OWLS Under 10s girls marked the start of the season with a match at home against frequent opponents Queensbury Celtic. After a Summer largely without competitive football, and new signing Tehila playing her first game there was uncertainty over how match fit they would be; but the players were full of energy on this mild Saturday morning and seemed up for a battle. Quarter one began with a familiar starting line-up to the OWLS fans, Daisy in goal, Lena, Esmai, Evelyn and Poppy in defense; Molly and Ivy in mid and Izzy up front; with Rosie and Tehila on the bench. Some good early attacks from Ivy and Izzy, threatened the Queensbury goal, but their keeper demonstrated strength in blocking all shots coming her way. OWLS defenders were also called upon numerous times to manage Queensbury attacks, with Evelyn providing a vital clearance to protect the scoreline. Quarter two and Rosie & Tehila came on for Poppy and Lena in defense. Tehila, getting some good touches early on to begin her OWLS career. OWLS had three rapid attacks and a spectacular half volley from Izzy, going inches over the bar. Molly held the defensive mid well, making some crucial blocks and interceptions, frustrating the Celtics attackers. But, OWLS were then unlucky to concede a penalty towards the end of the quarter. OWLS continued to threaten the Queensbury goal with Molly almost pulling one back, only to be thwarted by the post. Quarter three and Poppy & Lena were back on with Evelyn and Molly taking a rest on the sidelines; Lena pushing forward in a midfield position. The quarter began with some great link play between Rosie and Esmai, transforming defense into attack and Daisy continuing gaining high accolades from the lively crowd with her strong save from a Queensbury free kick. Needing to find a goal quickly Molly came back on to shift to a more attacking system, and we saw an immediate impact. Lena showed on the ball confidence and skill, with a surging run down the nearside touchline and a well weighted pass unleashed Izzy with an accurately placed shot to the keepers right. OWLS kicked on with a long ball finding Poppy unmarked who took the ball deep into the Queensbury box, and she was unlucky not to grab her first goal of the season.
Quarter four and Rosie and Tehila were subbed and Lena reverting back to a defensive role. From the off, OWLS began to produce opportunities, and while the shots were stifled by the Celtics, a conceded corner provided hope. An awkward ball in from Molly bobbled through the Queensbury players, and found Izzy in front of goal, who dug the ball out of her feet and shot. From the kick-off OWLS defense was called upon for long periods with Esmai, showing strength beyond her years and a well-timed shoulder barge at a vital moment disrupted a Queensbury attack. Daisy’s great distribution, and Evelyn’s strong passing up field produced an immediate attack to provide another opportunity with a corner. A mirror image of the previous corner, Molly’s ball made it through the Queensbury team, this time finding Ivy. Queensbury coaches and supporters urged all players forward for multiple last gasp attacks, as the game came to a close. Review A great game to start the season, with coach Karl highlighting OWLS resilience in fighting back as well as many strong performances across the team. Players of the match Queensbury awarded Izzy as player of the game; with OWLS supporters awarding Ivy. Well done girls.
Thank you
Thank you to all the players, coaches and parents. We would also like to thank our sponsors:
