, able to play in different positions but maintaining their focus and discipline. We now go forward to the cup run in March! GO RISER U10 GIRLS!!!

- Rick Farrell, Team Coordinator 

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