The new Brent Under-9 girls team recorded their first win with an impressive performance against Barnet Nightingales. Brent took the lead when Willow Stone outpaced the defence and shot home to bring her tally to two goals in two games. Brent increased their lead when Eabha Kennedy drove a fierce cross into box and under pressure from Hannah Derks the defender could only steer the ball into the net.
With the score at 2-0, Nightingales rallied but superb defending by Tallulah Swaby and Alba Summers kept them at bay. When Nightingales did get past the defence, debut girl Carrie Ruttigan made a great save.
Brent rang the changes at half time introducing Evie Green, Suki Bell and Minnie Palmer and all three played well. Barnet continued to pile on the pressure and got the goal that they deserved to make it 2-1.
The decisive moment in the game came when Tallulah Swaby made a superb tackle and passed to Derks who slipped the ball to Eabha Kennedy. Kennedy dribbled past two defenders before smashing the ball into the top corner to make it 3-1 and give Brent the excellent result that they deserved.
Brent coach Chris Ampofo said “This is only the girl’s third game and they are improving every week. I thought both teams were excellent”.
Squad: Hannah Derks, Alba Summer, Willow Stone, Tallulah Swaby, Carrie Ruttigan, Suki Bell, Minnie Palmer, Evie Green, Eabha Kennedy