The Courier

Bilton Grange got of to a fierce start taking every chance in the first half two 1/4s gaining 7 goals.  However, Crescent developed tactics and made huge improvements within their strength and competitive play to win the second half scoring 2 goals and preventing them from scoring any further goals.

 

A fantastic game - Player of the Match - Grace, Coach's player - Esme. 

 

Again great improvement within the play with some good opportunities but unfortunately, we just could not quite get it in the net. Lovely centre court work to move the ball into attacking third.

 

Player of the Match - Annalise 

 

Great defence, competitive spirit and drive from the team who again showed great improvement in their first match of the season. Another game of 2 halves.

 

Player of the Match - Sofie 

 

After weathering a very frenetic start from the home side, Crescent really settled into their game, dominating the later stages and coming back to take victory in a really thrilling encounter. Special mentions go to our two honorary Year 6s Timi and Alex G for stepping up and playing superbly, and to both coaches’ player of the match Sam who was outstanding throughout in attack and defence.

 

Crescent really dominated from the outset in this encounter, combining superbly in attack to score nearly every time they had possession. The away side were just as effective in defence, working in unison to put telling pressure on Crackley, making tackle after tackle. Special mentions go to Ollie, Albert and Emily for their ferocious tackling, and to the player of the match Ed G-H for his lightning speed and ruthless finishing.

 

The travelling Crescent side played with real enthusiasm, team spirit and determination in their game against Crackley. Despite going behind early in the game, the entire team never gave up or let their heads drop, battling like Trojans throughout. Crackley’s solid defence just did enough to hold on at the end, but special mentions go to the entire side, and in particular the stand-out player of the match Roisin Banks, showing superb strength, speed and skill in all aspects of her game.

 

The final game of the day saw a real thriller played at an incredibly high standard, as the two combined ‘A’ sides took to the field against each other. Crescent triumphed once again in an extremely close-fought end to end encounter, coming out as 7-6 winners. The unanimous player of the match was Shiv for his deadly attacking play and a side-step that wouldn’t be out of place playing for the England team.

Despite coming up against a very strong, well-organised Crackley side, Crescent one again showed their class and skill in a well-polished performance. Throughout the game the visiting team were disciplined and dynamic in defence, working superbly together as a team, and swift and powerful in attack. Special mentions go to Maxi and Zac for their captaincy and all round play, player of the match was Roisin for her deadly pace and super finishing.

 

Crescent dominated this encounter right from the first whistle, with Crackley having no answer for their aggressive, blitz-style defence. The away side proved just as deadly in attack, Crackley unable to deal with their scything runs and quick passing from the tackle. Special mentions for Ed M and Akaal for excellent tackling, player of the match undoubtedly Alex B for his pace and power in attack.

 

The U8s took part in a series of friendly training matches with Crackley, practicing their skills well in game situations. Special mentions go to Evelyn and Theo for excellent determination, teamwork and encouragement. 

Crescent started strong driving towards the ball and controlling the speed of the game taking the first goal from the first centre pass from a greatly worked set piece. Defence was solid and made fantastic interceptions to stop the ball from entering Crackley's attacking circle. Crackley then settled and started to use their height to their advantage, blocking Crescent's attacking play and after a fantastic start we struggled to make any of our chances convert. Lots of positives to take from the game with areas to work on too. 

 

Player of the Game - Grace M. 

 

Fantastic work rate and movement in the centre third, moving the ball nicely toward to the attacking circle where Alex was holding his space and then driving to create lots of chances.  Defence worked hard, reading the game well to making some great interceptions. 

 

Player of the Game - Annalise. 

A really strong Crackley side made for a tough 2nd game for the U10s. Despite the cold and constant pressure they never gave up and tried their hardest until the end of the 40 minutes. I was most pleased that the team were still smiling and laughing together showing real team spirit. Well done for your resilience.

 

A closely contested game. The girls worked incredibly hard, marking players extremely well.  Great energy on the attack and brilliant shooting from Sophia who was player of the match.

 

U8s  0-6 

An enthusiastic and determined game from our U8 team, who worked hard and showed great resilience and perseverence against a strong and very tall Crackley defence.  Players worked hard in the attacking third, with a special mention to Isabella, Amber and Esme who kept moving the ball around the attacking semi circle, determined to find a way to get past the tall Crackley defence and get a shot on goal. Defence battled hard to slow down the Crackley attack with Theo making some very well timed interceptions.