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Under 11 Girls

Under 11 Girlsadmin2026-03-16T11:03:07+00:00

All new players welcome! Our U11 Girls train on Mondays and play matches at on Saturday mornings throughout the year.

Coton Football Club

Congratulations to Coton FC U16 Girls for a brilliant win against Newmarket Town FC in the cup final yesterday. A hard fought victory after going a goal down early and against a Newmarket team full of pace and quality. With only 10 minutes left on the clock Lexie’s strike drew us level, and then a stunner from Shannon in injury time won the game. Great effort girls 👍⚽️🏆 ... See MoreSee Less

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Coton Football Club

Great win for Coton U16 Girls as they head into cup final week. Against a very good Huntingdon side, the girls turned on the style today with 7 brilliant goals to only the single reply. Grace opened the scoring after Lexie had charged down the right and cut in to shoot. Her shot parried but Grace on hand to tuck away the rebound. Next a Lexie cross, and Amelie’s great first touch took her inside and she drilled her finish near post. Then a Tes-Amelie combo on the left, Amelie jinking inside and setting up Shannon to bend an effort in off the far post. A switch in positions and Lexie now burning up the left wing, cutting in and curling a rocket in the top bins. Second half now and Tes to Ilazki, on to Shannon who released Amelie for a quality twisting run, with those magnetic feet and a low finish for our 5th. Then a miscommunication between the Huntingdon keeper and defender and Grace pounced to run through and fire into an open net. Then an Ilazki slide-rule pass for Grace’s run and across the keeper for her hat-trick. A late consolation for Huntingdon after good work by their forwards forced us to concede the corner. Not dealt with well enough and a good drilled finish low into the corner to make it 7-1 at fulltime. A great game with quality throughout both teams. Next up, Newmarket in the cup final in Ely on Wednesday night. Please come along to cheer the girls on! 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

Great win for Coton

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Coton Football Club

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A rare home game this morning for Coton U16 Girls, having not played at Coton since the start of October. And pressure was on in this cup semi-final, against opponents, Huntingdon, who currently sit third in the league but with games in hand on the teams above.

Huntingdon are a great side, with a good mix of quality, strength, pace, and it’s no surprise they’ve been doing so well this season, but today they came up against our girls in unbelievable form. We dominated this match from start to finish with neat quick short passing and dynamic through balls feeding the speed we now have all across the frontline. Whilst Huntingdon battled hard, it wasn’t long before Amelie picked the ball up high high on the left side and with so much skill, danced round the defenders along the line, skipped the challenges and fired in for 1-0. Seyma was first to everything in midfield, so quick and determined, and her touch brilliant today. Next to her, Tes was in top form, slowing it down and speeding it back up, the right pass every time. Clipped in behind, short for the one-two or recycling to maintain possession. Really good. Lexie in the pocket and playing against her school friends was out to make a point. And make it she did, with pace, skill and an eye for that killer ball. And Grace charging down that right wing at unbelievable speed, cutting in and causing chaos. Shannon up top had so much service today, it was only a matter of time before her goal would come. As we pressed the Huntingdon backline, Amelie nicked the ball high up, and a quick cross for Shannon to take a good first touch and fire in. 2-0. Alice and Elliyah on now. Huntingdon looked to get back in it and Cha was called upon to make one of her trademark blocks, but also her involvement today with our backline in great form, was a joy to watch. There is such a confidence in each other at the back now, and with Kate playing a cameo alongside AJ, we were just sliding that ball back and forth along the backline and back to Cha to lead the distribution. Always out of reach of the Huntingdon press, and always with skill and composure. Bam out wide, Lia out wide. The ball doing the work. And Huntingdon! Annie on now, and Lottie into the middle. Seyma clipped a ball into Amelie’s run and she tucked away it with her left for 3-0. On the bench we were really enjoying the football and didn’t want it to stop when the half time whilst blew.

Second half, and more of the same. Huntingdon were looking up for getting straight back in this game, but Shannon, receiving a difficult pass showed good strength to hold off the midfielder and thread a ball through to Lexie to run in with and coolly finish across the keeper for our 4th. Great work by Lottie on the left, recycled to Kate, interchange with Shannon and finally a Shannon shot from distance for 5-0. Too good. It surely couldn’t continue like this. Could this be our best all round performance ever? Then unfortunately for Tes, who had arguably been our player of the game today, made the right decision to play the ball back to Cha, but not with enough on her pass gave a gift for their striker 5-1. Nothing Cha could do. A good finish mind! Huntingdon heads back up, but not for long. Annie delivered a perfect ball to break the lines and Alice was on her bike, first to the ball, but with a tight angle, selected to chip, and what a goal, up and over the keeper for 6-1! Not long left now, but just enough for Shannon to help Tes feel better, by repeating that mistake, this time from further out, playing the pass back to Cha but so loose and another gift to their striker for 6-2. And that’s how it finished.

Didn’t want it to finish though! The football we are playing is awesome. Everyone looking to be involved, with a confidence on the ball, moving it quickly and with some cracking goals scattered throughout. The girls fully deserve their place in the final next month. Please come along to support them 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

A rare home game thi

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A third trip up in succession to Peterborough for Coton U16 Girls, after one failed visit due to a late match cancellation, the victory last weekend in the cup, and now this league game all against an every improving ICA team, albeit struggling with injuries.

With only AJ (who pulled up in the warmup) on the bench today, the formation picked itself. Shannon up top, with Amelie, Grace and Lexie marauding behind. Tes and Ilazki central, dictating play, and Cha between the sticks with Bam, Elliyah, Annie and Lottie ahead of her. ICA had some early joy, getting in behind with pace, but Cha was properly on it today and out quickly to avert the danger. Then from nowhere a Lexie Tes 1-2, on to Grace and across to Shannon to fire in under pressure from the defender. Disappointment for ICA after all their hard work, but a quality bit of play from our girls to open the scoring. We’d been struggling to get the ball properly under control on the bobbly pitch up until that point, but now we were cooking! Tes to Bam, up to Amelie to skin their right back and a cut back to Shannon again tightly marked and only option was a quick toe-poke into the far corner. Impressive! ICA came straight back though. Their efforts rewarded, although slightly unfortunately for us after a mix up let their attacker through. Cha again was quick and first to the ball to make the clearance, but this time a nasty bobble took it over her foot, leaving their striker running though to an open goal for a simple tap in. If ICA heads were up, they quickly went back down when Lexie’s quick and close control in the middle, worked an opening and she release a rocket from distance up and over the keeper into the top corner. Crazy goal! Well done Lex!! The half time whistle blew.

AJ led the team talk and injected some extra energy into the team before we went back out. Again ICA came out strong, but again the run of play was with us now. The passing was going well. All the girls were involved in the build up. From Cha playing neatly and calmly out to Bam or Tes (now at right back). Annie and Elliyah tackling strongly, and Lottie and Ilazki dominating the middle, even with a very impressive ICA centre-mid to contend with. Ilazki has such a calmness in possession, picking her passes and Lottie’s power driving past players or combining with Tes out on the right, meant the ball was doing the work and ICA were doing the running. Amelie’s mad control, always a joy to watch and with that super glue on her boots again today, dancing round defenders as if they weren’t there. A nice turn by Shannon in to Amelie and a quality ball slid through to Lexie’s run, checked, and a left foot finish under the keeper. So good. Then Lexie again, involved in everything today, with a ball through to meet Grace’s run, beat the defender and ball back across to Shannon who arrived before the keeper for her hattrick. A very impressive performance from Shannon, who missed last weeks game but was making up for it today! Grace was on fire, out for a long time through injury, but absolutely rampaging today. Burning down that left wing now after a switch with Amelie. Only thing that would stop her as she beared in on goal was a late tackle from their defender. Lexie handed Grace the ball for the pen and she duly dispatched it for 6. A nice gesture by Lexie who was on for her hattrick at the time of that penalty. But the game wasn’t quite over and Lexie wasn’t going to leave the field without her third. She collected it on the edge of the box, spotted a space and danced through at pace making the angle for a calm finish. AJ had been sensibly sitting this one out as we have a semi final next weekend that we hope she will be able to play in, but, watching the celebrations, she wanted to be out there on the pitch with her teammates now. A quick substitution and a final few minutes for her to chase around in the middle, and be a general nuisance before fulltime.

Make no mistake, ICA are a very good sides with very good players. But the play from us today, and every goal was of the highest quality. Even on a difficult pitch, the football you girls are playing now is so so good. Well done 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

A third trip up in s

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Coton Football Club is at Coton Recreation Ground.

Coton FC U11 Girls are recruiting! School years 6 (and 5) welcome. Please get in touch to join this exciting and talented new team 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

Coton FC U11 Girls a

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Merry Christmas! Wishing you all the best for the New Year! 👍🎄⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

Merry Christmas! Wis

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Coton Football Club

Coton U16 Girls were worthy winners today away against a struggling Cambridge City side, rooted to the bottom of the table.

After many years of close battles against so many City teams at different age groups, we expected another today, but this was to be a very different game. You could see moments of quality from individuals in their team, but such was the brilliance and utter domination of our girls, it was only scraps today for the City players. Grace started the scoring within the first 5 minutes, after we’d threatened from the off. She’d added another within minutes, almost a carbon copy with neat skills from Shannon slipping her in to slot across the keeper. Next up was Amelie. Played in wide on the left after Seyma and Ilazki, both in complete control of the middle, combined. The City defender pushed Amelie to the goal line, but with her trademark sole roll, she skipped through and then released an audacious chip that dropped into the far top corner. Absolute quality! Shannon had a few chances next. Two ruled out for close offsides, another hitting the bar and another going over. Lexie, also had chances after her pace and skill got her into the box. Not long later, Grace completed her hat trick, Shannon and Alice combining, a nice first touch from Grace to maintain her run and a drilled finish that the City keeper could only watch. Annie, AJ, Lia and Bam were immense, calmly mopping up and setting us back on the front foot. The introduction of Kate, first appearance after injury and still with strapping on her wrist, closed out any hope City might have had of getting back into the game. Ilazki was already bossing the midfield, and Seyma was in beast mode, first to every ball, even the ones she had no right to. So Kate was free to push further forward, linking the attack. Bam was playing on the wing now and Elliyah looking quality behind her, taking a touch, looking for the passes and never giving the City winger a sniff. Captain Charlotte had hardly had a touch, only the odd one when our defence remembered she was there. As the half drew to a close, Lexie fought hard to win a bouncing 50/50 just inside the City box, turned and fired in her shot for our fifth.

