27/09/2026
YMCA Raptors v Poulton U8 Girls (Away Match)
Starting Line-up:
Annabelle (Goalkeeper), Freya H (Defender), Thea (Left Wing), Violet (Right Wing), Millie (Centre Forward), Serenne (Substitute).
Today was a tough day for the Raptors facing a Poulton team who looked lively from the kick-off. With two of our girls missing, it was a great opportunity for the six playing to get much more game time, even though it was one-way traffic for most of the match.
For the large part, we played a power play with all six players on the pitch, but Poulton still managed to find their way through our defence. The girls kept going and tried really hard, creating a few chances on goal alongside some good, strong running from Millie and Serenne, who is growing in confidence each week.
Freya H had a tough job in defence during the first half but found her groove and made some great tackles to keep the score down. Thea played well on the wing with some strong passing and surging runs, before stepping into goal for the second half. She pulled off some nice saves and showed improved delivery from her kicks, just as we practiced. Violet is finding renewed vigour and got stuck in, improving her touches on the ball and developing her tackling against the bigger, stronger Poulton girls. Millie was a dynamo, running everywhere and trying her best to lead the team forward with some great surging runs, both on the ball and in support.
Annabelle made some great saves in the first half and showed improved distribution. She then played out on the pitch in the second half and got stuck straight into the action.
All in all, it was a tough day, but the girls dug deep despite sadly not finding the net today. That said, the team is improving, and there were plenty of encouraging signs across the pitch.
Parents' Player of the Match: Serenne (justly deserved!)
Coaches' Player of the Match: Annabelle, for a gritty performance both in net and in defence.
We have a week off now and will face Bamber Bridge in two weeks' time.