Brent 1-0 Lewisham, 6th February 2016
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On a gusty Saturday morning, Brent Under-11 Girls played their opening group game in the London League.
Both teams had played few matches this season and therefore went into the match unaware of what to expect from their opposition, which led to nervous start from both teams as neither side were able to keep possession of the ball for long periods of play.
However, the calmness of captain of Jada Pollendine and Angel Acheampong at the back for Brent ensured another debutant, Chloe Angel in goal, had very little to worry about. As the match progressed, Brent Girls started to dictate the play a lot more and showed signs of the form that helped them finish as joint-winners of the Surrey League at the end of 2015.
Midway through the first half, central midfielder Jennifer Grey threaded a great pass through both of the Lewisham defenders to striker Susan Uwaifo, who had her first time shot brilliantly saved by the Lewisham goalkeeper. From the resulting throw in, Noelani Agyeman threw the ball to the edge of the area, Susan Uwaifo excellently span around her marker and delicately lifted the ball over the on-rushing goalkeeper into the back of the net to make the score 1-0 to Brent. For the remainder of the half there was some excellent phases of play from both teams, but thanks to the tireless closing down and tackling from Nia and Angel especially, Chloe Angel was hardly tested as the first half ended 1-0 to Brent.
The second half was a much more open game making it exciting to watch but a nervous experience for the Brent coaches and supporters. Lewisham were determined to level the game but couldn’t seem to find a way past the lightning speed and precise tackling of Jada Pollendine and Angel Acheampong in the Brent defence. When Brent did have the ball, Noelani Agyeman, Edie Surman and Jennifer Grey especially, managed to keep possession well but just couldn’t manage to create a chance to kill the game. Going into the final five minutes, Chloe Angel didn’t show any first game nerves as she confidently caught and parried a couple of Lewisham’s best chances before with three minutes remaining, Brent gave away a penalty because of a handball. Luckily for Brent, the Lewisham striker blasted the ball over the bar and Brent were able to see out the rest of the match in complete control to make the final score 1-0 and crucially give Brent Girls an opening game win and clean sheet.
Coaches Joe Khalfi and Ronan were extremely proud of their girls and Joe Khalfi said, “To win 1-0 is perfect. We showed how brilliantly we can defend and also that we have enough quality to take the smallest opportunities to finish off teams with as much quality as Lewisham.”
Player of the match – Angel Acheampong
Team: Chloe Angel , Jada Pollendine (capt) (Byron Court), Angel Acheampong (Princess Frederica), Edie Surman (Maple Walk), Nia Brown (Sudbury) , Susan Uwaifo, Jennifer Grey, (St Robert Southwell) , Noelani Agyeman (Our Lady of Lourdes) , Maya Pires (Mount Stewart), Lauren Thompson.