We switched things around in the second half, partly to give opportunities for the girls to try out different positions, and partly to try to even things up. We took some time to adjust, but once we’d found the rhythm, we were amazing again. A majestic touch by Amelie to control a high ball kicked out by the City keeper, way out wide on the big Girton pitch, followed up by a rocket cross fired over to Alice to bring down, touch past the defender and thunder her strike into the back of the net. Honestly, top top quality from both girls. A brilliant goal! AJ up top now, and not long before she was on the scoresheet too. Shannon enjoying it at the heart of midfield, dictating play and sliding AJ in for a well taken effort. She could get used to this!! In fact, she did…more skill by Shannon, in to AJ again, back out to Grace, skipping inside the defence and laying back to AJ to slot in her second. Moments later, and looking for her hat trick, AJ rifled another effort at goal, but this time the crossbar denied her. Such was the change of playing positions and formation, City were having a couple of chances of their own. Most chances had been defended well by our, now, back two of Lia and Elliyah, when their central defending partner Seyma had wandered into midfield. But now City crafted a chance, moved quickly from right to left and finding the winger with time and space just outside the box. Captain for the game in the absence of injured Tes, Cha had had little to do this half, but as the City striker closed in, out came Cha to perfectly execute one of her trademark blocks. Fantastic! Another clean sheet for her team. Just before the final whistle, and having snapped at lots of previous efforts, Shannon finally closed out the game. A deserved goal, after unusually struggling to find the net today. Ilazki, won the ball again in the middle, popped it out to Grace, now marauding down the right. Beating her defender and whipping in the cross. An AJ flick and great first touch by Shannon, bringing it down and slamming the ball into the back of the net. The final whistle followed quickly.

Feels bad to be critical of a City side who seemed to be made up of players we’d never seen before, some from the age group below, and all doing their best. But such are the high standards set by City as a club over the years that we did expect more of a challenge. Of course you can only play what’s in front of you and, oh did our girls do that! Quality today. Some brilliant flowing moves and great finishes, all backed up by a mean defence. A joy to watch girls! 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

Coton U16 Girls were

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Coton Football Club

Group stage of the cup for Coton U16 Girls this morning. Playing at Comberton on the 3G for the second week running, against Longstanton from the league below. We’d played once before in a summer tournament but this would be our first meeting at 11v11, and it turned out to be a game with a difference!…

Both teams were up for this from the off. We were quick to find our rhythm today; Shannon orchestrating the midfield, with Tes and Seyma behind her and Alice, Grace and Lexie ahead. Longstanton were well organised and all their players worked very hard to break up our flow. We quickly identified a super speedy and skilful winger, as their main threat and who required close attention, and our back four of Bam, Annie, AJ and Lia managed the threat well, helped out by Cha whenever the ball made it through. An unfortunate injury to AJ meant Elliyah was off the bench and into the action early. Quickly followed by Lottie and Ilazki to take over in the midfield. With all our girls performing well, and the passing combinations working, the gulf between the two teams became clearer and clearer. By the end of the first half we’d scored 10 goals to no reply, with an Alice hattrick, a Grace brace, a thundering header from Seyma after Lexie had whipped in a pinpoint corner, and four from Shannon including a quality chipped set and volley following nice work by Ilazki. The half time whistle blew but it was hard to spot a player on either team who seemed to be enjoying the game.

The game was already won so both coaching teams agreed to try to make things more even by switching things up a bit. Longstanton brought on all of their subs to outnumber us and mean we had far less time and space on the ball. Also we switched the Longstanton goal to the 9v9 size which worked really well to even things up. Longstanton drew first blood with a well taken finish by their speedy winger as she escaped her marker and fired a rocket that a retreating Cha got a touch on but not by enough to keep it out. Seyma worked hard on the right wing to try to get one back, scoring probably 6 or 7 times, but unfortunately only in the full-size goals behind our new target! Lexie remained determined though and managed to wriggle free of the Longstanton defence and neatly slot in. We continued to work the ball around to create chances but Longstanton were defending really well now, and creating chances of their own. It took a long range effort from Tes to finally beat their keeper again, but this half had been much more closely contested and, although a bit unusual, defintely made for a more entertaining game overall. Both teams left the field, this time with smiles all round!

Big thanks to Longstanton for making the trip over and playing us. We know you were apprehensive about this game beforehand, but also we know you’ll be super proud of all your players today - they were great! Also a massive well done to our girls - it can be easy to slip into bad habits when playing in these sort of games, but that didn’t happen once and you played some brilliant stuff, yet again! 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

Group stage of the c

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Plenty to be nervous about as Coton U16 Girls took on Cambourne on the CVC 3G pitch this morning. Although we’d won all the points, those recent games against Cambourne had been too close for comfort. With both teams losing some of their best players this summer, our team’s historical struggles on 3G surfaces, Cambourne’s recent great form, not to mention Storm Amy making the flight of the ball unpredictable, we had no idea how this one would go. Sorry for the long write up. So much to talk about in a fantastic performance by our girls. Maybe go and make a cup of tea before tackling this one…!

Often guilty of a slow start, our girls were on fire from start to finish today. New team captain, Tesni won the toss and elected to face away from the low sun. And a first outing of the season for our super Dash Aviation white kits. Grace had missed training this week, nursing a swollen knee, but since signing at the backend of last season she’s added a huge threat up front for us with her dynamism in the press, and blistering pace. So only into the first minute when Bam collected and fed Shannon sitting behind the front three, her turn and poked ball released Grace who put on the afterburners and was out of sight, finishing with a driven strike before anyone had caught their breath. 1-0! The girls moved the ball around with growing confidence. Cambourne chased and chased but the ball was moving fast and with accuracy. Ilazki’s previous season had been disrupted by injury, but this season she is back to her best, silky skills to beat players, simple turns, clever movement in the middle and with bounds of bravery. Her pinpoint ball between the lines met Amelie’s run with perfection. Amelie cut in front of her defender, opened up and fired the ball beyond the keeper. 2-0! Really nice play now by all the girls. There were many moments in this game where everything just clicked and the ball moved so quickly. Us coaches felt very proud. Seyma was alongside Ilazki in midfield, running and running, first to every ball. She slipped a neat ball in to Shannon ahead of her. With the retreating defenders, Shannon had time to turn and dribble forward. But guilty of holding on a little too long, when Alice’s powerful run was the right option, the Cambourne midfield worked back and were able to make the tackle before the ball was released. The ball still bobbling though, and Amelie first to it, chopping across the box and onto her left foot for a majestic chipped finish over their keeper. 3-0! Change of Goalie for Cambourne. More great work by Amelie again. Her brilliant cross somehow kept out when Shannon looked certain to score. Ball recycled and another chance for Shannon but the new keeper smothered the chance. Grace running through collided with the keeper and needed to come off. But our girls upped the pressure. Lottie on now, making her first appearance after an unfortunate injury in preseason. Calm with great composure and eye for the pass. Sitting in alongside Ilazki with Seyma moving ahead of them and Shannon up top. Alice’s confidence on show now against her old team. She has been great in training and bringing that form into the matches now. Storm Amy was quietening down, but Storm Alice was just getting started. Bursting onto a through ball after Shannon and Seyma battled on the edge, and firing in. 4-0! Time to change it up a bit. Ilazki off for rest. Elliyah on at left back, Amelie moving across to the right with Bam moving up on to the left wing. Seyma dropping to Centre Half and Shannon back into midfield with AJ moving up to striker. Amelie whipped the ball across to Alice, who made a great turn and tapped the ball back for Shannon to drill low past the keeper. 5-0! Bam was flying down the left, causing havoc for the Cambourne defenders, combining with an overlapping Elliyah. Alice, really on fire, turned on the edge and again slipped in Amelie, on the right now, to chase. So calm with the ball, and as strong on her left as her right. Whenever a chance falls to Amelie you always feel like she is going to bury it. Past the defender and cutting back to fool the keeper, Amelie neatly tucked the ball into the far corner with her left foot for her hat-trick. 6-0! Cambourne had battled well, but with every one of our girls fully on it, there had been few opportunities. Any sniff of a chance had been dealt with by an outstanding Annie at the back. Stepping out for strong tackles, covering where needed, dropping if necessary, and involving Cha when required. Quietly going about her work without fuss, but with a power and poise that is greatly appreciated throughout her team. Never a wrong decision and consistently brilliant in every match. She epitomises a team hungry for success again this season. Half time couldn’t arrive soon enough for Cambourne.

The second half started brightly for us again, AJ had been enjoying herself up front in the first half, reminding us that while she is now an incredible defender, with bags of pace and strength, she started her football life as a striker, and still has an eye for goal. In training this week she was consistently banging the ball into the back of the net. So when Ilazki won possession in the middle and moved it on to Shannon to turn and slip a pass into the space behind, AJ burned through, opened up and slotted a finish back across, giving the keeper no chance. 7-0! Elliyah was a menace; our press had taken on a whole new level, Cambourne hurried to clear their lines with an ever rushing AJ, Amelie and now Elliyah closing them down. The ball only making it as far Shannon who played a quick one-two off AJ and poked home past the onrushing keeper. 8-0! Tes was in midfield now, and with plenty of vocal encouragement from an ever louder bench with a still injured Lexie making a guest appearance and a recovering Grace leading the noise. Tes is super calm on the ball, doing the simple things well, physical with the opposition when required and spotting the passes before anyone else. And we were relentless. Cambourne, by their own admission, were having a bit of an off day, but also they were having it when every one of our girls was a 10 out of 10. Tes played the ball into Elliyah’s run and as she approached box, the defender had to make a last-ditch tackle, conceding the corner. We’re super excited to have Elliyah in the team. Bags of potential and demonstrating she can play anywhere on the field. Amelie whipped in the corner, and as it bobbled in the box, with players scrambling to get the first touch, Elliyah poked it home for her first Coton goal. 9-0! Out from defence now for Seyma, with Ilazki dropping back and Annie and Bam either side of her. Felt like we’ve had to wait a long time for Seyma to join this team, but it was worth the wait! Her energy is infectious!! Tes played the pass out to Alice, in to AJ who spotted Seyma’s run, jockeying with the defender and keeper and finally a drilling a neat finish. 10-0! We’d moved players around so much today, giving everyone a chance to try different things. It was a wonder anyone could keep track of where they were playing. But Cambourne, for all our possession and all our goals, had never given up. And as the game approached the end, a couple of mistakes, maybe our only of the match, let their rapid winger through for a great chance. Although we never want to concede, a consolation for the Cambourne attack who had not seen much of the ball, wasn’t going to be the end of the world. But hold up, don’t forget, we’ve got Cha in goal. A consolation? She wasn’t feeling it! Making a great block for the first shot and recovering to make an equally brilliant second save for the follow up. The danger averted? Not quite, as another Cambourne attacker joined the play and worked the ball neatly back onto her stronger right foot, thundering a strike across goal. Even an outstretched, diving Cha couldn’t keep that one out. 10-1, and cue the celebrations from Cambourne before the final whistle blew. Fair play. That’s what you deserve when you never give up.

