Girls’ Section Review: Mixed fortunes on dramatic cup semi final day

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Under 14 Girls faced Tyrone Mings Youth Hurricanes at Beversbrook Sports Facility in the hopes of bagging a place in the North Wilts League Cup final. Bassett made a nervy start and Tyrone Mings capitalised on this, piling the pressure on. Despite this, the Blues still created attacks, although unfortunately the two shots they had went wide. Tyrone Mings were looking strong, and Basett relied on a goal line clearance from Elsie Gorringe to prevent them going behind. However, these defensive efforts weren't enough. Not long into the half, the opposition pounced on a rushed goal kick and slotted the ball away. 1-0 to Tyrone Mings. The Blues began to struggle a little under the pressure but still put up a solid defensive performance, keeping the opposition at bay until half time. A reshuffle in the squad meant a fresh start for Bassett in the second half, and the girls began to link up well, with Alisa Allan and Ava Hall causing problems on the wings. Unfortunately, defender Elise Dart was forced off due to injury, but the girls covered for each other well. Bassett began some positive combinations and were soon rewarded with an equalising goal. The ball was drilled into the box for Ava to smash home back post. 1-1! This gave the Blues a lift but there was only seven minutes left to play. However, the tide had turned and Bassett had most of the possession, continuing to challenge the Tyrone Mings back line. Then came a breakthrough! Mia Hughes drove down the pitch and, with some tricky feet, found herself through on goal. Her shot was initially saved but then bobbled into the net to give Bassett the lead in the nick of time. The girls held strong for the final few minutes to claim a 2-1 win and a spot in the final at Foundation Park! Player of the match went to Sienna Matthews, who had a great game attacking and defending. It was also awarded to Izzy Ellis for her brilliant calm defending and commanding performance at the back. While the Under 14s marched onto the final, the Under suffered a devastating loss to FC Abbey Meads Blue in anothernail-bitingly close cup semi-final. The girls made a strong start for the first ten minutes, piling the pressure on the opposition's defence. Their intensity paid off when captain Christina Croft pounced on a loose ball and drove towards goal, before placing the ball calmly in the far bottom corner. Things were looking up for Bassett! However, Abbey Meads were also pushing for a goal of their own. Their own breakthrough came after a tight scrappy battle in front of goal, before the ball was finally smashed home to make it 1-1. The Blues lost their momentum after this, and Abbey Meads began to dominate. However, the girls battled hard and kept the score at 1-1 till half time. Bassett came out fighting in the second half, and were looking a lot more composed and confident on the ball. The girls were all working extremely hard, but unfortunately as the half wore on, they began to tire. The Blues found themselves getting pushed back deeper and deeper, and lost control of the game. Although they weren't creating any attacks, Bassett continued to battle furiously in defence. Players such as Tia Campbell, Olivia Cooper and Aamira Sakiru were putting everything on the line to maintain the scoreline. However, their efforts just weren't enough. Abbey Meads were pushing for a winner and their goal came with just 10 minutes left to play. Keeper Ella made two saves in quick succession to prevent the opposition a goal, but the rebound was poked into the corner of the net. 2-1 to Abbey Meads. Bassett were deflated by this turn of events and weren't looking like equalising. The final whistle eventually blew, and the girls' dreams of reaching a cup final were crushed. They had given the game their all but were ultimately beaten by the better side of the day. Player of the match went to Jess Riley, who was full of energy and got stuck in all over the field. The Under 13 have their last league game against Bath City next week. Let's end the season on a high, girls!