Regents Park 1-2 Brent U15 Girls
Brent Under-15 girls’ recent winning streak continued with another excellent performance away to Regents Park.
In freezing cold temperatures on a bumpy pitch and with the wind blowing a gale this match was never going to be easy on the eye. Brent had the upper hand right from the kick off, skipper Apollonia Margetson winning the midfield battle and making probing passes.
Scout Waddington came close with a quick turn and snap shot just wide. Maya Rosenberg then showed great technique, controlling and passing to Giuseppina Carnevale who sprinted down the wing and sent an inch perfect cross into the box for Brooke Dyke to volley into the net.
Regents Park reacted well to Brent’s goal but the rock solid defence of Keely Dibley-Dias, Sophie Kew, Olivia Macarthur and Amira Rubinos yet again enhanced their reputation as a brilliant defense with a superb display.
Brent extended their lead when Chloe O’Donoghue dribbled down the left and played a neat pass to Carnevale who unselfishly squared the ball to Dyke who showed a poacher’s instinct to dive full stretch and shoot the ball into the corner.
Brent introduced Maddie Muir and Gracious Olamona at half time. Muir bolstered the defense and the speed of Olamona caused Regents Park problems. As the wind picked up Regents Park rallied and started a fight back. First Dibley-Dias made a cool last minute interception then Kew and Macarthur put in good blocks to stop dangerous shots.
Regents Park countered again down the left and hit a fierce cross shot, Sophia Malta dived and did well to get her fingertips to it but the ball crept into the net to set up a grandstand finish.
The home team sensed an opportunity but Brent stood firm and saw out the game to secure a third consecutive victory.
Brent coach Chris Ampofo said “This group are so strong and determined they can compete against anyone. They showed real spirit in tough conditions and deserved the win.”
Squad: Amira Rubinos, Apollonia Margetson (capt), Brooke Dyke, Chloe O’Donoghue, Gracious Olamona, Giuseppina Carnevale, Keely Dibley-Dias, Sophie Kew, Maddie Muir, Maya Rosenberg, Olivia Macarthur, Scout Waddington, Sophia Malta