Cambourne will 100% bounce back from this one. Lots of talent in their group and no question they’ll look to put this right in their next game. The challenge for us will be to maintain the levels achieved today! Well done girls! What a mega performance to go with that mega scoreline 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

Plenty to be nervous

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First off, apologies to everyone for the 1-week delay with this report!…

Last Saturday, the girls faced their second league match of the season and the first big test. After Newmarket Town beat Cambridge City 6-1 the week before and with rumours that they had picked up a few new players in the off season, Coton knew they had to come out strong. Not to be told, however, the girls decided that they play best when they are happy - so with smiles on their faces they came out happy…after a quick sniff of the new matchballs!! 🤷‍♂️

With the sides seeming to be fairly evenly matched, the game started with a lot of to-ing and fro-ing but Coton seemed relaxed and confident. The ball spent a lot of time in the midfield where Kate and Seyma were decisive. Seyma beat player after player to the ball and Kate calmly took on anyone who approached her using her skill to keep the ball, rather than her body. It was what looked like a slightly speculative high chip from Kate that Amelie took on her first run on the left, eventually using the outside of her foot to lob it towards goal and over the keeper. 1-0 Coton.

In an unusual turn of events, Coton scored first what promised to be a tight match!!

Newmarket kept working though and they tried to use their speedy winger on our back left over and over again. Annie and Tes worked really well as a pair to cover her. The most dangerous of her runs came from an early ball played in but it was abruptly stopped by a tackle from Annie. The Newmarket player turned out to be offside anyway. It was a physical game, especially in the midfield, and it was not too long before Coton had a free kick after Kate was taken down and had to go off, unfortunately it turns out, with a fractured wrist. Ilazki stepped in and stepped up. She took a free kick which landed well for Shannon. Back to Alice, Shannon again, and then to Alice who was able to fire it into the top corner. 2-0 Coton.

But Newmarket pressed on. At the other end, Cha came a long way out to stop a ball that was running at her (and being chased), and there was a collision between her and the attacking Newmarket player. The ref gave the penalty. Fingernails were being bitten on the sidelines but the ever-calm Cha saved it with a dive to her right. A bottom-corner or top-corner target would have scored it for Newmarket but the mid-level ball was brilliantly saved in the air by Cha.

At half time, Coach Darren turned up and with him and Emilia on the bench the volume suddenly went up a few notches!!! After the rest, both teams came back out strong again. Lexie did a power of work moving up towards goal on the right, supported by Lia and Seyma, and Seyma had some moments of technical brilliance dancing around the opposing players. At the other end, AJ controlled the defence, talking to them, and the four backs played as a unit, always backing each other up. Lia protected the back right by tackling strong and covering her player on runs, AJ ran down multiple fast balls and players, and Tes and Annie kept that speedy winger at bay and also managed to pass forwards accurately as well! Coton’s midfield and forwards looked strong and coherent too. Lexie used her speed to keep probing on the right, Amelie had Velcro on her boots and glided around the Newmarket defence. Grace’s work rate was something else as she nipped around defenders. Shannon made decisive moves offloading the ball quickly and Alice’s fast feet and fast strikes tested the Newmarket keeper. It has to be said that their keeper made a series of stunning saves in the second half (4, 5, who’s counting?) and Coton did not score again.

Midway through the second half, de facto Coach Olly was spotted on the home spectator’s side, appearing to mostly be keeping Coach Rob and Boxing Bex apart! (On that, stay tuned: the charity wrestling match will take place at the end of season party!) Once Olly was back on the bench side, it is safe to say that the volume again went up a few notches!!

Although the final score was 2-0, Coton looked in control of the match. The win was really the result of two things: some quality football and, possibly more importantly, playing as a team. Communication on the pitch, backing each other up, and hard graft won this one with every player winning their individual match ups. Bring on the rest of the season 💪💪💪

Thank you to Newmarket for the good game, we’ll look forward to the rematch! Speedy recovery to Kate, we want to see you back on the pitch soonest!! 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

First off, apologies

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Coton Football Club

There was a sense of nostalgia this morning when Coton U16 Girls kicked off their season with an away fixture up in Peterborough against ICA Sports. These two teams first met in 2017 when we played against each other in a super-fun mini-tournament at Coton, also with some great Saffron Walden teams. The teams have grown, the players have grown(!) but it had that same feeling about it when we pulled up along the little track off Bretton Way to the same great club we’d faced all those years ago. Always a pleasure to play this team, and we felt welcomed by the girls, coaches and parents. Coach Andy and Coach Sam wasted no time and headed straight for the Bacon Butty van…when in Rome!

The game began with a quick change of ends to avoid facing into the sun, and we were away, for another season of football! Some new faces and lots of old ones still, we were all excited to see how the girls would do. Although the teams have played against each other a few times in between that first tournament, we’ve not always been in the same leagues, but after an amazing season by ICA, winning their league and promoted into the top division, we knew this was a early banana-skin fixture, and us without any subs today, a few carrying injury, and with an opposition eager to put down an early season marker. We started brightly, trying to play the ball around, but so did ICA. Lexie made runs down the right side, fed well by Grace at the top of our midfield, and on the other side, Amelie was full of running, combining nicely with Bam, who was super calm at left back all game. Arguably our best player. Shannon had started up top and always looked a threat when we worked the ball backwards and forwards across the edge of the ICA box. Kate and Ilazki looked to take control of the middle, both playing well, and linking play, but powerful ICA running and tackling made it scrappy, with neither team able to gain the upper hand. On their right wing, the pacey ICA winger had to be marshalled carefully, and Amelie and Bam did that job brilliantly. And up top for ICA, their skilful and rapid striker was a handful for Seyma and AJ at the back, and Cha in goal. Lia stood tall at right back, tackling well and taking throw after throw to set us back on the attack. We crafted a few chances, but nothing clearcut, and the ICA keeper looked in great form. Then ICA, turning over possession, and a perfect through ball to run on to. Seyma’s recovery run was good, but their striker had too much pace. Seyma’s lunging tackle got a little of the ball, and a lot of the player, and had it not been for AJ also covering back, Seyma’s yellow card might have been a different colour! Still danger though. as the free kick was at a nice angle and distance for the ICA taker. Up and over our wall, dipping, but Cha was equal to it, pushing over the bar to safety. Not long after, ICA’s disappointment was compounded when Shannon slid a ball behind their backline, Grace cooked the defence with her pace, a touch to set and rolled the ball back across goal, in off the post. Quality finish! Amelie quickly looked to get in on the act, dancing past her fullback, but her effort sailing just over. Shannon next, pouncing on indecision by ICA, bursting though, but her drilled shot just hitting the side netting. Lexie had been running and running, always dangerous and this time whipping her cross to find Amelie unmarked, with perfect control, but this time her effort rebounded back off the crossbar. When half time arrived, we felt comfortable, just about in control of the game, but with only a single goal to show for it. Not enough.

Second half started with the heavens opening, ICA were out on the pitch first, braving the heavy downpour, and our girls looking a little unsure if it was such a good idea to come out from underneath those coats held above their heads. Coach Dean, taking up Lino duties for the second half, quickly assured the girls it was only a light shower and his tightly hugging sweater was perfect for keeping the rain off as he did his best to keep up with his daughter and our backline(!) Partly the weather, partly having no subs, but mostly due to the effort and endeavour of the ICA players, every one of them, we never found our rhythm in the second half. Guilty also of taking too many touches, or playing to feet when a through ball was the better choice, we made it hard for ourselves. Credit due to ICA though. They were very good, demonstrating they will have no problem this season in their new league. That ‘light shower’ was definitely not light anymore. A few rumbles of thunder. Or maybe it was Andy’s Roll digesting? We managed to force a corner and hard to see exactly what went on; the rain pounding down, a scramble by both teams to either connect a shot or clear the ball, legs swinging in both directions, Sam slightly distracted by a view of the Bacon Roll Van and the prospect of a second breakfast, and Ilazki there to finally swivel and turn the ball in. A two-goal buffer and the girls noticeably relaxed into the game more. Ilazki dropped in alongside AJ at the back and looked really assured, never giving up a single chance and neatly passing the ball out. Seyma dribbling in the middle set Shannon free, who was unlucky to see her effort rebound off the post. Amelie was dynamic down the wing, constantly causing their fullback problems, one time in and through, beating the keeper with a ball slipped low and through the legs but denied again by the post. Those pesky ICA posts!! The ICA keeper had been immense, voted player of the game by our girls at the end, and she made a succession of great saves to deny another goal, finally pushing the ball wide, but not wide enough, Amelie recycling on the left and turning the ball in to Shannon to tuck her effort out of reach of the now stranded keeper. ICA kept coming, but our defence held firm. Lia shot from distance but their keeper wouldn’t be beaten again. Kate, Grace and Shannon exchanged passes as we worked the ball around looking for chances, but three goals felt like plenty in a game that was much closer than the final score. We sat off a bit in the closing minutes and ICA pushed hard for what would have been a deserved goal, but Cha’s on point decision making, collecting up every half chance, never gave ICA a proper opportunity, and meant her and her team’s clean sheet was also well deserved.

