Dorset 2-6 Middlesex

ESFA PlayStation Inter-County Trophy

Middlesex’s U14 girls travelled to the south coast on Sunday 6th October to face a talented Dorset side in the ESFA Inter-County Trophy. 

Despite having to make  a long journey for their first match on the season, there were no weary legs in the Middlesex side. The Seaxes raced into an early lead, thanks to a calm finish by captain Caitlin Boodram-Star, who did well to recompose herself just moments after missing an earlier chance. Despite Middlesex creating a number of excellent chances after scoring, it was Dorset who scored the next goal with a clinical counter-attack that resulted in their left winger passing the ball into the bottom right corner, beyond the onrushing Liana Sideras. 

The equaliser seemed to make the Middlesex girls go up another gear as they ran rampant for the rest of the half.

First, Scarlett Shafer-James restored Middlesex’s lead with a fantastic shot from the edge of the box, that was followed by a great individual run and finish by Macey Bannerman- Lloyd from the right wing. Soon after that, Boodram-Star completed her hat-trick with two confident and powerful finishes after winger Ellie Gilbride showed blistering pace and skill to provide excellent assists. Just before the first half was finished, Lola Shack added Middlesex’s sixth goal of the game after a many run, to put her team 6-1 ahead at half time.

In the second half, Dorset put in a determined display, desperate to salvage something from the match. Their efforts were deservedly rewarded as they were able to score their second goal of the game midway through the half following a failed attempt to clear the ball from a corner. For the remainder of the match Middlesex controlled most of the play and created a number of clear goal scoring opportunities but couldn’t find a way past an excellent and inspired Dorset ‘keeper.