I had the pleasure of taking the Willow Brook girls football team to Abbey Road Primary School in West Bridgford to take part in a first round match of the Rushcliffe Primary Schools Football Cup.
As soon as kick off had taken place, any nervous energy was transformed into fire and determination as the girls started the match in full control. A very well taken corner was converted into an own goal which gave us an early lead and helped the confidence to grow. An unfortunate (but rather amusing) goalkeeping mistake ended with Abbey Road being awarded a penalty kick. In a stroke of luck for us, the penalty missed the target. And a goal kick sent the ball forward leading to a second goal from our lone striker. This further demoralized Abbey Road, who by this point couldn’t get close to our goal. Some fantastic and physical defending saw defence turn into attack and our third goal was the best I have seen in many years of girl’s football – a screamer from just over the halfway line that soared into the top corner. The score was 3-0 at half time!
With our two years fives being solid at the back, Willow Brook showed the spectators a master class in tight marking and “getting rid of it”. There was great goalkeeping, fast counter attacking and a little bit of luck, it was back to basics football at its finest. With another couple of goals, the final score was a very impressive 4 – 1.
Sutton Bonnington have been invited to Willow Brook for the next round. Maybe this year could be our year?!