Great to see the girls get off to a winning start to their season. In a small league with each team playing 3 times, we’ll play again before the year is out, and back over here again for another bacon roll, sorry, football match, in the new year. Welcome back! 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

There was a sense of

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Coton Football Club

Coton U12 Girls (First division) are recruiting…👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

Coton U12 Girls (Fir

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Coton Football Club

Coton U12s (A-League) are recruiting…👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

Coton U12s (A-League

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Coton Football Club

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

The atmosphere was r

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Coton Football Club is at The Plough Coton.

What a beautiful day at Coton Rec. The warm sun was out and the pitch was crisply cut and freshly marked. While everyone else slept, Coach Sam had been out, lining the pitch in his pyjamas!

There was no doubt about it, today was the day! Coton U15 Girls welcomed Cambridge City for the penultimate match of the season, in a potentially title defining game. Both teams came into the game unbeaten in the league and full of confidence and with just 2 points separating them. Coton knew that a win would make them champions, a draw would keep matter in their hands going into the last game and a loss would give the advantage to City. The team’s two previous meetings had ended with a 1:1 draw in the cup quarter final in November with Coton squeaking through on penalties and a 2:2 draw in the away fixture in March. These days don’t come around very often, everything was set-up perfectly. The mood amongst the players and coaches was relaxed on the surface but underneath there were a lot of nerves. Everyone was pretending to be chilled, but no one was. In the heat, the Coton warm-up lacked intensity and the team talk was brief - but everyone knew what needed to be done and we just wanted to get going with the game.

The opening 20 minutes was full of nervous energy, everything hurried from both teams, there was no time or space, it was scrappy, lacking quality but certainly not endeavour. A few breaks here and there, some last ditched defending from both teams, a lot of huff and puff in the heat. Then about 20 minutes in, on came Seyma. Coach Sam had said in his team talk that these were the games where you had an opportunity to really put in a big performance and make your mark as a player. All the girls ended up doing just that, but it is fair to say that Seyma was the first player on either team to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and stamp her authority on it. She was here there and everywhere, flying into tackles and carrying the ball forward whenever she could and she brought the first moment of real quality in the game from which Coton took the lead. Cha bravely rolled the ball to Pauline in midfield who swept a pass out to Seyma on the right who initially lost possession but won it straight back and burst through and into the area. She looked up and picked out Shannon on the edge of the 6-yard box with a perfectly weighted pass, and time stood still for a second. The first touch to bring the ball down was perfect, an even better second touch fooled the defender and bought her some space and time and with her third touch buried the ball in the corner of the net. Superb finish from Shannon, cheers from the coaches and parents.

Advantage to Coton, but that was all. This is a determined and skilled City team who are used to winning and who were intent on changing the momentum. Coton had the bit between their teeth now however and before a slightly stunned City had time to clear their heads, Seyma broke through on the right again and crashed a shot against the corner of the post and bar. It felt like this might be a big moment in the game. The rest of the half was fiercely contested with neither team giving the other any time on the ball – there were lots of hooked clearances, tackles, headers, throw-ins, neither team wanted to make a mistake. City looked to get the ball forward quickly, turn Coton’s defence and play in Coton territory and for a time that was the pattern of the game. In these periods Coton was prepared to dig in and defend in numbers and reduce City to a few shots from distance which didn’t trouble Cha in the Coton goal. Cha was calm and assured all day, her positioning on point and her kicking excellent. AJ, Tes, Bam and Emilia, Annie, Bam and Lia all took their turns at the back to stand strong and they never gave the City’s attack any quarter. The Coton defence was immense all day and it needed to be. AJ didn’t stop harassing and hassling the City attackers all game and when she is in this mood, she is a nightmare for strikers to play against - so quick, strong, and combative. Tes and Annie took their turns to play alongside her both put in faultless shifts, just calmly doing the simple things well as they have all season. Bam, Emilia and Lia largely nullified City’s significant threat down the wings with focus, speed, and determination. The Coton midfield was being given no time on the ball and Alice was largely feeding off scraps but was running her heart out and asking questions of the City defence.

As expected, City came out of the blocks quickly for the second half, committed players forwards and had a spell of pressure which led to a couple of corners and shots from distance and only some resolute defending kept them at bay. We knew that there would be spells where we were under pressure but that if we could ride them out, we would have moments of our own. As the half wore on Coton began to take control. The City midfield weren’t able to maintain the intensity of their press and the Coton midfield of Mads, Kate, Pauline ably supported by Ilazki began to gain the upper hand. Mads did a lot of the dirty ball winning work - another incredible shift from our captain who has led from the front all season and whose consistency of performance is unmatched in the team. Kate was getting on the ball now and starting to pick her passes and Pauline did a bit of everything and was starting to create holes in the City midfield with were skilful dribbling and directness. Ilazki always seemed to be in the right place at the right time and won several important headers and tackles.

India and Lexie had been kept largely quiet on the wings in the first half but with the Coton midfield now in the ascendancy and Shannon dropping deeper to link play up they were starting to get more time and space and were both starting to look a real threat. India skipped her way past a City defender into the box and she was suddenly in, she jinked past the keeper, being forced wide, flicked the ball with the outside on her foot and the ball squirmed agonisingly past the far post. So close! It was a warning to the City team who were being forced into taking more risks by pushing players forwards and leaving one on one match ups at the back knowing that only a win would do. There were a few panicky moments in the Coton defence with City attack getting behind it on a couple of occasions but the City strikers never quite got in a position to really test Cha or maybe took one or two extra touches which lost them the opportunity when they did. The couple of other times when it looked like they were in, Emilia would put on the after burners and teleport in from nowhere to win a ball that she had no right to get to first.

With about 15 minutes left and the game very much still in the balance, it was from one of these moments that Coton got their second and decisive goal and it was a goal worthy of wining a league. Emilia won the ball at left back and fired the ball up the touchline to India just inside the City half – a sublime first touch opened the pitch up and Indie fizzed a pinpoint pass to Shannon who was facing her own goal in the centre of the pitch up ahead – more lovely control and feint and turn which dropped the 2 City defenders marking her and a slide rule pass into the run of Lexie bursting through on the right into the box. A little look up, a touch to get the ball out from under her feet and a rasping drive into the back of the net giving the keeper absolutely no chance. Quality goal. A massive goal, no doubt about it, but the girls knew that this game wasn’t over and that a City goal would quickly change the momentum and every Coton player rolled their sleeves up and worked incredibly hard to make sure that this never happened. Inevitably there were moments of City pressure and they went very close to pulling a goal back on a couple of occasions, one attempt from point blank range took a ridiculous reaction save from Cha to keep out – getting just enough of a left glove on it to turn it literally an inch past the post. Coton were, however, still carrying the bigger threat on the counterattack though and only 2 brilliant saves from the City keeper prevented Coton from expending their lead. Lexie’s goal had given her an energy boost and when another lovely pass put her in on goal again it looked like she would score but the City keeper got out quickly to narrow the angel and block the shot. Pauline went on a Messi like run, swerving and dodging her way past 3 City defenders and looked to have dinked the ball over the keeper only for a hand to come out of nowhere and make the save.

Then the whistle came and there was a huge feeling of relief amongst Coton girls, coaches, and players – another long league season with the girls having put in so much effort to remain unbeaten and claim another title. For City, big disappointment of course but they will be consoled by the fact that they pushed a very good Coton team until the end with a group of girls playing a year up. They are an excellent team who will do very well in the JPL next year.

Newmarket are the visitors for the final game of the season next Saturday and there is no doubt they will be fired up for this. Coton will want to go through the league season unbeaten and maintain an unbeaten league home record which now stretches back over 2 years to March 2023.

Well done girls the coaches and parents are all very proud of you, an amazing achievement. All that was left to do was spend the rest of the day at The Plough!! 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

What a beautiful day

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A lovely sunny evening on the Rec for Coton U15 Girls to welcome Huntingdon who were on a good run, having won 4 of their last 5 games. We had a full squad of 16 who were all relaxed mood in the warm-up and looking forward to playing again after a 10-day gap. Coach Sam rang the changes throughout the match to make sure that everyone got good game time and it is credit to the girls that the style of play and the standards didn’t waiver.

Huntingdon are a good team with some exceptional players but it is hard to play without the ball and we kept it well tonight. Our girls nearly took a very early lead with a free kick just over the bar from the edge of the box. Lexie, playing against many of her schoolmates, was a menace all night and went close to opening the scoring on a couple of occasions, having been played in after some lovely interchanges by Kate, Ilazki and Shannon who were controlling the midfield. It wasn’t one way traffic, however, and Huntingdon broke several times with skill and pace and the back four of Bam, Annie, AJ and Lia needed to be strong and alert to keep them at bay. Alice and later Grace pinned the Huntingdon defence back with their hard running and pace while Mads and Emilia were working tirelessly down the wings supported by neat and tidy play by Bam and Lia. It was the Emilia bursting through on the right with her electric pace to slot cooly under the keeper who opened the scoring. From there the goals came at a steady pace. Kate finished off a beautiful team move by cooly passing the ball into the corner of the net with her left foot from 10 yards out having made herself a yard of space with a deft feint. Mads next with a powerful shot coming in off the left. Next an India corner from the right nestled in the back of the net. She is claiming it but maybe one for the dubious goals committee. Ilazki may have got a touch on it and if she did it would have been fitting reward from and excellent all round midfield display - battling for possession when we didn’t have the ball and showing her lovely range of passing when we did. Lexie next with a clever left foot finish after another sweeping move before AJ nodded in another pinpoint Indie corner for a 6th goal just before the half time whistle.

Always looking to raise the standards, Coach Darren asked the girls at half time if they could look after the ball even better than they did and if they could look to switch play ore to open up the space rather than going back into traffic. The second half produced more excellent football which often started from incisive accurate passing from back via Tes, AJ, Lia and Annie. Shannon, Mads and Pauline kept the play flowing through the middle and Emilia now playing on the left was unstoppable scoring 3 more cracking goals in a devastating 10-minute spell of attacking football with Alice, Shannon and Lexie at the forefront. Bam saw a free kick from the edge of the box tipped onto the bar. Pauline was denied a special goal by a brilliant save after jinking her way through the Huntingdon defence. Mads crashed in a lovely volley into the far corner after the ball fell up nicely for her on the edge of the box. India curled in a right foot shot from just inside the box, despite the Huntingdon keeper nearly pulling off another brilliant save. Lexie jinked and powered her way past 3 Huntingdon players on the right and blasted in to finish off proceedings. In between the incessant wave of Coton attack, Huntingdon produced some good football and had 3 or 4 chances to grab a consolation goal but were denied by an outstanding reaction save from the ever-dependable Cha and some determined last ditch defending by AJ, Grace and Lia. All in all, another great display from the girls and another precious 3 points which takes them to top spot in the league for the first time all season. A tough night for Huntingdon who aren’t used to being heavily beaten but there was much to admire about how they played and, on another evening, the scoreline could have been much closer.

Two more huge games to go – first up Cambridge City at the Rec on Saturday then the visit of Newmarket on 17th May. What an exciting end to another fantastic season 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

A lovely sunny eveni

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Coton Football Club

Back to football at Coton Rec this weekend for Coton U15 Girls, at the start of a run of five fixtures in the space of three weeks that will decide where the title goes this season. Opponents today were Cambourne, ever improving and always a tough fixture in the calendar.

A good prematch warmup for the girls and out we went, full of enthusiasm to be playing again after the Easter break. We were confident to have the lions’ share of possession in this game, but knew the threat Cambourne have up front, combined with a well-organised defence meant taking our chances would be key. It took us a while to get our passes going and early sloppiness that has dogged so many of our performances this season was on show again. Never for want of trying, but final passes executed poorly, or first touches bouncing up making the second get away. Not for Kate though who put on a masterclass today from start to finish at the centre of midfield, alongside ever dependable Mads who tackled hard, and was always an option for both defence and attack to play into. Quality from both. Lexie on the right was growing into the game, pace to burn down the wing and causing many problems for the Cambourne left back. Indie the same on the left but tightly guarded by their quick right back. Alice had a battle on against a strong centre half with Shannon buzzing around in the hole behind. Across the back line, Tes on the right, AJ and Emilia central and Bam in her usual position on the left, always available to start our buildup. We were creating chances but shots were soft or from distance, and besides, Cambourne seemed to have signed Mary Earps, as we watched the most accomplished goalkeeping display today from an opposition that we can remember. As our threat grew, so did the awesomeness of the Cambourne keeper, plucking balls from the air, coming out early to through balls, and diving when needed. Suffice to say, she already deserved player of the match by halftime. It was clear something very special was going to be needed to beat her, and so that’s what Shannon delivered!…Now I know I won’t do this goal justice trying to explain it, but I’ll have a go because we think it may be the best team goal we’ve ever scored and the final cross and finish were applauded by both benches and both sets of spectators. Working the ball neatly with 1 touch, 2 touch across our backline, AJ to Emilia, Emilia to Bam. Up to Indie and back in to Mads. Close control and skill needed in the middle with Cambourne chasing us down, the ball worked across to Kate to thread one of her pinpoint passes into the run of Lexie out wide on the right. We’d seen her test the defender with pace, but this time, slowing it down, back to Tes, Kate and then Lexie again to whip a cross from so far out into the danger area on the edge of the six yard box to perfectly meet the late run of Shannon from deep who cushioned her header past the retreating and diving Cambourne keeper. Honestly, proper quality from the girls. One of those moments that makes you so proud of them all. Not long after, Shannon thought she’d grabbed another, but after bursting through and finishing neatly into the far post, the offside flag was raised. Ikazki, Annie, Lia and Amelie on now. Big crunching tackles from Lia and both Annie and Ilazki making sure those big kicks from their keeper didn’t get a chance to bounce. Amelie dancing down the left, working well with Mads and Alice, and bursting through herself but denied a goal by another good save. Cambourne saw the half out and would be pleased to have kept the scoreline to just the single goal.

The second half was a repeat of the first in so much as the Cambourne defence just would not let us in. Charlotte had had a quite game, doing the simple stuff neatly, coming out quickly to collect the through balls before they became chances, working with the defence to play across when needed and firing those thunderous but pinpoint kicks out to get us going forward. We’d had a succession of corners in the first half that had all been collected brilliantly by the Cambourne keeper. Kate had been tasked with trying to get close to her for corners in this second half. Lots of pushing and position changes back and forth, between Keeper, Defender and Kate, as Indie lined one up. Fired in by Indie and the keeper burst round Kate to try to get to the ball first, but the flight was high and she misjudged only able to punch into her own net. Felt a little bit guilty having asked Kate to do that, particularly given what a brilliant performance their Keeper had put in, but on the other hand, it’s all part of the game! With a two-goal lead the game was much more confortable. Emilia had a runout at no 10, Lia thundered a shot that was sneaking in at the near post and had to be palmed away for the corner. Tes stepped out and combined with Kate and Lexie. Alice was a constant threat. Ikazki, Mads, Amelie and Shannon took turns in the middle and closed the game out. But in the end, no more goals. Just those important three points from a banana-skin fixture.

Credit to Cambourne for how far they’ve come in a short space of time. We were reminded this fixture last season finished 12-1, so a massive difference, and we were made to work very hard today for the victory. Every player on the pitch will be proud of how they played today, and we know there will be more of these tight games in the future. Well done girls 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

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This weekend saw Coton U16 Girls play their final (ever!) game at Coton Rec. A great performance by the girls who marked the occasion with a clean sheet and 3 goals to defeat a strong Netherton side. One more game left for the girls and that will be the season finished. It has been a pleasure and privilege to have these coaches, parents and especially the players part of our club. A fantastic group of girls who we have no doubt will go on to many great things in their lives ahead. But we know in whatever that may be, college, uni and beyond, you’ll always have football with you now and the memories you’ve created together. Best of luck for your final away game and for the future! 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

This weekend saw Cot

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Coton U15 Girls welcomed Deeping United for the reverse fixture of last week’s close battle. Respect to Deeping who made the long journey despite only having 11 players. A beautiful morning on the Rec with the sun shining on the freshly cut pitch and a good buzz around the girls in the warm-up, they looked focussed and up for it, and that proved to be the case.

We started brightly, moving the ball well and creating several chances with Grace unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions having used her pace to get into some great positions, and Mads hitting the bar with a powerful strike from distance. But then the inevitable happened as Deeping won a corner with their first real foray into the Coton half. A great delivery ended with the ball being bundled in at the back post. Just like last week, however, we didn’t have to wait long for the equaliser, Mad scoring direct from a freekick with a clean hit from 20 yards. 2 minutes later we took the lead when a clever cut back from Mads on the right side of the goal line was met with a sweet hit from Lexie from the edge of the box into the left-hand corner of the goal. There was enough time left in the half for Lexie to hit an unbelievable thunderbolt which cannoned off the bar before the half ended.

The second half was the most dominant half we’ve played this season with every player contributing. The defence was rock solid as well as being composed. On a number of occasions the ball was worked from AJ or Emilia back to the composed Cha who calmly played the ball to Tes, Bam or Annie to work the ball through the thirds and up the pitch. Pauline, Kate and Mads were purring in the midfield, with Alice and Amelie working hard and causing lots of issues down the wings. It wasn’t long before Mads played a lovely ball to release Amelie who drove down the wing and across into the box, with pace and skill to fire under the keeper. Now Coton were rampant and the Deeping goal was under siege. Pauline capped another superb all-round display with a mazy run that ended with her stroking the ball home. India scored direct from a corner for the second week in a row before Mads hit another banger from distance to cap another top quality captain’s performance. A lovely moment next when Grace scored her first goal for the team as she burst through the centre of the Deeping defence and passed the ball into the corner of the net. Goal of the game next with India dodging and feinting her way past 4 defenders before clipping the ball past the keeper for a wonderful solo effort. Mads had time for one more after Bam refused to give up a ball that looked to be going out after she had battled her way down the field the checked back and picked out a great pass. Emilia, who had played most of the last two games in defence, had been moved to striker for the last half an hour of the game and could have had a hat-trick in that time with her clever movement and speed. She got the goal that she deserved close to the final whistle, slamming the ball home from near the penalty spot.

It was a tough morning for Deeping, but what a great group of girls and coaches, despite the scoreline, heads never dropped and they never stopped battling. Credit to Coton though, all the girls working hard and shifting the ball around with fantastic skill. A pleasure to watch! 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

Coton U15 Girls welc

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Coton Football Club

A long trip to the Baston Brudenell Playing Fields north of Peterborough for Coton U15 Girls, and our first ever fixture against mid-table Deeping. Deeping have been competitive in every match they have played in their first season in the Cambs League and we knew that this was going to be a tough assignment. We were pleased that Lia, still nursing her injury, had made the trip today too, to offer positive support, sweets and chocolates, and to keep Coach Olly in line 💪

The first 10 minutes were cagey with the teams sizing each other up but the pattern of the game was emerging. Coton looked to patiently pass the ball short through the midfield and pick out the runs of Lexie on the right, India on the left and Shannon central while Deeping, playing with a back 3, looked to get the ball forward quickly and use their numeric superiority in the midfield to win the second balls and get into dangerous areas around the Coton area. Coton seemed to be getting control of the game when Deeping struck; a defensive slip let them in for an easy goal. Not for the first time this season, Coton hit back immediately with a great move, an interchange of passes in the midfield found Kate with the time to play a slide rule pass for the electric Lexie to burst onto and calmly slot the ball in the corner.

Coton continued to enjoy most of the territory and possession, forcing saves and winning corners, but Deeping always carried a real threat. Whenever their Keeper got the ball to hand, she looked to launch one of her booming kicks, before we had time to drop back into position, and release one of their quick and powerful forwards. Too many times, the ball was allowed to bounce making it a tough morning’s work for the Coton defence. AJ and Annie were their combative-selves and Emilia and Bam were solid in the fullback positions. Pauline, Mads and Kate were starting to get a grip of the midfield winning a lot of the first and second balls and using that possession well. Picking it up on the halfway line, Pauline played an unbelievable ball, curling perfectly into Lexie’s path and she calmly rolled it under the keeper for her 2nd goal. We continued to push for goals - Kate went very close on a couple of occasions including a curling strike which crashed back off the inside of the post and rolled across the line before being cleared. Ilazki on now in midfield and Tes in defence and both were playing very tidily. And Grace on up front for what turned out to be a fantastic Coton debut. Welcome Grace! Pressure told and after a bit of ping pong in the Deeping area, the ball breaking to India who fired the ball into the corner 3:1 and with half-time approaching it felt like this might turn out to be a comfortable afternoon. Then within 2 minutes Deeping were level. A couple of sloppy passes gave Deeping two chances to pump the ball forward and release their powerful, speedy striker who, twice, made no mistake with the finishes, and meaning we headed in at the break honours even.

Everyone was bit nonplussed at half-time but there was no sense of panic as it had been a good first half-performance with so much right about it, we just needed to cut our silly mistakes and be aware of the Deeping threat. The second half was played in much the same vein as the first but with an adjusted back line doing a great job of keeping their forwards at bay; Tes out on the right now, and the raw pace of Emilia alongside AJ to nullify the Deeping threat. One time they did get through, Cha bravely came charging off her line, but slipping and colliding nastily with the Deeping winger which led to her coming off. Replaced by a bubbly Shannon who once again stepped up for her team. She didn’t have much to do but she made sure that she kept the crowd and teammates entertained with her starting positions! We were playing some nice football now, with Grace and Lexie seeing lots of the ball and carrying a real threat, clever interchanges and both super rapid, but Deeping defended fiercely and the breakthrough wouldn’t come. Just when the coaches were starting to feel a bit of tension, India, whose corners had been exceptional all day, scored straight from one, up and beyond the retreating keeper to settle the nerves again. 8 minutes later Grace who had received the ball in a pocket of space on the edge of the area and with great composure and skill rolled Lexie in with a deft pass and Lex did the rest. This time there was to be no Deeping comeback as Coton managed the rest of the game without incident to secure another hard fought, important win. Grace looked a little shocked to be voted player of the match by the Deeping Girls but it was no less than her committed, skilful debut deserved.

We look forward to welcoming Deeping to Coton Rec next week for the return fixture and another tough battle 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

A long trip to the B

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Coton Football Club

A lovely sunny morning at Coton Rec with the grass freshly cut and the pitch looking immaculate. Coton U15 Girls’ first game at home for 3 months and we welcomed Chesterton Eagles who have been struggling in the league but arrived on a high, having just reached the league cup final. We started briskly for a change and immediately took control, dominating territory and possession with some pleasingly quick, accurate, short passing. We were creating chances but the shots were getting blocked by a determined defence and when they got through the Chesterton keeper was equal to them, plucking several shots out of the air with ease. Just as the coaches were starting to get a bit twitchy because our dominance wasn’t turning into goals, the ball was played to India on the edge of the box and she took a touch and unleashed a crisp strike through the defender’s legs into the left-hand corner of the net. Chesterton occasionally broke into Coton territory but Annie, AJ, Tes and Bam comfortably dealt with the threats and stayed engaged in the game because of the way that the team patiently worked the ball around the pitch and they all played with great composure and control, rarely giving up possession. Pauline is such a technical player but also does a lot of the team’s dirty work – battling for possession, tracking runners and winning tackles and today was no different – her hard work for the team allowed others to play and her fellow midfielders took full advantage. Ilazki. playing against her old team, was immaculate displaying her brilliant first touch and simple, effective passing, releasing runners and keeping the team ticking over. Kate’s all-round game is so strong now but it is still her passing ability that marks her out – she can pick a pass like no one else and when you’ve got willing runners like Mads, Emilia and India she can open up teams at will. Most of the Coton threat came down the left with Mads dominant initially then, soon after she and Emilia had switched wings, Emilia went into overdrive, speeding past the Chesterton defence and striking an unstoppable shot into the very corner of the net with her supposedly weaker left foot. Soon after Kate side footed in classy finish after the ball broke to her just inside the area and then, just before half time, Emily got what her strong and determined first half performance deserved, cooly slotting home after the keeper could only parry a powerful Pauline shot from distance. With Cha injured, Shannon had stepped up to play in goal for the first half but with little to do he was desperate to take the gloves off and see what she could do. And what a half she had, playing some wonderful first time passes to spread the play and exploit space including one curling through ball to release India on the right who outpaced the defence and struck a thunderbolt across the keeper into the far corner. Shannon proceeded to rack up 4 goals of her own with some high-quality finishing including a perfect hattrick which was rounded off by nodding in a corner at the far post. Our attacking players were given the time and space to play by our rock-solid defence and another all-action display from Seyma who hounded and harassed the opposition like only she can. Such a selfless, team player. Pauline escaped her marker on the left wing to prod home a clever finish from jut inside the box and Mads wrapped up another excellent personal and team display with a curling left foot shot from distance just before the final whistle sounded. Well done girls, some really eye catching and high-quality passing football today. Despite the heavy defeat, Chesterton’s heads never dropped and, as always, it was a pleasure to host them as they always play the game in the right spirit. 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

A lovely sunny morni

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Another tight game as Coton U15 Girls made the short trip across to Girton to take on unbeaten Cambridge City. City have a fantastic group of skilful U14s so we knew this would be a tough test. Poor for the first 10, giving away a soft goal, our girls slowly grew into the game. Weathering an early storm, with Cha making some awesome stops, before pressure on the City backline caused a mixup and the ball out to Shannon for a composed strike from distance for 1-1. As we approached the end of the first half, both teams had had chances and the game been pretty even, but our luck was out when an innocuous backpass took a bobble over Cha’s foot and into our net. We felt we edged the 2nd half, although City are always a threat with their pacey wingers, powerful striker and quality midfield. But from a kick out, Shannon touched it back to Kate to release Lexie’s run and she calmly slotted in at the near post for 2-2. A fair result and would have been harsh to lose, with neither team quite doing enough to deserve the win. Good, strong football and exciting to watch, if a little tense at times!! Well done girls 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

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Sun shining and back to winning ways for Coton U15 Girls away against Newmarket this morning. A great performance all round, with Newmarket pushing us the whole way to a narrow victory. An early high bouncing cross, was neatly poked in by Lexie to open the scoring and not long after, Mads won a clearance and slipped it on to Kate, who fed Lexie to cut in for a composed finish near post. Good play for the rest of the half by both teams. Cha, Annie, AJ, Bam, Lia and Tes putting in a defensive shift. Kate, Pauline, Mads and Ilazki classy in midfield, and Shannon, Lexie, Emilia and India creating many chances on the attack. Newmarket will be very proud of their players, scoring two brilliant goals in the second half, but with Emilia brought down in the box, and Shannon handing the pen to Lexie to fire in, and then Emilia herself slotting home late on, the scoreline finished 2-4. Cracking stuff girls 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

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Coton U15 Girls took on Rushden & Diamonds on the 3G at Comberton this morning in a cup semi that had it all…well,…other than the result!!

In typical fashion, Rushden started this game stronger! And although we’d managed to get the better of this team in both league matches this season, the early intent was clear - Rushden had arrived with the sole intention of getting to the cup final. AJ, Tes and Cha weathered the early storm, Bam and Lia worked the ball down the lines, but our midfield struggled to get the ball down and put any passes together, whereas Rushden were strong (and fair) in the tackles, chasing everything. So it was definitely against the run of play when nice work from Alice and Indie won us a corner, fired in by Mads, dropping kindly for a poked finish deflecting off AJ and in. We’ll take it! Now we were starting to play. Lexie bursting behind their defence on the right, Indie on the left, and Shannon orchestrating play from up top. While standards had dipped from many of our girls in this half, that could not be said for Shannon who was playing brilliantly. Kate, Pauline and Mads were growing into the game in the middle, starting to get that ball moving around, but still too many poor touches and mistakes. A chance gifted to the Rushden striker who made no mistake with the calm finish. And then frustration again, making trouble for ourselves in our own box and the Rushden winger gifted a shot from out wide that, to be fair, she absolutely banged for a screamer, up and over the stranded Cha. From 1-0 up to 1-2 down in the space of only a few minutes and both goals of our own making. Ilazki into the middle now, looking to get on the ball and feed the runners on the wings. Annie in next to Seyma at the back and both playing well, moping up and good decisions being made on when to play and when to clear. Indie zipped in a quality corner that AJ thundered her head against, but the post would deny her. Ball worked nicely across to Kate, but her finish went wide. Shannon intercepted a ball out and was in 1v1 on the keeper, but her shot was too straight and collected up. A trip on the edge of the box and a chance for Indie to strike a free kick special, but the Rushden keeper caught well. It would end up being a half to forget as, again, unnecessary loss of possession in the middle of the field caught our defence out of position and their striker able to run through for another good finish. Very unusual for our girls in defence, who have had an amazing season so far, to have conceded 3 goals a single half. So as we came in at the break, we’d given ourselves a bit of a hill, not yet a mountain, to climb.

