Exmouth United Reds U11 girls got a win in Saturday's cup game against Exeter Central in a tense match at the newly prepared pitches at Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club.
Early in the first half Exmouth United took possession with Winnie’s strong run ending in a shot which bounced off the back post, where Lucy S picked up the rebound and skilfully evaded the goalie to tuck the rebounding ball into the net. 1-0 to the Reds within 5 mins.
Strong work from the midfield and forwards kept the goal attempts coming as Winnie, Eliza, Bells and Lucy S were only thwarted by the Central keeper’s quick thinking and control of her area.
Sustained pressure from the opposition meant strong defending was needed with Charlotte, Izzy and Esme all contributing to hold off the away team, and the defence’s efforts were backed up by consistent excellent saves from a determined Phoebe between the sticks.
Exmouth’s lead was then strengthened by a goal from Eliza; a thumping half-volley taking Reds to 2:0.
In the second half, Central picked up their game putting on even more pressure, but Exmouth stepped up a level too, to keep up the resistance. The defence continued to hold out strongly with Lucy D and Izzy showing some determined defending, on and off the floor!
The second half saw the forwards and midfield persist in working towards goal with Isla, Lara, and Hettie working hard. Eliza made a decisive move on the halfway line, lined up the ball for goal and went for it with her strong shot flying over Central’s goalie to land in the back of the net. 3:0.
In the final minutes Central scored a deserved consolation goal to bring score to 3:1, but the Reds were able to hold off the opposition until the final whistle.