Ducklington Girls 2007-8

Ducklington U11 Girls - Match Report

29th March 2008

Ducklington	1 - 0	Marston Saints
Foxcroft

Match Report - Kevin Thompson

A fine day at the Ducklington ground today, such a contrast from the last match against Marston.

For those who remember it had to be the coldest match day this season at their ground near the John Radcliffe Hospital. This was back in November.

Remembering that the last match had been a very close affair, a hard match was anticipated today. Sure enough a 09.30 kick off saw Marston on the attack. A totally focused side which worked well together to really put some early pressure onto the Ducklington defence. Early indicators showing that Megan Ostle and Millie Eaton would have to be right on their game today.

Up in midfield some really hard tackling by Channel, Eleanor and Tasia was needed in order to stop Marston breaking through. At this stage the visitors seemed to have the edge, winning much ball, but the ‘Duck’ defence held tight.

After some 15 minutes into the first half thinks seemed to settle down a bit with the home side finally starting to put some great running passes in and move the ball up the field. Some great team work by Gabby, Katie and ‘Foxy’ saw a few chances to get well into the visitors half.

It wasn’t long though before it could be seen that the Marston defence was as good as that of Ducklington. All attempts at firing off a shot at goal were well covered by this well organised side. As was thought, this game was going to be a close one, with maybe only one goal needed to win the match. As play moved endlessly back and forth into each sides half, it was during a spell of Marston attacking play that Megan Want’s goalie skills were put to the test. A Marston corner gave the visitors a chance to score, but she had it well covered, saving on this occasion with ease.

Just before half time and Marston were able to get close enough to fire off another shot at goal, but it was well off target.

Half time now, and after some words of encouragement from their coaches it was back on the field for what was to prove to be a very hard played, fast and exciting second half. Both sides confident that just that one goal would seal it. It was right from the whistle that Marston were back on the attack.

It was during this half that the skills and determination of both Gaby and Megan Ostletook off. Some great play saw them time and time again win ball from Marston and feed it up the pitch to the Ducklington strikers. It was as a result of some of this play by Millie Eaton with a fantastic pass up field to ‘Foxy’ on the right wing saw her run for goal. She only had just one Marston defender to beat, which she did with ease, firing off a shot at goal from within the box. Goal!!

With one in the bag for the home side, you could see a noticeable raise in confidence within the Ducklington squad. Marston still had much left in the tank, and continued to manage some late attacks at the Ducklington goal.

The skills of Megan Want held all tight, with a last minute save, as the visitors made a final attempt to level things up. But even with a minute added for stoppages the score line remained till the final whistle.

It must be said that in many ways Marston played the better team football, with some skilful individual performances. This game as with the last encounter back in the Autumn could have gone either way. Marston Saints will certainly be a force to reckoned with next season. However, for those on the side lines watching today it was without a doubt one of the best, hard fought games of the season.

Fast and entertaining, right from the outset.

Well played girls! Final Score: 1-0

Player of the match: Gabby Hill (Fantastic well focused play, right from the start, well deserved)