Second half started nervously. Rushden came out strong again, but we were on it now and the lions share of possession was with us. Chances were being created, but the Rushden sweeper was playing so well and we just couldn’t find a way through. Then the hill became a mountain when Rushden struck again, and another mistake by our middle for a carbon copy of the last goal, and a simple tap in for their striker. Okay, so the story was clear; you don’t come back from 1-4 down with only 30 left on the clock…surely? But what we all witnessed next, players, coaches and parents, would be a pretty damn good attempt! Pauline executed a masterclass in close control with a ball under pressure and crafted chance after chance for the runners on the wings. Bam was a player possessed, giving no time to their winger and springing out down the wing, combining with Indie, Kate and Mads. Mads herself was in the wars. An elbow has caught her in the first half, but she was back on again after mopping up the blood, but then a late tackle caught her ankle and she had to hobble off again. Tes and Lia tag-teamed the right back position, both strong in the tackle and brilliant in the build up. The first time precision passes were coming off now in the middle. Alice making the running up top and Emilia down the right side. Surely Rushden couldn’t hold out? The ball bounced up and hit a defender’s arm and, whilst a little unfortunate, the penalty was the correct decision, Shannon dispatching it well, into the right side of the goal for 2-4. Lexie on now up top, linking well and using the ball to good effect. It felt inevitable that a chance was coming, but when it did, it would slide agonisingly the wrong side of the post. Another late challenge and another free kick. Indie struck it well, and keeper beaten, but just wouldn’t dip in time as it flew over the crossbar. Emilia danced on the wing, round one player, then a next, and into the box for the 3rd player to leave a leg out that caused Emilia to tumble. The ref gave another pen, against the backdrop of strong protest from the Rushden lino. When the dust settled, Shannon banged in her second low to the right, just past the outstretched keeper. Only a few minutes left on the clock, and it was all Coton now. Rushden were playing for time (we’d have done the same!), slowing the game down, but the ref was having none of it and was adding up the minutes. 6 of injury time. More Coton pressure. Emilia down the wing and into the box, a brilliant shot but keeper tipping it onto the crossbar. But then the killer… possesion lost in the middle again and Rushden were through for the final nail in the coffin, a good finish, low and past Cha. Our bench felt deflated, but the girls were still going. Super proud of the effort today, never say die! Indie into the box, twisting again and the Rushden defender lunged into the tackle tripping Indie for another penalty. Both benches couldn’t really believe this game! Madness! Shannon stepped up, put her shot into that same right side for 4-5, but the keeper had guessed right again and this time the arm to it was strong and a fantastic save to keep the score at 3-5. No time left now and final few seconds before that whilst blew.

Gutted! Gutted to go out of the cup. But a great second half from our girls, and great game played by both sides. Rushden go through to the final as worthy winners, taking the few chances they had, and certainly playing the best football we can remember from them. Some outstanding performances on their team. Same for us, but unfortunately not enough goals today to show for it. That’s football, and that’s why we love it! Well done girls 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

Coton U15 Girls took

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It was with muted trepidation that Coton U15 Girls returned to the scene of last season's surprise defeat at the hands of a Chesterton team who, on their day, can be a match for anyone in the division. Coach Sam had decided that getting to the match and hour before kick off(!) would be beneficial giving time for the girls to "wake up", however, there was still plenty of yawning going on whilst he put them through their paces in a vigorous pre-match session. The pitch, being described by some as a ploughed potato field, was bobbly and sticky to say the least which we knew would not assist our passing style of play. But by kick off, the girls had shaken off their bed heads and looked up for the fight.

The game started with Coton in the ascendency with plenty of possession but no real chances to test the Chesterton keeper, Ilazki and Pauline controlling the centre of the park, Indie and Emilia bombing down the flanks ably supported by Bam and Lia but, as seems to happen all too frequently in our matches, after 15 minutes of dominance, a breakaway by Chesterton's most dangerous weapon, Ella, saw her alone through on goal and smartly dinking the ball over the onrushing poorly Cha to open the scoring. 1-0 to the home side. Here we go again were the thoughts on the sideline. But this team never quits.
Another 10 minutes of probing without success, until the ball fell to Shannon 25 yards from goal and without thinking unleashed a thunderous shot high into the Chesterton net giving the keeper no chance at all. 5 minutes later, and almost a carbon copy, this time from Kate and 2-1 Coton. The sigh of relief was audible. We were on the front foot now with AJ and Tes confidently snuffing out any Chesterton chances, breaking into our half, starting wave after wave of lovely passing football on an oh-so-tricky pitch. Time for Alice, Lottie and Seyma to be introduced into the fray and they all slotted in seamlessly, keeping the momentum going. Alice marauding down the right. Lottie stylishly controlling the ball with some lovely short passing moves. Seyma, always reliable, always at pace, tackling anything that moved. Another great passing move saw us drive into the Chesterton area and the centre half lifting out an arm to stop a through ball. Penalty. Up stepped Kate and cooly slotted into the bottom left corner for 3-1 and half time.

After a "loud" pep talk from coach Darren, and more of the same requested, the 2nd half began as the first had ended with barnstorming runs down both flanks by Emilia, India, Alice and Bam in particular; the coaches loving the overlaps that come so naturally to Bam now. But it was India's driving run, beating 2 defenders and cooly slotting with her unfavored, but still magnificent, left foot that brought the next score. Lia, Tes, AJ, Seyma and Bam were never really troubled too much at the back but were always on the front foot to win tackles and make interceptions alongside playing some lovely confident passing along the backline. Our midfield had taken control of the game now and it was wave after wave of attacks. Kate was on hand to bring her well deserved hat-trick. Emilia was put through on goal and calmly slotted past the keeper to make it 6. An India corner found its way into the net…gotta claim those when they go in! Ball worked nicely across the box, but a nasty bobble meant Shannon could only swing at it, missing completely…did anyone else see that bobble Shannon?! 😅. But Alice, in on the act to make it 8, before finally the ball dropping nicely this time for Shannon to notch her 2nd. So 9-1 and the job was done.

There were stand out performances all over the pitch today with the whole team contributing to what was a very good performance, some very slick passing on a tricky pitch and the fact that Cha only touched the ball 3 times in the whole game shows the dominance of the performance. 3 massive games coming up: two against Cambridge City and a cup semi-final against Rushden, but if they play like that we should be fine. WELL DONE ALL!!!!!! 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

It was with muted tr

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Coton U15 Girls at home on the Rec, for their 6th league game of the season and against Rushden and Diamonds; a battle of two evenly matched teams and a precursor to the upcoming vs league cup semifinal.

With AJ injured and Alice and Amy late absentees, Coton had squad of 13. We knew that on a muddy pitch against a team that plays with intensity and physicality the girls that were playing were going to have to dig deep and show a lot of fight.

The first half was tight affair with neither team giving the other any time and space and scoring chances few and far between. Rushden had a clear strategy of looking to transition quickly and once into the Coton half to release their speedy wingers with passes down the line or their rapid striker with balls over the top but generally they couldn’t quite get the weight of pass right and Cha gratefully claimed numerous through balls in or around the edge of the box. When the Rushden passing was on point or their midfield beat Coton’s press, the Coton backline of Lia, Emilia, Tes, Bam and Annie were up to the task. Lia played on the front foot and with purpose and put in some hefty tackles and vital interceptions, Tes hounded and harassed and ran and ran, Bam was resolute, and Emilia was simply outstanding playing only her second game at centre back and not putting a foot wrong all day.

Coton had a bit more possession and moved the ball well in patches and did pose Rushden some problems. The main danger was Lexie’s pace on the right wing as she repeatedly burned past her marker and zoned in the penalty area, released by some excellent first time passing by Shannon and Mads. Only some excellent defending by the tall diamonds centre who read the danger and cut the crosses out prevented potential scoring opportunities. The other threat came from India’s consistently pinpoint corners which lead to Ilazki poking agonisingly wide of the far post from close range and a scuffed shot being deflected up and onto the bar and over. At this point coach Sam said what the other coaches were all thinking and the football gods dictated, that Coton would rue the missed chances and that Rushden would score with their first. The clock was ticking down to halftime when the inevitable happened and Rushen scored though it was a half chance at best, a fantastic finish with no one at fault. The ball was played at pace into the Rushden striker who was standing with her back to goal just inside the area and she turned her marker and in the same movement hit an unstoppable strike into the roof of the net.

It had been such a tight contest, Rushden were buzzing and it felt like it might now be a tough contest for Coton to get back into. Never doubt these girls though, years of playing together have built up a serious level of trust and resilience. Rather than it causing their heads to drop, the goal just spurred them into devastating action. Pretty much from the kick off and after some neat passing in the middle, Shannon swept a lovely pass to Mads on the edge of the box who created space for herself by quickly shifting the ball from right to left with a classic “Hain Shuffle” and made no mistake, smashing the ball into the corner of the net with her left foot from 10 yards out. The coaches and parents were still celebrating what felt like a vital goal when Coton raided the ball from Rushden’s kick off, worked the ball calmly through Tes, Ilazki, Pauline and Kate before Kate’s hit a perfectly weighted ball set Lexie through, on goal and as we have come to expect, she calmy rolled the ball under the stunned keeper for 2:1 which was immediately followed by the half-time whistle. Rushden went into the break shellshocked wondering what had just happened to them while Coton were jubilant though not getting carried away.

The quality of the football in the second half was better from both teams with both looking to pass through the thirds and work their way up the pitch but it felt like Coton were getting on top with most of the possession now in the Rushden half and the pressure on the Rushden goal building. Pauline, Ilazki, Kate Mads were starting to win the midfield battle with determined and aggressive pressing and tackling out of possession and calmness, composure and skill in possession. Ilazki had her best game since returning from injury – growing in confidence and starting to display her lovely range of passing as well as some brave headers and big tackles. Mads was Mads, racking up another 9 out 10 performance with her excellent all-round game, such an intelligent player. Kate was equally strong in and out of possession, an iron fist in a velvet glove. Pauline put in another huge shift, lots of tireless running and tackling for the team. Bam was having another excellent game down the left-hand side – her decision making and execution having come on leaps and bound in the last few weeks. India had a couple of chances to get through a get shots away but the ball didn’t quite break for her. Shannon worked her socks off in a difficult role where she was often quite isolated and showed some lovely moments of quality. Annie, defended brilliantly again and added an attacking element to her game, driving into space past the Rusden midfield on numerous occasions. Another mention for Emilia who really was the thorn in the Rushden attack’s side – she outpaced, out battled and outplayed them all game and led an excellent Coton rearguard which meant that for the second week in a row, Cha didn’t have a save to make. Cha still had a strong contribution to the game with her excellent sweeping and top-notch goal kicking from both hand and floor.

With Coton in the ascendancy and several half-chances passed up, it felt like Coton would have to hold onto their lead but then Coton had a slice of luck as Lexie hit a cross aimed at Shannon bursting into the middle of the area but sliced it slightly and it curled perfectly into the far corner of the net. Rushden nearly pulled a goal back with a wicked strike from distance which clipped the top of the bar but other than that Coton managed the game out well for a hard fought and well-deserved victory.

