Today the Jags lined up against a Top Trophy side – City Belles.
The girls knew they were in for a tough match and City Belles started brightly putting the girls under a fair bit of pressure. But some resolute defending from everyone and some great saves from Marcelina kept the score even and the girls grew into the game. With Sienna, Esther and Tianna working hard all over the midfield the Jags were unlucky not to go ahead when some great closing down led to an opportunity for Tianna which just whistled wide. Jessie worked tirelessly upfront closing down every time the defenders got the ball and as The quarter continued Esme, Alyssia and Bella were super solid in defense, but when they were breached Marcelina was there! No goals at the end of Q1!
But after that the story was not the same for the rest of the match with plenty of goals to come!
The Jags took the lead when Esther won the ball from distance and pinged a long range effort which beat the goalie!
The Belles bounced back after a great first save was picked up by their striker and slotted away.
But the Jags didn’t drop their heads. A well worked corner – which the girls practiced the night before- led to Bella getting herself her first goal of the season!
Despite the defensive efforts of all the girls – the Belles came back again- punishing the Jags at a corner themselves when we failed to clear.
Savannah worked hard up front before going in goal for the final quarter and was unlucky not to grab herself a goal.
But the Jags again took the lead when Sienna slotted home just inside the box with a lovely finished.
Savannah herself made some good saves but the Belles got themselves level again!
Marcelina came on up top and was unlucky not to score herself and despite some desperate play at both ends in the final minutes no more goals were scored!
The Belles voted Marcelina player of the match for her great goalie display.
Coaches player went to Bella whose defending was first class at times!
Player of the match genuinely could have gone to any of the girls after a performance like that. They were all brilliant- hard work, resilience and team spirit! The closing from the front from Savannah and Jessie, the legs and effort in midfield from Tianna, Sienna and Esther, the resolute defending of Bella, Esme and Alyssia and the goalkeeping of Marcelina and Savannah were all fantastic!
Another great result for the ever developing Jags!
Next stop – the new trophy event!
Thanks to Coach Simon for the match report
