English Schools' Football Association

ESFA U18 Schools Trophy for Girls

Balby Carr School v John Madejski Academy

Balby Carr Community Sports College

As this much anticipated game kicked off, Balby Carr found themselves in front after five minutes due to an unfortunate own goal. As both teams battled for possession of the ball, chances were few and far between despite plenty of excellent passages of play. Both sides had a number of half chances, with JMA’s Allie Young shooting softly at goal and Balby’s Molly Johnson firing from range, but neither strike had the goalkeepers worried. The best chance of the half came after some excellent work down the right hand side by Johnson again who crossed to the back post superbly, only for her striker to side foot back over the bar and out.

1-0 half time

John Madejski came out and immediately took hold of the tempo of the game. They continued pushing on and created some chances with a number of penetrating through balls, but all were well cleared up by Captain Olivia White using her pace to Marshall the back 4. JMA were looking lively through the attacking play of Nicole Barrett, Allie Young and Madelyn Sawyer who looked to get forward at every opportunity. Finally the pressure told and JMA were awarded a penalty after Barrett burst into the box and was brought down by a Balby Carr defender. The ensuing penalty was scored by Rebecca Haines.

JMA really turned it around with some superb work and a few moments later from a corner the ball fell to Deanna Cane who fired the ricochet into net. 2-1 and JMA were in control, much to the delight of their supporting fans!

Balby Carr came back strong & winger Ellie Chandler dribbled at heart of the defence causing problems and winning a corner. Beth Smyth hit a huge effort from the corner that was played to her on the edge of the box which lobbed the keeper from an acute angle to level the score.

2-2.

A few moments after the restart Balby Carr took a quick free kick and as the ball was cleared back to the edge of the box Beth Smyth again drilled it back towards goal and it flew it under the keeper to nestle in the bottom corner. 3-2 to Balby Carr with ten minutes to go.

Chloe Dixon finished the game off with a few minutes to go, as all the girls were physically spent, she went on mazy dribble along the top of the box, cutting inside to shoot across the goal into the corner of the net. 4-2 with one of the last kicks of the game and the result was sealed.

Team Line-ups:

Balby Carr Community College

Megan Govier, Ashleigh Mills, Molly Johnson, Beth Smyth, Olivia White (C), Kristie Ward, Chloe Dixon, Brooke Smith, Sianna Bennett, Leah Hardy, Ellie Chandler, Mae Spencer, Brooke Chapell, Jess Heald, Holly Housley, Nicole Kemp.

John Madejski Academy

Chloe Sansom, Olivia Hazell, Georgia Hayes, Madelyn Sawyer, Eloise Wilson, Deanna Cane, Emily Donovan, Rebekah Haines, Nicole Barrett, Alice Kate-East, Rebecca Coade, Allie Young, Georgie Turner-Stephenson, Danielle Maidment.

Match Officials

Nikola Arrowsmith (Referee), Laura Ritchie & Ellie Turner (Assistant Referees), Ritchie Watkins (Fourth Official).

To view and purchase photos and a match DVD please visit RWT Photography.

ESFA Under 18 Schools' Trophy for Boys Fixtures and Results.