U13 Hockey v Loretto

Won 4-1

We opened the scoring in the first half when Beatrice got the ball on the left and turned nicely to feed Lexie who spotted Valentina on the right, approaching the circle. With her first touch, she took the ball in and smashed the ball into the far corner from the top of the circle. Loretto were playing some nice hockey and after an initial save from Beth with the sun in her eyes, Loretto were given the chance to shoot again and as our defence backed off, the home team managed to equalise. Towards the end of the half, Bea, Amalia and Julia all had chances but the ball wouldn’t go on target.

In the second half, Lexie made a great break down the right wing and played the ball to Valentina who swept the ball in with a first time shot to take the lead. Loretto came right back at us and they had a glorious chance to find their second but Beth made an outstanding block to keep us ahead. Emilia and Gabriella were called upon in the second half on numerous occasions and even when Loretto got in behind them, they somehow found their way to make that crucial tackle. Midway through the second half we took control of the game by breaking down the other end with Anne finishing in the crowded penalty area. The best goal of the day was saved for last when Julia passed strongly to Bea on the right; she looked as though her first touch had let her down but she went for the early shot and it caught the keeper by surprise and gave her no chance.

This was a great team performance from defence to attack. Well done especially to Lexie who captained and bossed the midfield and Valentina for her two goals from the top of the circle. This was a closer game than the score line suggests but a combination of our clinical finishing in the second half and some outstanding saves from Beth in goal, swung this result our way.