Charnock Girls U18s (3) v (1) Hallam Rangers J.F.C. U18 Girls

Having been top of the league for most of the season now, and dropping to 3rd position as games had been played around us, the pressure was on to get a result. Playing on a pitch with long grass wasn't great and so it was never going to be a great football match.
Charnock looked nervous and it was Hallam that started the better team, missing 2 good chances in the first 10 mins.
Our best chance was when Lilly P hit a low shot in the corner but some how the Hallam goalkeeper saved it. The Hallam goalkeeper made a few more great saves before Kate missed a fantastic chance, hitting her shot wide from 8 yards out. We kept the game level with Evie S, our stand in goalkeeper, making a few excellent saves, one tipping it around the post.
Halftime 0-0

A few harsh words during the break and Charnock looked better second half on the front foot, however on several occasions, Charnock wasted some great opportunities to score. Finally the goal came with a brilliant ball from Irina, splitting the Hallam defence, Lilly P got on to it and slotted it home 1 v 0.
Then, probably the goal of the season, with great skills from Molly going past 2 Hallam defenders with still a lot to do, hit a right foot shot from the edge of the box which flew in the top corner, 2 v 0.
Hallam went close but with some great defending and Evie S making a great save, she managed to hold on to the ball with 3 Hallam girls around her.
Our 3rd goal came following another great save from the Hallam goalkeeper but Kate followed up the rebound, making it 3 v 0.
Hallam got a goal back in the last minute to make final score 3 v 1 and Charnock finish 2nd in the table.

Overall -
Wasn't happy with the first half as too many of our girls weren't on the ball and our energy levels weren't there. We were also not winning any of our individual battles. We were a lot better the second half, but making it difficult for ourselves, missing too many opportunities to score.
But I was pleased we kept going and finally put our chances away, winning the match comfortably in the end.
I'm so pleased for the girls to finish 2nd, getting some rewards for their amazing efforts this season. Obviously we wanted to finish top but it wasn't to be. Also, reaching a cup final, the girls have been fantastic this season I'm very proud of them.

MOTM
This week there are 2 girls-
Evie R, outstanding with your individual defending this morning. Great reading of the game and also had a great effort with a fantastic run which deserved a goal, just missing the target. Also you've been a fantastic Captain.

Leah, outstanding in midfield having moved her in the middle after 15 mins and she ran the show with brilliant awareness, winning tackles going past players with ease and setting chances up.

It's a very sad day with it being my last game for Charnock. It's been a honour to be the Manager for last 5 great seasons. Reaching 2 Cup Finals and in every season, always challenging at the top of the table. All the girls, even the ones who don't play anymore, I want to thank you so much for your efforts and memories.
Also thanks to the coaches, you have all been brilliant and I couldn't have done this journey without you.
Special mention to Chris who has done an unbelievable job with the first aid with these girls. He has put loads of his own time, giving girls advice what to do to get them fit for the matches.
Thanks everybody and good luck for the future. Charnock has been a great club. Thanks for the Memories.

Thanks, Paul