U11 win the shield.

So the day that everyone has been looking forward to finally came and the girls delivered a fantastic performance to collect the Shield.   The setting was glorious sunshine at Kilsby lane and the opponent was a familiar one in Rugby Town so Boro knew they had to produce something special to win this.

It’s fair to say it took the girls a bit of time to get into their stride with Rugby Town starting the brighter of the 2 sides and forcing Chloe into a couple of excellent saves.   

Ava & Peyton worked very hard in defence to stop the opposition whilst Anna & Amber were offering width and the chance to drive the team up the park and it was Boro who almost opened the scoring when the ball hit one post to trundle along and hit the other before going to safety.  Rugby Town then opened the scoring through a fine run & finish.

At this stage everyone was wondering whether it just wasn’t going to be our day but the players sparked into life & started to play some of the great attacking football that they have delivered all season.  A scramble in the opposition box saw Boro equalise,  was it Ruby, was it Megan, no one really seems to know & no-one was really caring at this stage. 

The girls finished the half strongly and great running by Freya & Ese kept the opposition defence on their toes whilst Sophia made several excellent tackles to stop Rugby Town attacks.   Emily led the line well up front to see out half 1-1.

The message to the girls at half time was simple,  keep calm and play the football that has served us so well and that is exactly what they did.  The girls played on the front foot,  zipping into tackles in midfield to pinch the ball and start attacks.  

They got their rewards quickly through a fine header by Megan to give the Boro the lead & send the home fans wild.   Boro were dominating the game now,  Lyra and Peyton were winning everything in defence which allowed the team to push forward.  Jess delivered a brilliant performance in midfield to win the ball back repeatedly and turn an opposition break into a Boro attack.

Boro came close again with another shot off the post.  The crowd were willing another goal to calm the nerves and the girls tried everything playing some excellent football but it was not to be and we were in for a nervy ending as Rugby Town won a couple of corners near the end however Boro defended them well.  

After an agonising wait the referee blew the final whistle which saw the Boro bench race onto the pitch to celebrate with their team mates whilst the fans celebrated on the touchline.

An amazing end to the season for a brilliant group of girls who just seem to get better and better.  It was thoroughly deserved victory on the day & we all can’t wait until next season to see what other great things this team can deliver.

Player of the match from the coaches was Chloe for excellent goalkeeping

Player of the match from the league was Jess for a great midfield showing

Thanks to the parents who turn up in great numbers each week to support the girls & thanks also to Rugby Town for contributing to a great final which showcased girls football in the town.

Roll on next season