The game started with a bang as Corrin and Lola made the first attack down the right wing, showing real determination and pushing forward. Evie and Grace then did a fantastic job, clearing the ball to safety from a decent Brinsworth counter-attack.

It wasn’t long before Charnock showed some great teamwork and took the lead. Lola was first to the ball, ran diagonally, avoiding tackles, to set up Corrin with a beautiful cross for her to score her first goal of the season. Spurred on by their goal, Charnock then played some decent football, with the whole team pulling together to put pressure on Brinsworth and deny their counter-attacks.

The speed and skill of the Brinsworth number 8 caused Charnock some issues on the left wing, but Summer was there to make a great save, and Evie blocked another shot with her body. Midway through the first half, our girls were defending their lead well and looking lively when pressing forward. There was a great chance when Evie played a well-taken free kick into the Brinsworth area after the referee awarded a foul.

Brinsworth had a powerful shot that hit the Charnock post before their number 8 had to leave the field due to injury. Charnock were still doing well in midfield, and when Rose came on, she took a corner into the Brinsworth box for Raegan to shoot, but it was saved by the keeper. Eva then stopped a strong Brinsworth attack with a great tackle, and Summer made another fantastic save from a low shot.

Brinsworth then won two corners, but Maisie and Nevaeh defended well. Nevaeh stepped up to take the goal kick, and Gracie, Rose, Lottie, and Amelia battled hard to push forward, with the ball put out for a Brinsworth throw. Charnock almost scored again just before half-time -two long throws from Nevaeh saw Raegan and Lottie battling hard and winning a corner that was defended well by Brinsworth. The referee then blew for half-time with Charnock leading 1-0.

In the second half, Charnock were forced to defend. Eva made a fantastic block, and Raegan and Maisie worked together to deny more Brinsworth pressure. It wasn’t long though before Brinsworth scored to make it 1-1, and shortly after, Summer pulled off a wonder save, before Brinsworth took the lead to make it 2-1.

Charnock certainly did not give up, defending together and pressing forward from cleared balls when they could. Gracie worked hard in midfield to get balls through to Lola up front, despite some tight marking.

With the Brinsworth number 8 back on the field, it took another good shot to get the ball past Summer, taking the score to 3-1. Charnock didn’t lie down though. Rosie was busy, covering everywhere and playing some good forward passes. Grace too, with Lottie, worked hard to win the ball, Grace then placing a perfect throw-in along the line.

The referee awarded Brinsworth a free kick on the edge of the Charnock area, but Summer was loud and vocal, quickly organising the Charnock wall. Rosie blocked a good shot, and Evie held firm to make a strong clearance. Rosie, again, made a lovely run down the wing with Gracie in support, but she was clattered to the ground - the referee waving play on.

With the closing minutes ticking away, the Brinsworth number 11 found herself 1-on-1 with Summer, who made a top drawer save. Lottie then showed some fine footwork to run through four Brinsworth players and play the ball to Lola, whose shot was just saved by the keeper.

The final score was 3-1 to Brinsworth and fter the match, Manager James said he was proud of all the Charnock girls, especially in the first half, which he said was ‘spot on’. Coach Russ echoed this, saying it was the best half he had seen the girls play this season, adding that despite conceding a couple of sloppy goals, Charnock caused Brinsworth plenty of problems at the back.

Lottie was deservedly awarded Girl of the Game for the third time this season, and Effort of the Week went to Corrin, today’s goal scorer who always gives her best, both in training and on the pitch.

Great job, girls! Up the Charnock and let's take this team spirit into 2025.