Brent U15 Girls 1-3 Actonians
Brent’s Under-15 stalwart Elizabeth “Lizzy” Ulusele who has been an ever present in the side for the past four years played her last game before emigrating with her family to New Zealand. Lizzy, who attended Princess Frederica school, has been at the heart of the Brent defence and starred in the team’s treble-winning season as well last season’s league championship campaign, when she was pivotal in the team gaining promotion. So it was apt that her last game should be a challenge against top of the table Actonians.
Brent matched the League leagers in the early exchanges and could have taken the lead but despite a superb defensive display by Ulusele, Keely Dibley-Dias, Olivia Macarthur and Sophie Kew, Brent conceded on the stroke of half time against the run of play.
Actonians extended their lead after the break when a long shot beat the superb Brent goalkeeper, Sophia Malta. It could have been game over but Brent showed great fighting spirit and were rewarded when Chloe O’Donoghue scored with a spectacular 25 yard thunderbolt into the top corner.
It was game on as Brent had their best spell of the game. Apollonia Margetson began to control in midfield and Maddie Muir was brought on to add fresh legs replacing the injured Sophie Kew. The speed of Gracious Olamona was a constant threat up front and an excellent sprint and pass from her released Brianna John-Etiko who was foiled by a superb last gasp tackle. Top scorer Scout Waddington caused all sorts of problems but despite their dominance Brent could not find the equaliser and in the last moments of the game Actonians scored the decisive third goal with a rare counter attack sealing the win.
Brent coach Chris Ampofo said after the match: “The team were superb today. It has been a tough season so far so I’m so glad we signed off the year with a great performance. Everyone contributed.” On Ulusele, Ampofo added: “We will miss Lizzy. She is very popular in this great group and has been brilliant for us. We all wish her well for the future in New Zealand and look forward to hearing how she is getting on.”