The Brent Schools’ FA Under-9 Girls football team showed they had the hearts of Lionesses as they faced an extremely skilful and well-organised London Eagles team in their first ever match on Saturday in the Regents Park Under-10 League.
Brent were under pressure from the kick off as the opposition executed a series of well-rehearsed moves. Fortunately for Brent, they had the undisputed player of the match, Maggie Barber, between the sticks. Barber bravely threw herself at feet, smothered the ball and sprung this way and that throughout the game.
Against sides of the same age, quick thinking and strong tackling from pocket rocket Myla Poole and Sophia Ridley-Swettenham would’ve unlocked the midfield with through balls to the effervescent, industrious and ever mobile Bee Mitchell. Unfortunately, the physicality of the Eagles and their ability to press, meant that move after move was snuffed out, unleashing wave after wave of counter attacks.
Positional rotation can sometimes frustrate players but it offers them the opportunity to show an entirely different side to their game. Switching Amelie Corenbloom to a defensive midfield position and Sofia d’Avanzo from Striker to right back, showed that despite being amongst the smallest players on the pitch they have the bravery, tenacity and determination to take on any opponent.
Despite being up against technically advanced midfielders, Anais Sim and Cora Calder in put in some crucial tackles and then promising through balls which on another day would’ve resulted in shots on goal.
Older, bigger, stronger and more experienced opponents brought out a stoical holding performances by Leah Blackstone and Esme Bicknell which epitomised the gutsy approach of the entire team and shows real promise for the next match they play. London Eagles won the match, but the Brent girls will have learned a lot from the game.