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4 weeks ago

The atmosphere was relaxed this morning at the Rec as Coton U15 Girls played their final game of the season. With the league already won, the pressure was off, but the opportunity for the girls to finish the season unbeaten was still there. And a strong Newmarket Town side, packed with pace and quality, had arrived to disrupt the party. But first respect shown and a guard of honour for our girls to mark their title defence.

Both teams came out of the blocks, with early intent. Newmarket’s brilliant centre back keeping the runs of Emilia and Lexie on the left and right at bay, and Annie and AJ powerfully closing down the Newmarket forwards, with Charlotte masterfully mopping up behind. A bit of confusion in the Newmarket defence and Shannon pounced for the tap-in to put us ahead. A gift, but Newmarket worked hard to put that right, and only strong defensive work by Seyma from the bench and alertness from Cha stopped them drawing level. Kate up top now, and Lottie sitting in front of our defence to offer protection. Bam flying down the left wing, and Lia and Tes progressing play from the deep wide positions. But Newmarket have been steadily drawing closer and closer to us, and the games becoming tighter and tighter, over the many seasons we’ve played each other. We were under pressure, and we sensed that equaliser wasn’t far off. Mads had other ideas though. First to every ball, powerful in the tackle and brilliant linking play through the thirds. A true captain’s performance today. What a player! We held on to our lead until the break, and took the chance to catch our breath.

Second half and time to step up a gear. Pauline was flying into challenges now, dancing feet, and sliding balls through to Emilia’s runs. A few times in, but a few times thwarted by good defending or commanding play from the Newmarket Keeper. But questions were being asked now. Kate was looking sharp. A fantastic final game of a fantastic season for her. And Shannon chasing down every ball and quick thinking with her passes to release an ever present Lexie, bombing down the right wing. Seyma and AJ took turns to cut out the Newmarket chances. Both with power and pace, both always ready to put body on the line to make that clearance. A corner won by Emilia and swung in by Lexie, wasn’t cleared. A couple of chances to shoot, but the blocks came. Ball out to Shannon on the edge, to control her shot low through the crowded area and the keeper with no chance for 2-0. But Newmarket wouldn’t let up. A shot saved at the near post by Cha, and another agonisingly wide of the far post. Something surely had to give. As the minutes ticked on, we knew if Newmarket pulled one back, it would be a very tense final period. But Emilia to the rescue, skipping into the area, collecting a nicely timed through ball, and a finish at pace past the keeper for a better cushion. And again Newmarket would not sit down! This time, a soft free kick on the edge of our box hit our wall and deflected up and over Cha for 3-1. Looking to make amends, Ilazki was quickly up from the back to attack another Lexie corner, meeting it perfectly to curl her volley into the back of the net. As the game went end to end, Newmarket had time to pull another back, but it wouldn’t be enough, and the final whistle blew.

So that’s us done. The curtain comes down on another season. But what a season! Coton Invincibles 🙌 Big thank you for all the support, and even bigger congratulations to the girls for, yet again, smashing it! Looking forward to going again at U16s in September 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less