The Middlesex Schools’ FA fielded Representative Teams for the first time in more than 14 months on Saturday 3rd April, when the Girls’ teams travelled to Milton Keynes Dons, whose Regional Talent Club squads tool on the Seaxes as part of preparations for the ESFA Inter-County Cups, which begin in May.
The first match was between the two Under-14 sides. Middlesex flew out of the blocks, despite it being their very first match as a team, and raced into an early 2-0 lead. Milton Keynes did well to pounce on a lose ball and momentarily reduce the deficit, before Middlesex once again asserted their dominance to restore their two goal lead.
In the later stages of the match, Middlesex created wave after wave of attack and if it weren’t for an inspired performance from the home goalkeeper, the team might have scored more than one additional goal.
Final Score: Milton Keynes Dons U14 Girls 1-4 Middlesex U14 Girls.
Just as their younger counterparts managed, Middlesex’s Under-16 Girls also raced into an early 2-0 lead thanks to an composed, early dominance.
Midway through the first half, some aggressive pressing by an attacker presented the home side with a chance on the edge of the Middlesex box, which the striker calmly placed into the back of the net to make the score 2-1.
Determined to not let their hosts gain any more momentum, Middlesex fought back and after a period of scintillating football, once again led by two goals to take a commanding hold on the game.
The remainder of the game was very even, with play flowing from box to box and both teams creating plenty of chances. It was the home side who were rewarded for their efforts, scoring a further two goals, although the Seaxes were able to close out the win.
Final Score: Milton Keynes Dons U16 Girls 3-4 Middlesex U16 Girls.
The Middlesex Schools’ FA would like to thank Milton Keynes Dons for their superb hospitality and for providing the chance for some of the girls to represent the county for the very first time.
Attention now turns to the ESFA Inter-County Cup competitions; Middlesex are joint holders of the U14 Girls’ trophy, due to the 2019-20 Final against Lancashire being unplayed due to travel restrictions.
The defence of that title begins on Friday 7th May, when Middlesex travel to Sussex. The match will take place on the magnificent stadium pitch at Eastbourne Borough FC, with an 8:00pm kick-off.
The Under-16 girls also have a tricky evening kick-off, on the same night. Having been drawn away to Kent, Middlesex will be playing on the excellent stadium pitch at Sporting Club Thamesmead. This match has a 7:00pm kick-off.
Both ties must be played to a finish on the night.
