Our last meeting with the Eagles was back in September, where we came away with a very convincing 7-2 win. As Cup Final day dawned, there was a palpable sense of match day nerves amongst the girls, coaches and spectators. It’s almost like our collective ‘spidey’ senses had kicked in to warn us we were in for a challenge. And what a challenge it was!
Maddie was sadly injured, but it was great to have her there supporting from the side-lines. The Panthers started strong, with Ilana putting some serious pace on the ball and Ivy intercepting and getting possession at every opportunity.
Quinn and Rosie put the pressure on, making clever and accurate passes whilst Scarlett ‘The Boss’ owned the midfield, not letting anything past with her brilliant and effective tackles. Quinn got a lovely ball through to Rosie, who took the opportunity to get a shot past the Flitwick keeper for the first goal of the match.
Flitwick were determined to give the Panthers a real test, but Ilana kept it tight, with Rosie and Ivy both showing how fast the Jefferd feet can move. Nimah wasn’t letting anything past and showed great sportswomenship by offering a hand to a fallen Eagle.
Flitwick came back fighting even harder in the second quarter. Floss made some great interceptions on the wing, coupled with some brilliant pressure play from Scarlett. Ava used her vantage point and voice to guide her team and grabbed the ball quickly from a potential Flitwick threat before getting it away and back up the pitch to Rosie. Rosie took full advantage and showed that she is the original Speedy Gonzales, powering a lovely strike into the top corner of the goal.
Flitwick were not phased, trying to get not one but two goals past Ava in quick succession. Ava saved two on the bounce with her super goalie skills, giving the spectators an indication of what was the come – the tension was beginning to build. Quinn and Floss were determined to keep the ball, showing great attacking play. A well-timed ball down the pitch from Ava gave Rosie another opportunity to score, but it just went wide.
The Panthers were two goals up at half time, and almost scored a third thanks to Scarlett at the beginning of the third quarter. Scarlett tried her darndest to get it past the Flitwick keeper, who got her hands on it and grabbed it away – so close, but not to be. Scarlett pushed again, but the ball went wide.
Olivia put some great pressure on, fresh from the bench and clearly enjoying her match-time. But Flitwick were fighting strong and attacked with a strike into the box which thankfully deflected off both Evie and Ava to miss the goal. Floss managed to get the ball back and put in a determined run up the wing, but it came to an unlucky end with no goal.
Ava’s keeping skills were tested again – she made a great save, but then Flitwick were awarded a penalty for a questionable hand-ball moment. Unfortunately, they got the ball past Ava this time, to bring the score to 2-1.
Floss got straight back in and made another great run up the pitch, but her strike was saved by the keeper. Flitwick were clearly fired up, quickening the pace and putting the Panthers on the back foot. Niamh, Scarlett and Evie tried hard to defend the box as best they could, but Flitwick saw an opportunity and took it, bringing the score level to 2-2 before the final quarter.
The final quarter was tense, to say the least. Ilana battled hard against some seriously tough opposition BUT didn’t give up, even though she hit the floor. Great determination Ilana! Flitwick pushed and pushed, but Ava showed zero fear, coming out to meet the ball and getting it out of the danger zone.
This gave Scarlett a chance to make a run past the defensive line, and it looked promising but was saved by the Flitwick goalie, who was heard shouting with glee ‘this is the BEST GAME EVER!’ – could not agree with you more!
Flitwick were buzzing all over Rosie, who was trying so hard to get into the box to get that last clincher of a goal. There were some further reffing decisions that didn’t give us the advantage we perhaps deserved, getting Coach Jethro into a little bit of bother with the home spectators, but all was forgiven at the end. Olivia pressured hard, making a great block. She almost got the ball in, but the keeper grabbed it before it passed the line.
Flitwick then ran the ball back up the pitch and ALMOST got a goal, but it hit the post, as the Panthers parents breathed a collective groan of relief.
With a 2-2 score line, the game then went to extra time. The Panthers looked a little despondent and were understandably tired after a challenging second half. After a bit of positive team chat from Coach Gab and Coach Jethro, they rallied and approached the extra time play with determination and great energy. There was another ‘eek’ moment from the crowd when Ivy almost scored, and it would be fair to say that Panthers worked hard to dominate in the extra time given.
Now to penalties, where it was the best of five. It was tense (in the crowd and on the pitch), but Ava showed that she is as cool as a cucumber and approached the goal with her usual professionalism and courage.
Flitwick scored the first penalty, but Panthers equalled. The Eagles then missed the second and hit the top bar. Panthers then scored again, but so did Flitwick. Panthers scored AGAIN – Ivy, Rosie and Scarlett all got their penalties past with absolute nonchalant class. Then Ava showed just how great a goalie she is and saved the next Flitwick penalty. The Flitwick goalie was not to be outdone and then saved hers. Whilst everyone in the crowd was biting any nails they had left, Flitwick managed to score again, but Ava closed the deal with absolute style, by scoring the last goal of the match to bring the score to 4-3 on penalties.
What an incredible match and a well-deserved Cup Final win for the Panthers. Lots more challenges to come, but the amazing Panthers are ready to sink their teeth right in!
