Bure Valley Under 8 Lionesses win the Cup
What an incredible morning for the Bure Valley U8 Lionesses. Cup final day against Attleborough Town Blues, who we have played 4 times this season. Each time, only a goal separating the teams. Today's match was no exception!
Before the game, I told the girls how proud I was of them to have made it to the final, and whatever the result today, their parents and I would be so proud of them. All we could ask of them was to try their best. Finals don't come around often, and despite their nerves (and mine), they should go out and enjoy the game and show everyone what stars they ALL are stars
The first half began with some excellent team work between Lilah, Darcie and Autumn and it wasn't long before Darcie played a great ball to Autumn whose first touch and turn was fantastic followed by an incredible left foot shot into the bottom corner to put us one goal up.
Edie was our rock at the back for the first half and delt confidently with any Attleborough attacks.
Not long after we scored, an unfortunate handball led to Attleborough being awarded a penalty. Ada pulled off an amazing save to keep our lead. Amazing Ada, well done!
Halfway through the first half, Eva and Tiana joined our midfield to give Lilah and Autumn a rest.
Eva instantly had a fantastic shot, and Darcie had an excellent effort just go wide too. Ada made another fantastic save, and Darcie played a great ball to Tiana, who had found great space in the middle who couldn't quite get on the end of it. It was a great effort, Tiana, well done.
Unfortunately, Attleborough were awarded another penalty for another handball, and this time, they scored to see us level at half time.
The second half saw Tiana have a 5 minute spell at the back, allowing Edie to get forward with Autumn and Lilah before coming off for a rest. Tiana made some awesome tackles and clearences and confidently met the ball.
One of the highlights of the second half was when Lilah received the ball from a great Tiana tackle and touched it past the defender, and surged down the left wing. Amazing Lilah, well done.
With 5 minutes to go, Eva, who had relentlessly battled to win the ball all game, made a great tackle and played the ball down the line. Darcie won the ball off the defender, knocked the ball inside, and scored the winning goal.
The girls defended well and battled the half out to see us League Cup champions topping off our incredible first season of football!
Ada was an absolute star today in goal. She dived on every ball confidently. Kept possession with brilliant rolls or throws. Made crucial saves and saved the first penalty. Her best performance of the season.
Edie was a rock at the back. Nothing was getting through her, and she gave a determined performance when in midfield, too.
Eva was amazing in midfield. Had a couple of great chances, made some excellent passes, and constantly tried to win the ball back.
Tiana was fantastic at the back. Made strong tackles and cleareances, constantly meeting the ball and showed her strength in midfield, too.
Darcie was awarded the Referees P.O.M for her attacking threat. A super assist for our first goal and scored the winning goal, too!
Autumn battled constantly in centre midfield, made great passes and tackles and scored a fantastic goal as well as constantly talking to her teammates.
Lilah worked really hard on the wing. Her surging runs were amazing, as was her strength at using her body to keep the ball.
A special mention to my superstar assistant today, Betsy. She helped warm the girls up and kept fantastic notes on the game to help me with my write-up. A real team effort from all of my wonderful Lionesses.
Thank you also to Jasmine, who, despite a very busy birthday weekend, came to support us too.
It was a fantastic day creating memories for all the girls to last a lifetime. I really am beyond proud of this amazing group of girls.
Thank you to all the parents for your support and for allowing me to work with your wonderful girls. I think the absolute world of them all.
