The Brent U13 Girls squad had their first game since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, starting the season with a superb team performance against title favourites Tufnell Park at Regent’s Park.
On a bright sunny day with a slight breeze, in what was an excellent advert for girls football, Brent went on the attack straight from the kick off. Brent’s first sight of goal came when Apollonia Margetson combined with Ugomma Ekendu-Obi down the left to release last season’s top scorer, Olivia Henry. Henry, who caused the Tufnell Park defence all sorts of problems, shrugged off two defenders before bursting into the box, but her fierce shot was pushed past the post.
Tufnell Park rallied and launched a string of attacks but stanch defending by Olivia Macarthur, Meg Ingram and Scarlett Hunn kept them at bay. The match became an end to end contest as both teams went all out for the all-important first goal. Brent broke the deadlock five minutes from half time. Hunn found Maia Fox in midfield, Fox passed to Henry who outsprinted the defence and hit a thunderbolt into the roof of the net. On the stroke of half time, Tufnell Park drew level with a well-taken goal at the end of a good passing move.
The second half continued in similar fashion. At times, Tufnell Park peppered the Brent goal whith shots but goalkeeper and ‘girl of the game’ Pele Fakahau made a string of superb saves. Both teams created chances but neither could find the net so the hotly contested game ended in a draw, which on balance was a fair result.
Brent coach Chris Ampofo commented: “I congratulated the girls on a really courageous performance against a good side. The girls showed great spirit. It is a great start to the season”
Brent squad: Olivia Henry, Scarlett Hunn, Meg Ingram, Kate and Maia Fox, Holly Palmer, Olivia Macarthur (captain), Apollonia Margetson, Pele Fakahau, Tallulah Swaby, Ugomma Ekendu- Obi, Megan Deards.
Brent’s Under-11 girls started the season in the same manner that they ended the last with a resounding 4-0 victory.
The Brent Under-11 and Under-13 girls next play against Brent Cross at Regents Park on 26 September. Brent Under-9 girls play their first ever match on Saturday 19 September against Camden Town at Regent’s Park.