The game was played on a lovely Spring morning in Walton, close to the river Thames. With long traffic delays on the way up to Walton, the players had time for a quick warm up before they started.

The two teams seemed evenly balanced in the first few minutes as both sides got used to playing on a firm dry pitch with the ball bouncing higher than normal. The Robins had the better of the initial exchanges and had a period of possession inside the Albury half. Strong defence from Molly Tabs and Ruby ensured that no shots on goal were taken. With the three defenders breaking up attacks and distributing the ball from the back with more and more accuracy, the Eagles started to grow into the game. The Eagles midfield did what they always do best – chasing and tackling everything and soon Ella Freya Amber Maeve and Emma started to control the middle of the pitch.

As the half wore on the Eagles mounted a series of attacks and the game was played mainly in the opposition half of the field. Freya and Ella ran powerfully with the ball on several occasions and Lyla showed her ability to link up with her teammates in attack. A through ball found Ella running clear on goal and her shot beat the keeper but came back off the post. As the half drew to a close, the Eagles continued to try to force the opening goal but the Robins keeper looked secure in front of a stout defence. Just before halftime the Robins turned defence into attack and their forward went through on goal. Seren bravely came out to put pressure on the player and her shot went wide. However, Seren was injured in the process and was unable to continue. Fortunately Emma once again stood up and took the goalie gloves.

The second half followed the pattern of the first half with the Eagles dominating possession. Stella and Livs came into midfield and continued to win the 50:50 challenges. Livs and Freya showed great pace down the wings but the Eagles struggled to get crosses into dangerous areas as the Robins put more players into their defensive line. Emma was called upon to make a strong save in the second half but that was the only shot the Robins had on goal as defence continued to dominate the game. Lyla, who had taken heavy knock to her leg in the first half came back on and worked hard to hold the ball up and link the play which she did on several occasions. Despite the pressure the Eagles exerted throughout the second half they just couldn’t find the back of the net and the game ended in a 0-0 draw – a fair result for both teams.

Star Player : Ella