Match reports and results for this season.

U15 tournament
The U15 girls football team had a fantastic result at Christleton High School last night (12 January). They played some excellent football and beat the first team Christleton B 2-0, with some excellent goal keeping from Megan Hopkinson. The girls continued to play well and again managed to beat Bishops 1-0, with goals from Elizabeth Roberts and Katie Saunders throughout the tournament. Although we lost the third game to Upton , we managed to get through to the semi-finals. Here we met the strongest team in the competition, Christleton A, and although we lost 0-1 it was a close match with some excellent defence from Annabelle Church, Ilina Sen and Chloe Freeman. Well done girls, keep up the good work!

5-a-side against Queen's
Tuesday 8th December was a historic day for girls' football at King's. For the first time ever, King's Removes played in 5-aside football tournament against Queen's. Both teams are pictured together below. The matches took place at The King's school, with a total of 16 girls taking part. There was some excellent football played, and the Removes girls are showing some real talent. As girls football becomes more popular, we have been lucky enough to organise more and more matches against other schools in the area, and it is not too late for newcomers - we train on Tuesday lunch time (1.20pm). Well done girls!

Year 7 5-a-side tournament - November 2005
This term we have seen a surge in interest in girls football, and after just 3 practise sessions we took a team of Year 7 girls to a 5-aside tournament being held at Christleton High.

The team included Millie Johnson and Jenny Corlett in goal, Vicky Wilson-Theaker and Lucy Butterfield in defense, Helena Cooke and Kate Coppack up front. Although the girls had not been practising together for long, they played three great games of football and show some real promise for the future.

Unfortunately we lost the first game to Upton 0-1, we drew the second match against Christleton, and lost the final game against Heber HS 0-1. Helena and Kate had lots of attempts at goal, and prove a dynamic team up front, and although the girls were disappointed to be knocked out in the first round, they are now determined to practise together as a team and prepare for the next tournament. So watch this space . . .

A historic first for King’s Ladies!

Monday March the 15th 2004. A special day in the history of football at King’s as an under-18 ladies team accepted the challenge from The Grange School and played in an 11-a-side match, the first ever such team to represent this school.

Captained by Kate Meredith and Harriet Woodward the ladies’ first match was the culmination of many weeks training and resulted in a tremendously competitive match, characterised by effort, commitment, guts and splashes of skill which entertained an appreciative crowd.

The team lined up with Jessica Holland in goal; Stephanie Harris, Jessica Prestt, Catherine Sharrott and Jenni Nicholls in defence; Emma Carr, Harriet Woodward, Kate Meredith and Lauren Shearer in midfield and Lydia Williams and Abigail Fisher up front with Nina Rosen as sub. Missing regulars Harriet Blaikie and Emma Ross due to rowing commitments the girls were nervous, yet clearly relishing the challenge.

The first half was a tight affair, Emma and Harriet’s speed were great assets in midfield alongside Kate’s determination and the ability of Lauren on the wing to get past her capable opponent on a number of occasions. The revelation was the sheer energy, commitment and dogged determination shown by all the defence. On more than one occasion Jessica, Stephanie, Catherine and Jenni made crucial interceptions, backed up by a confident and assured display from Jessica in goal. Up front Abigail in particular caused problems with her determined approach and movement, ably abetted by Lydia. When Nina took to the fray there was no let up in the sheer effort and will to win and a half time score of 0-0 was a fair reflection of the balance of play.

In the second half the girls continued to fight for every ball and were rewarded with some ten minutes to go by a tremendous strike from Abigail Fisher after determined work by Kate in particular. There followed a tremendous period of pressure from the Grange resulting in a fierce challenge from Nina and Catherine which managed to deflect a goal bound shot on to the post and away. The ball was swiftly moved upfield where Abigail was again on hand to deliver the coup de grace. 2-0. Three minutes to go, could we hold on?

As The Grange pressed forward both Jessicas and Catherine made crucial challenges to deny their opponents a deserved reward for their play, while Nina and Jenni continued to frustrate their opponents by their ability to read developing situations and make crucial interceptions. Catherine’s challenge in particular to block a chance in the six yard block was as committed and fair as any challenge seen on these playing fields before.

The final whistle brought a great sense of relief to aching legs and sporting acceptance of their opponents good wishes. It is not often one referees a match characterised by such determination which is entirely lacking in malice. Both sides deserve great credit for their skill and attitude and the ladies are eagerly awaiting their next match. Thanks must go to my colleague Jim Dixon at The Grange, and all of his team for their brilliant attitude and commitment. Even as biased a coach as me would concede that they deserved to score at least once and the rematch should be another close game.

Particular thanks should also go to Ryan, Al and Rob for their help with coaching and to Mrs Higgins for providing the kit and lots of encouragement.

Bernie Routledge (Manager and Chief Coach)

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