Burley Trojans U-14 Girls 2 Hebden Bridge Saints 2

A superb exhibition of girls’ 11-a-side football saw two evenly-matched teams sharing the points in this U-14 league match. Burley started well, but went behind after ten minutes when Hebden’s right winger cut inside and lofted the ball over the ’keeper after being allowed far too much time and space by the Burley defence. This seemed to galvanise the Burley back four - Emma Horton, Alice Simpson, Hannah McGurk and Laura Atkinson - who all defended very strongly for the rest of the half.

Katie Scott came on as sub after 20 minutes and had an immediate impact, creating several chances for herself and other teammates, but the score remained 1-0 to Hebden at half-time.

Early in the second-half, Burley lost their impressive defender Alice Simpson to injury, but she was ably replaced by the versatile Izzy Johnson, who had done well on the left wing in the first-half. Burley began to reap the rewards of the tremendous work-rate of Laura Irwin and Cleo Oldham in midfield, and the deft touches and firm crosses from Katharine Missin on the right wing. More and more chances fell to Katie Scott and Izzy Gibbs up front, but it was defender-turned-goalpoacher Beth Ruddock who stole in at the back post to steer in the equaliser.

Within a minute, Burley were 2-1 up, when Gibbs used her strength to get the better of the last defender and rifled in a low shot into the bottom corner.

The Saints came storming back during the last 15 minutes, putting Burley under a lot of pressure, and forcing a fine save from ’keeper Jess Hampton. Several well-struck corners caused problems for the Trojans’ defence, and from one of these corners the Saints equalised when the ball was deflected by a Burley player into the top corner of the net.

The final score was 2-2 and all 24 girls can be proud of their efforts. Girl-of-the-match was awarded to Katharine Missin.

Burley Trojans U-14 Girls are looking to increase their squad for next season. Parents of any players interested in joining should contact Jonathan Hudson on 07713 565058.