We arrived at Vandyke Upper School – for our Super Bowl moment as the Meerkats stepped into match-play vs Luton, with Elspeth about to follow her sisters extensive legacy by debuting for the Galaxy. After Coaches Isabel and Andy embarrassed the players sufficiently during the warm-up to shake off the nerves, the game commenced and we immediately saw shape and tenacity to our play, ably back up by some excellent goalkeeping from Azaria in her slightly oversized gloves. We had Becky harrying opponents, Clara’s enthusiasm rubbing off on team mates (whilst proudly announcing her dad as the match official), and Helena displaying some of the silkiest footwork we’ve seen in many years. Despite ending Q1 3-0 down, the performance levels were fantastic for a first game, demonstrated by an excellent tackle by Elspeth with Luton nearly through on goal. Already, the competitive edge was seeping through by the unnecessary disappointment from the girls at the score line.
Q2 continued a similar trend, Emily had an excellent shot that narrowly missed the target and territory was very even, Leyre getting forward at every opportunity. Again, despite the 5-0 score line, we were always in the game and the girls were visibly tiring by the end because of the effort they had put in. The coaching team chose not to exert our opportunity to bring more players onto the field because of the value gained in matching up with the more experienced opponents, and we never stopped being competitive.
Q3 once again saw missed half-chances that on another day may have gone in, some stoic defending and lots of willing endeavor, Vdara oozing class by gliding past 2 players on her way to setting up a chance. The only interruption was the subs bench enquiring what breakfast the coaching team may be able to offer mid-match, worth also highlighting that so eager was Leyre to return to action towards the end of the game that she leapt onto the pitch before either coach knew what was going on, but thankfully we had a very reasonable referee. Although the score line reached 7-0 it was once again a triumph in effort, team work and bravery with a few bruising knocks taken.
Q4 was a big one, 0-0 in score line but at points total domination with Luton boxed in down in one of the corners and Lotte whipping through constant dangerous balls to be attacked. By this time Emily had reached triple figures in shot count, Azaria and Alessia were controlling the right side of the pitch and rewarded by negotiating a sleepover on full-time, and Helena was still playing jiggery pokery with her footwork.
All in all, despite a 7-0 score line, it was an incredible achievement to be so competitive in a first game, the players left as heroes to the loud noise of our supporters (or Ultras as they may prefer to be known as). Luton chose Becky as our player of the match, well deserved after nursing an injury in the line of duty. The Meerkats can’t wait for the next match-day although we have to set off on Thursday given it’s a long trip to Real Bedford!
Special shout-outs to Orla and Olivia who came down and cheered on their team mates. Unfortunately one of the coaches forgot the haribo! – and it wasn’t Andy.
