03/10/2026
AFC Preston U12 vs Cottingham Rangers Lionesses
A warm October morning, a trip over to Hull University, and sporting our brand-new kit — the U12s were ready to face Cottingham Rangers Lionesses for the second weekend in a row.
The girls started brightly and edged the opening 10 minutes, creating several excellent chances. Harper was desperately unlucky not to open the scoring when a superb through ball put her one-on-one with the goalkeeper — just couldn’t find the finish this time.
Cottingham took the lead on 13 minutes, then quickly doubled their advantage shortly after. We hit back well: a fine cross from Molly found Harper in the box, who took her time and dispatched it coolly to pull one back — exactly what the play deserved!
That was our last goal of the half. Cottingham began to show their quality and took control before the break. We’ve seen moments where concentration has slipped in recent weeks, and the final five minutes of the half were one of those spells — something we knew we needed to fix.
Half-time: A proper rest. The girls led the talk themselves — they identified what was needed, everyone listened, and they were determined to play the rest of the match with total focus.
The second half saw us hit by injuries, and Cottingham added further goals to put the result beyond doubt — but what a performance from this group from start to finish! We created plenty of chances through excellent passing moves; confidence is clearly growing, and the togetherness and support they show one another every single week is wonderful to see.
What makes it even more special: seven of our ten players were far from 100% through illness or picking up a knock through the game, but these girls wouldn't give up 💪.
🏆 Player Awards
Captains’ Player of the Match — chosen by Billie & Imogen: HARPER
Harper led the line from the start, her constant pace stretching and troubling defenders throughout — and got the goal her play deserved. Then stepped into defence for the second half, showing fantastic strength, determination and grit to protect our line. Outstanding all over the pitch.
Parents’ Player of the Match: IMOGEN
Our vice-captain is becoming a regular on the honours list this season — and every award is fully earned. A true captain’s performance: rock-solid in defence in the first half, strong in the tackle, quick to everything, and never stopped running. Moved up front in the second half and was so unlucky not to score, seeing her excellent effort crash back off the post.
Coaches’ Player of the Match: THE WHOLE TEAM
This one belongs to everyone. Every single player gave everything they had:
• 🧤 Billie — brilliant saves all game, commanding her area with real authority
• 🛡️ Defence — Lexi, Marcey, Imogen, Harper, Molly — all stepped in and put in committed, solid shifts
• ⚙️ Midfield — Ada, Isabel, Jasmine, Chloe, Lexi — ran their socks off, up and down the pitch, never stopped working
• ⚡ Attack — Imogen, Harper, Marcey — caused constant problems and were so unlucky not to add more goals
Proud of every single one of you. Onwards together! 🔴⚪️
