Girls U14s 2019-20 Victory cheers for Ashford
Girls U12s 2019-20 - Standing Zara, Analise, Emma, Caleb (coach), Nya, Aimee , Alice. Sitting Niamh, Joanna, Flo
U14 and U16 Junior Girls Report
The junior girls were delighted to return to training in September, especially as Coach Caleb was there to push them in their fitness drills. As much as they protested, there is a real improvement in their fitness levels which was clear to see when league games were played.
We welcomed a group of younger U12s into the training squad who had progressed to a level good enough to train with the older girls. Well done to Megan, Jo, Niamh, Caisie, Casey and Madeleine.
The season kicked off with an U16 home match against Teddington on 4/10/20, which we knew would be tough. Caleb had trained the girls well and all were eager to play. Ashford played some great hockey, switching the ball across the pitch, but the Teddington pressure was too great and the final score was 3-1 to the visitors. Special mention must go to Charlotte who stepped up to play her first ever game in goal, making some great saves and kicking the ball away as if she had been a keeper for years!
The U14s first match on 18/10/20 was away to local rivals Staines. Brilliant defence by Nya, Ella, Alice, Daya and new member Saanvi kept us in the game, secured by Aimee who kept a clean sheet. Captain Zara played a crucial role as top of diamond. Annabelle scored for Ashford on a blinding break giving the girls their 1-0 victory. But the score doesn’t tell the whole story of this game as Ashford dominated throughout and could have scored many more goals if it hadn’t been for the Staines keeper having such a good game.
The following week on 25/10/20, saw the U14s play Ealing at home. Ashford started the game nervously as the oppo were fielding an older side on average. Full marks again to the defence led in the centre by Talia; to Megan who bravely stepped in as RB and Daya who is proving to be a very good defender. Aimee in goal had an outstanding game, clearing the ball with conviction. Captain Nya played sweeper and was central in breaking down Ealing’s attacks. The first goal came from a quick-thinking deflection into the net by Zara; the second came from Annabelle’s signature quick break from half way to beat the GK and the third was a beautifully timed rocket shot by Zara. A well-deserved 3-0 win for Ashford.
The U16s played Woking away on 1/11/20 and captain Eva made a fantastic start with an expertly finished goal in the first ten minutes. Woking then upped their game and Leah, Nya, Ella and Talia defended well under pressure. Mads controlled the midfield at all times with calmness and
vision. The younger players – Analise, Zara, Emma Days and Megan – were not at all phased and all added to the game. Charlotte as GK made some amazing saves that belied her inexperience in this position. But the pressure told and Ashford were 2-1 down at half time. When Woking
scored again early in the second half, Ashford rallied and showed the spectators what they can do. Annabelle scored with her amazing fast break and then set up Kitty to score past the keeper. What a come-back! However, Woking spoilt the party with a last-minute goal to win 4-3. Even in defeat it was a great performance and thoroughly enjoyable game.
The U14s were raring to go after the November lockdown and looking to beat Ealing again at the return match at St Augustine’s school. The game proved to be one of the best performances seen by this young side, even with missing key player Nya who was still in isolation. Our more experienced players, Annabelle, Ella and Leah formed the strong spine of the side, dominating the play and pinning Ealing in their own half. Zara scored the first goal from a great cross by Annabelle. Ealing then did a ‘whole team’ substitution (never seen before) which fired them up to make the rest of the half more even and ending 1-1. The second half though was all Ashford and Zara scored again early. Our younger players – Caisie, Madeleine, Megan, Jo, Niamh and Casey – all showed great hockey skills.
They understood what their role was on the pitch and did it well. Captain Analise always offered an outlet on the left and drove down the wing with her effortless style. Daya played LB with confidence and strength. Emma played RB for the first time looking like she had played there all her life. Aimee commanded her defence superbly in the many Ealing short corners. Two more goals came for Ashford, both of a quality a senior team would strive for. The final score was 4-1 to Ashford with Zara scoring all 4 goals!
It is always a pleasure to watch the U16 and U14 teams play. There is a wide spread of age in the squads, but they play and train together as a team, showing trust and unity. The parent support is fantastic – it’s great to see them cheering enthusiastically every game.
Your Coaches,
Claire, Lenka and Kelly
Season stats so far :-
Scorers: Zara (6), Annabelle (4), Analise (1), Kitty (1), Eva (1)
Player of Matches: Charlotte, Ella, Mads, Emma, Kitty, Leah (2), Zara (2), Nya (2), Annabelle (2).
Photo captions:
Victory cheers for Ashford U14s 2019-20 after their fantastic 4-1 win against Ealing.
From left to right: Emma, Daya, Megan, Annabelle, Leah, Aimee (GK), Analise, Ella, Zara, Jo, Niamh, Caisie, Madeleine, Casey.
Girls U12s 2019-20 – Standing: Zara, Analise, Emma, Caleb (coach), Nya, Aimee , Alice. Sitting: Niamh, Joanna, Flo.
