St Albans City Youth FC - Under 11 Girls South County Champions

Bedwell Rangers 1 - 3 StACY South

St Albans Goal Scorers: Kira Close 2, Lauren Walker 

The recent 0-0 stalemate between the two sides suggested we were in for a

tight game. However, we were also treated to a tremendous display of

hard fought football and an exciting nail biter of a cup final. St

Albans were quickest out of the blocks, and dominated early possession

and produced all the chances. When Lauren Walker broke down the right,

Kira Close was first to the whipped in cross, sliding the ball passed

the keeper. 1-0. St Albans were inches from adding a second, but were

denied by a fine save from Bedwell's keeper. St Albans continued to

create chance after chance, and an inevitable 2nd goal from Kira Close

came with 10 minutes remaining in the second half.

StACY threatened to run a way with the tie, and Bedwell looked  relieved to be only 2 down at the break.

A change in tactics saw a different 2nd half. Bedwell took the shackles

off and committed more players in attack. St Albans failed to settle

with Bedwell looking more and more dangerous. Their endeavour was

rewarded with a classy finish from just inside the area- 2-1.

For 20 minutes Bedwell continued to press in search of an equaliser.

Despite the pressure, Bedwell struggled to create a clear cut chance,

and some dogged defending kept the advantage with St Albans. 

The game, however,  was put beyond doubt, when Molly Johnson picked the ball

up just inside the Bedwell half, broke forward and delivered a

beautifully weighted pass into the path of a clean through Lauren Walker

- who made no mistake one on one with the keeper. Cool finish 3-1.

An excellent contest, with quality football from both sides, all played in good spirit.

Sibo made some fine saves. Sophie, Woody, & Phoebe marshalled the

back line throughout –under great pressure at times. Lauren Standing

was strong as ever, and linked well with attack particularly in the

first half. Hannah Coote made good use of the large pitch with her runs

down the left, as well as getting back and assisting in defence. Ellie

and Fran made brief but valuable appearances in the second half.

Well done to all the girls, it was a brilliant day, and an experience

they will cherish I'm sure. Everyone has made a contribution to winning

the trophy, so all should feel proud of their winners medal. Report by Chris Johnson