16/03/2020
Simply Money sponsored Capel Plough U13 girls entertained a strong IVR team this Sunday looking to bounce back from last Sunday's defeat.
The pitch was heavy but playable and Capel had the wind at their backs during the first half looking to get off to a strong start. After a very cagey opening 10 minutes, Capel won a number of corners with Lucy J smacking the crossbar with a fine header from one of them. With the ball bouncing around the box from anothe corner, no-one could get a clean connection with the ball and this proved to be the theme of the first half for both sides in front of goal.
After 20 minutes the IVR striker was put through on goal but Matilda in the Capel goal was quickly off her line and made a great save. Capel continued to create a number of chances but couldn't quite find the finish to match the build up play.
Just before the interval, a strong run from Lucy J drew a foul and Ella smashed home the resulting free kick from 20 yards - a superb finish and a deserved 1-0 half time lead.
With a couple of changes at half time, Capel were facing the wind and an IVR team keen to even the scorelines. However, Capel quickly added a second goal with some superb combination play from Lily C - now up front - and Ella leading to a fine finish from Lily C slotting home a powerful shot into the bottom corner.
With a 2-0 lead, Capel seemed to relax a little and within 10 minutes IVR pulled one back with a scrambled finish after an initial shot hit the post and then Matilda making a fine save from the rebound to no avail.
Lily C moved back to defence to use her cover speed allowing Capel to push forward for a third to seal the game. This duly came with 10 minutes left as Matilda raced out of her area to collect a long ball, took a couple of touches and then played a lovely pass into midfield where Yasmin exchanged passes with Lucy C who sped into the box, beat one defencder and then cooly slotted into the bottom corner. Unfortunately that wasn't quite it as with a minute to go, a long clearance from an IVR defender caught the wind and flew into the top corner with no keeper in the world saving it! Capel stood firm for the final minute plus a couple of additional to run out deserved 3-2 winners. Overall a fantastic performance from the girls with three fine goals, lots of creativity and a strong defensive performance with lots of headers won and tackles/interceptions. Player of the match Matilda for some great saves and crucial clearances.
