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FLEETWOOD, Lancs, September 19, 2008
Fleetwood Town Girls U14 5-0 Westbury U14
Sunday, 14th September 2008
By Paul Holme
Meg Brown (knee) and Rebecca Harper (collar bone) missed the first game of the season and gave a new shape to the team, with Sarah Fay being given an opportunity to show her attacking skills and Demi Parker making her debut at centreback.
Early exchanges were a little scrappy, but Fleetwood soon settled into their passing game. Five minutes in and Em McCarthy hammered a shot at the keeper who could only parry the ball. Using the pace of the approaching ball Sarah Fay chipped it over the keepers head and into the net. Fleetwood continued to press the away goal was kept busy by Loz Fail, Bex Lowe, Em McCarthy and Sarah Fay. In midfield Cath Robinson worked tirelessly and feed Sarah Fay on the right. Sarah tantalised the opposing defence with her speed, strength and touch. Westbury's keeper had a hefty kick and went deep into the Fleetwood half, troubling the Town defence on a few occasions. Apart from that, the defence held up well. Demi Parker showed confidence and tenacity, whilst Chloe Holme and Vick Lowe read the game well. Steph Massie commanded the defensive line with thumping headers, and intelligent clearances which turned defence into attack. One moment she was sweeping with calm assurance, the next she was supporting the attack. Her reward came when she thundered a 35-yard shot towards and beat the helpless keeper. Fleetwood were two up and Westbury settled down to damage limitation. As the half drew to a close Westbury exerted a short period of pressure, but the Fleetwood defence were resolute, assisted by the alert Cory Stewart in goal. Fleetwood finally cleared their lines and drove forward, with Sarah Fay threading through a delicate pass to Bex Lowe. With plenty to do, Lowe took on and beat the defenders and slotted the ball home.
The second half saw Lottie Walsh coming on for Demi Parker. She quickly settled in and relished being involved in outfield play, making significant challenges and clearances. Fleetwood continued to dominate, using both wings and Jess Smith began to impose herself. At times the football was superb, and applauded equally by both sets of parents. Em McCarthy's distribution was spot on and delivered a curling corner into the heart of the Westbury box. Sarah Fay headed home. Town camped in the Westbury half for most of the game and any Westbury threats were squashed. Em Hanson came on for the hard-working Loz Fail, who can be proud of her contribution.
En Hanson positioned herself upfront and proved to be a handful for the opposition defence. Fleetwood were to score once more by the means of a textbook cross from Em McCarthy into the danger area. Jess Smith latched onto the loose ball and shot home through a crowded box. Fleetwood ran out easy winners at five nil and have sent a message to the rest of the league that they are determined to win the title this year.
Team: Cory Stewart, Chloe Holme, Demi Parker, Steph Massie, Victoria Lowe, Lauren Fail, Jess Smith, Catherine Robinson, Em McCarthy (Capt), Bex Lowe, Sarah Fay
Subs: Lottie Walsh, Em Hanson
Player Of The Match: Steph Massie
Managers Player Of The Match: Sarah Fey
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