Sporting Khalsa 1 Cookley U18s 1

With both teams challenging a top 3 finish it was always going to be a close game and after a delayed start due to the pitch being deemed unplayable, prior to a referee inspection, so it proved.

A free kick from Jess that Lucie headed home for 1-0 with just 10 minutes gone.

Khalsa countered and pressed hard in the final third and Cookley always looked under pressure with Khalsa breaking free after 25minutes chipping Rosie only to see the ball hit the far post.

Khalsa delivered a number of dangerous corners and remained the more dominate side with Cookley relying on the counter attack.

Twice Cookley broke out and engineered two opportunities from wide positions which couldn’t be converted.

With defensive options limited, still missing Ellie and Holly, the use of offensive players whilst helped out at the back also nullified our attacking threat.

Half time 0-1

Playing a 4-3-3 formation second half in an attempt to maximise options up front worked with a defensive 4 containing Khalsa, but, with the midfield over worked and tiring quickly.

Khalsa pressed hard and were rewarded with a deserved equaliser on the hour when they were not closed down outside the box and let loose to beat Rosie from range.

The last 20 minutes and Cookley gambled again with 3 at the back, with Tara, Alice and Shell having half chances before a free kick from Abby flashed in front of 2 Cookley players but couldn’t be prodded home.

At the final whistle Lucie was fouled in the penalty area but it went unpunished and spoils were shared.

Caitlyn was player of the match with an outstanding defensive performance filling in on the left side of defensive with Brodie coming on and putting in her best performance of the campaign.

Well done Girls great response to last weeks game, keeps us in a position to challenge for 3rd position along side two semi finals.