U14s: Derby County v ASTON VILLA RESERVES

This was an excellent performance by Villa who competed superbly throughout the match. Villa were unlucky not to come away with at least a draw; the improved teamwork, commitment and competitive-spirit should boost confidence for future matches.

The Derby Coach after the match was very complimentary about this Villa team describing Villa as the most competitive team they had played this season. Villa proved to themselves that they can be effective at this level.

The match was a great spectacle. Villa started with a 4-4-2 formation for the first time this season. Charlotte Byrne was switched to left back, completing a back line with Marie, Megan and Sarah Houghton. This allowed Emma Shaw to take a wide left-midfield role, Gabbi on the wide right, with Ellis and Stacey in the engine room. Chloe and Katie led the line.

In the initial stages, the midfield battle was absorbing, and Villa's defence were concentrating whenever Derby got through, with Amy showing confident handling in goal.

Unfortunately after 10 minutes one of the Derby strikers found herself in an on-side position and in space, when Villa's defensive line for the first time did not move out as a unit. Her strike was superb and she put Derby into the lead. (1-0)

Villa regrouped and showed great self-belief despite being behind and collectively battled themselves back into the game. Villa looked well-organised and in general played with great shape. The defence were working like Trojans, covering for each other, with Sarah clearing with several great headers. Villa forced three corners in the first half, and the Derby goal-keeper fumbled a strong shot from Gabbi Reid.

Half Time Derby 1 - 0 Villa.

At Half Time Simon Marlowe commented that Villa had shown good teamwork, and encouraged the girls to keep on believing in themselves. He noted that Villa's good marking was frustrating Derby, and that just ' a little bit more' from everyone would reap rewards.

The second half was even as Villa raised their game and more of the play was in the Derby Half. 5 minutes into the second half, Derby were fortunate to win a corner which was delivered right into the six yard box. Amy initially gathered the ball, but it seemed to be kicked out her hands by a Derby player. The Villa defence seemed shocked that a foul was not awarded, and were slow to react as the ball ricocheted into the goal. (2-0).

The remainder of this match could prove to be the most significant 30 minutes of the season. Villa lifted their heads, and raised their game, raised the tempo and charged! Only being down to two somewhat lucky goals, Villa demonstrated tremendous self -belief. There was great vocal support from the travelling family and friends on the touchlines. Bobbie Hyam and Emma Knight joined the game to replace the cold-suffering Chloe and the hardworking Emma.

The fresh legs provided great impetus. For the first time in the match, Ellis and Stacey start to win the Midfield grind. Stacey threw herself relentlessly into many challenges, frequently being winded but always coming up smiling. The increasing dominance of Ellis and Stacey in conjunction with measured passes from Marie and Charlotte, started to see Villa's wide players getting more of the ball and becoming a bigger factor in the game. Villa started to increase their numbers of shots on goal. Gabbi forced a fine save with a shot from the right and 2 shots from Katie were well-saved.

Half way through the second half, Ellis picked up a defensive clearance from her team-mates and in one movement, controlled the ball, spun to avoid her marker and released the through-ball of the day to feed the hard running Katie. Katie to her credit was fast, tough and direct as she held off defenders to race into the Derby penalty area and slotted the ball home. (2-1)

The self-belief was justified. Derby were concerned, Villa had their 'foot on the gas' and were starting to play the more intelligent football. Villa were anticipating the play, winning the loose ball and most importantly starting to discover the use of diagonal balls into space. The Derby defence were frequently defending whilst running towards their own goal.

Villa toiled to score the equaliser. Sarah Houghton came close with a well struck free-kick. Gabbi and Katie had shots well saved. Villa really had Derby under pressure but unfortunately time beat them.

Final Score

Derby 2 - 1 Villa

Team

Amy Beckett, Marie Curran, Megan Wilton, Sarah Houghton, Charlotte Byrne, Gabbi Reid, Stacey Coleman, Ellis Carter, Emma Shaw, Chloe Leeson, Katie Smith(1)
Subs: Bobbie Hyam, Emma Knight, Hayley Doak, Georgina Hills, Jessica Mobley
The Player of the Match Award went to the TEAM!