Middlesex 2-1 Berkshire
ESFA U14 Girls Inter-County Trophy
25th October 2018
Middlesex U14 Girls faced a talented Berkshire team in the first round of the National Cup at Rectory Park, Northolt.
Middlesex began brightly and created a number of clear opportunities early on, only for the visiting ‘keeper to pull off a string of amazing reflex saves. Midway through the first half, Berkshire counter-attacked swiftly and were able to score the first goal of the game thanks to an excellent strike from their creative midfielder.
Middlesex didn’t let their heads drop and equalised immediately. After great link up play by Susan Uwaifo, striker Shakira Kafero-Roberts blasted home the equaliser. Having gained the momentum, Middlesex continued to make their pressure count and were able to score an almost identical second goal. Kafero Roberts showed pace and composure before a superb finish set up by all three of the Middlesex strikers displaying excellent passing around the penalty area.
The second half saw Middlesex maintain their hold on the game, creating chance after chance. At the other end, the defensive line of Noelani Ageyman, Caitlin Finnerty, Scarlet Shafer-James and Mae Rush ensured the home ‘keeper rarely had any action to face. Caitlin Star continued to dictate the tempo of play and could have had a hat trick of assists if it wasn’t again for the superb, in form Berkshire goalkeeper.
As the second half came to an end, neither side were able to score any more goals meaning that Middlesex progress to the second round of the National Cup where they face an away game against Cambridgeshire for a place in the quarter finals.
Middlesex coach Adem Ali commented: ‘It was fantastic to see how quickly the girls have gelled and understood how to play as a team after only having one match together before this game. The quality of the chances they created and their defending were superb and shows the amazing potential they all have. It’s been an excellent and exciting start for us all.’
Squad: Noelani Ageyman, Macey Bannerman-Lloyd, Savannah Ann Charles, Margot Farnes, Caitlin Finnerty, Kyra Fleary, Scarlet Shafer James, Jada Pollendine, Naomi Rawding, Shakira Kafero Roberts, Mae Rush, Liana Sideras, Caitlin Boodram Star, Susan Uwaifo, Megan Peters Weise, Harriet Stiles-Winfield
