Playing AFC Dunstable, the Jaguars had both their full playing and coaching squad available for the first time this season.
With 5 subs, the pregame chat was all about starting with intensity and working hard during each quarter from the off.
The girls started the game with Marcelina in goal, Alyssia and Bella in defense, Esther, Tianna and Sienna in midfield and Savannah up front.
With the ask for intensity from the off the girls applied early pressure to the dunstable side, penning them in. Esther, Tianna and Sienna were dominant in midfield and Savannah was unlucky not to grab a goal as she worked tirelessly up front. Dunstable were a threat on the break, but Bella and Alyssia were always there to mop up and even if they did get through Marcelina was there to safely collect the ball.
Despite the pressure from the Jags the first quarter finished goalless.
In quarter 2, Jessie, Ella, Esme, Isla and Juno took to the pitch and the game followed in a very similar fashion.
The Jags finally breaking the deadlock when Isla took a long throw into the box which Esther allowed to bounce over her shoulder before rifling it into the back of the net, giving the Jags the lead.
With the lead the Jags didn’t let up and Jessie worked tirelessly up front, with some great footwork at times, unlucky not to add to the scoreline.
As the quarter continued, Esme and Juno marshalled the defense and Ella was always there to mop up in midfield. Isla worked tirelessly from the left and the Jags were unlucky to not add to their lead.
The Jags did score again when a corner from Esther was whipped into the box. Esme trying to get on the end of it forced the defender to put it in her own net.
That’s how it remained at half time. The Jags well deserving of their lead.
Into the 3rd quarter and some shuffling seemed to disrupt the jags and with Dunstable pushing more players forward, they had the better of the period. But the Jags stayed firm and kept the scoreline as it was.
Into the 4th and the Jags settled quickly and despite Dunstable pushing on, the Jags had a number of chances to put the game to bed, but were met with some great goalkeeping from the away side.
The Jags did increase the scoreline though, when Sienna burst forward, something that is becoming a bit of a trademark, running half of a pitch before smashing the ball home.
That’s how the game finished.
A great performance from the jags making it 2 from 2 in the trophy event.
Esther was the player of the match for an industrious performance once more- a constant thorn in dunstable side.
Jessie was coaches player form some amazing work and skill throughout the game.
All the girls more than played their part though and should be proud of the result.
Tattenhoe next week!
See you then
Coach Simon