A brilliant game of football. Well done both teams. Some real quality out there today 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

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Coton U15 Girls were back to Girton Rec this week for another tussle against Cambridge City - this time a friendly against their U16s team on the larger pitch. Both teams had a number of absences meaning that subs were thin on the ground. But neither this or the inclement weather was going to get in the way of what has become an annual fixture. Paul and his team are always a pleasure to play against, the games are always close and fairly fought and there is always some good banter on the sidelines. Plus the customary appearance from City Chief Scout Richard is always a pleasure too!!

The opening quarter of the game was pretty scrappy as both teams got to grips with each other and the conditions. Coton having more possession and territory, but City always posing a threat on the break with the pace of their forward line. Jess, a player who we had hoped would join us in the summer, was particularly rapid and proved a handful but was brilliantly marshalled by Mads who had dropped into defence to do a job for her team and was all round excellent (again). Annie and Tes also stood up to be counted. Tes is having an exceptional season. Tes excelled in her one on one battles, using her pace and guile to avert danger and start attacks with her simple, effective passing. Annie really played on the front foot today and was dominant throughout, time and time again using her anticipation and strength to step out and steal the ball from City's attackers. Bam had a tricky start but got better and better as the game wore on and is starting to offer so much going forward with her direct running and improved crossing ability, it is adding another dimension to our play. Sweeping up brilliantly behind the back line was the ever dependable Cha who was called into action more regularly than we would have liked - consistently bursting out of her goal to clear the ball from the toes of City's attackers.

As the half wore on it was a bit of a stalemate and then, out of nowhere Kate scored one of her worldies. Seeing the City keeper of her line and the ball sitting up nicely for her just outside the box she lobbed a sumptuous volley into the far corner of the goal. This seemed to settle our team and the girls started to get their passing game going with Ilazki, Lottie, Kate and Pauline moving the ball nicely in midfield, freeing India and Emilia on the flanks and Alice down the middle. However, not creating many clear cut chances before the half time whistle blew.

Unfortunately an injury to a City player meant they had to drop to 10 players for the second half, so we dropped to 10 too. Our girls started the half really brightly with Pauline and Emilia becoming increasingly influential. It was a proper all action display from Pauline, she was everywhere - winning tackles, driving forward and making everything tick. Emilia was now causing the City right back all sorts of problems with her pace, tenacity and directness, twice getting through one on one only to be denied by the keeper. Kate was excellent also, working hard off the ball and so aware and composed when on it. Lottie and Ilazki were disciplined in holding the midfield, winning countless second balls and making numerous interceptions from which most of our attacks were started. If there was a small criticism, it was that too often we looked for the killer pass before it was really on, when one more simple pass would have been the better option. But overall the passing patterns and ball retention were good. India had been playing well and seemed to be growing in confidence with some deft touches and a couple of bursting runs, one of which ended with her shooting narrowly wide of the far post, and another that sat up awkwardly, just as she was about to tap in, and so went over the bar.

As so often happens when teams don't take their chances, City equalised against the run of play. A nicely weighted ball over the top had the Coton defence back pedalling and the ball hit the back of the City striker and fall nicely into her path, enabling a cool finish past the stranded Cha. Maybe a bit of luck but the threat of the ball over the top had always been there and there were a number of other times when these had led to half chances. The City forwards would have felt they could have been more clinical but they also would have been cursing Cha who made a couple of fantastic saves with her hands and feet.

Coton heads could have dropped at losing the lead, but we know that these girls are resilient, calm and that they just kept on playing. It's rare that Emilia doesn't capitalise on a one on one and when she outsprinted the City defence to go through for a third time she made no mistake, coolly rolling the ball under the onrushing city keeper with her left foot for 1-2. A reshuffle from Coach Sam brought India back on left wing with Bam, who had been very good in that role, returning to left back. It proved and excellent move as India soon weaved her way past the city defence on the left, rounded the keeper and flicked the ball into the far corner of the net with the outside of her right foot. Lovely finish. 1-3 and effectively game over.

A decent game in the circumstances. Inevitability scrappy at times in the conditions, but some brilliant passages of play and some quality goals to entertain the coaches and parents on a wet and windy morning. Well done girls from both teams 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

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Massive cup game for Coton U15 Girls this morning over at Girton against Cambridge City U14 Girls. Both teams went into the game undefeated this season, and both teams got to fulltime still undefeated! So penalties would decide this one, and who would be going through to the next round.

An early start, but only a short trip over to the neighbouring village of Girton, for a tie with a team we’ve not played in several years. But we know how good they were back then, and had heard about the year-on-year improvement they’ve been making, so much so that they decided to move the team up into our age group this season. To be drawn against each other in the quarters always meant it was going to be tough on one of the form teams so far this season. The game kicked off on the large, but deceptively bobbly pitch. City quickly pressing us as we tried to take control of the midfield. A close battle you’d probably have to say City edged over the course of the game. The first ten minutes were tight, very tight. Neither team making an opening but City in the ascendancy, and lots of work to do for AJ and Tes in the middle of our defence, Bam on the left, and this week Emilia starting at right back to counter the exceptional pace of their left winger. Cha was her usual composed self, plucking balls that made their way through to her and whizzing out to the edge of her box to set us back on the attack. Bam was up against another speedy winger, but was in good form and won all the early battles, never once letting her get away. In the middle, Pauline and Kate were chasing lots but never really managing to get hold of the ball, sometimes a bad first touch, sometimes too many touches, but more often an awkward bounce, or that quick press from the City midfield. Shannon worked hard up top, always taking the ball in well and quickly turning it to either Indie on the left or Lexie on the right. Both of our wingers growing into the game and giving the City backline something to think about. We’d weathered the early pressure well, and as we were just starting to feel hopeful of creating some chances of our own, City struck; a corner allowed to bounce and no one properly attacking the ball to clear, it was an easy tap in for their dangerous striker. We’d not registered a single shot on goal and were already behind, chasing the game against a quality team who were moving the ball quickly and simply, with us chasing shadows. But then a brilliant moment from Kate, perfect first touch and a ball fired through into Lexie’s run. Lexie had the pace on their defender and she was away just enough to reach the ball first ahead of their keeper. Lexie’s shot beat the keeper, but not the post, rebounding into the middle of the area. So again the chase was on, and again Lexie first to the ball to poke an effort in and to draw us level. The rest of the half was even. No clear chances for either side, but both defences kept busy. Amy came on on the left wing, and Alice through the middle now. Amy made some great runs in behind, just not quite able to get a shot away, and Alice’s strength and linkup play, was a new threat for the City back line to deal with. Mads strong in the tackles and hurrying their midfield. Tenacious and committed. A really good captain’s performance, and Bam was just fantastic. Best game we’ve seen from her this season. Not just winning her personal battle but involved in all our build up on the left, and overlapping to whip crosses in. We had reached halftime, but feeling optimistic for the 2nd. We were playing maybe the best team we’ve faced in many years. But our girls had stepped up and we were fully in it now.

Quick break and back for more of the same. Defences were giving nothing away. As both teams pressed for that likely to be decisive 2nd goal, both defences stood up to be counted. City maybe had the edge in midfield, but we looked dangerous and a quick pass here or there, freeing up the wide players was always on the cards. Ilazki on now. Still getting back to full fitness after her injury, it was a tough game to come into with no time on the ball for that calm passing we know she does so well. Some good moments, but mostly her defensive prowess called upon today, and bravery in heading. Not long left now, so time to gamble. Penalties are stressful and so tough on the losing team, so if we could avoid them, that felt like the thing to do. So, Emilia up now into the attack to use that ridiculous pace, and Annie slotting in at right back. Unfortunately our midfield wasted a few of the early opportunities to put Emilia in behind, and City responded by switching their speediest player to Emilia’s side. But this gave Indie more opportunities on the right, and she went so close to putting us ahead with a number of great runs in behind, that just lacked that final banging shot that we know she has. So that was it. Two great teams, playing some decent football, but mostly cancelling each other out. City will likely feel their didn’t have their best game, and same for us, but it wasn’t for lack of intent. Both teams working really hard, but not able to unlock that door and the game finished 1-1.

So, to penalties. For us, Shannon, Lexie, Pauline, Kate and Mads put their hands up. So proud of you for that. No matter what happened, you can be proud of taking on that responsibility for your team. City won the toss and opted to take first. Their midfielder calmly stepping up and sliding the ball to the left of Cha between the sticks. 1-0. Game on! Shannon stepped up for us to take the first one. Practiced in training and doing exactly what was asked. A simple ball struck low into the corner. No stopping that. 1-1. But City were next and another quality strike, this time the other side and out of the reach of a diving Charlotte. 2-1. Lexie next. Confident as she walked up and we’ve seen what she can do in training. But the pressure in a real game is so different. Although, not for Lexie, again a perfect strike, well away from the reach of the City keeper for 2-all. Again, a great pen from City, no chance for Cha, 3-2 and pressure back on us. Pauline now, and a nervous line of girls on the halfway line as Pauline slowly made the long walk up. Take a breath, and…Oh! Top bins!! No keeper saves that. 3-3! Pressure mounting now on the remaining takers. The City player looked nervy as she walked up. With this pressure, do nothing clever, put your foot through the ball, and hope! Their player did everything right, another good strike, but Cha had guessed right and made the block to cheers from our girls. Kate now, and a chance to take a lead. Immense pressure as she made the walk. Calm, and a decent strike, but the City keeper stretched and got a hand to it. The ball was trickling towards the line, but not quickly enough. Still 3-3 and no nails left. The last taker for City now. Looking to place it in the top corner, well out of the reach of Cha, but too much on it and a miss. Argh! Need nerves of steel now, so Mads was up for the final penalty. Taking her time. Set. And never in doubt! 3-4. Slotted away for the win and turning to see the charge of our players to congratulate her.

So hard on City. What a team. We’ll have to face them twice more this season for, no doubt, two more tense encounters. But, wow! Well done our girls! You squeaked through and can now look forward to the semis after Christmas👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

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Coton Football Club

As my Gran would say: it wasn’t a vintage performance! Coton U15 Girls, playing over at St Ives in the early kickoff today, had some good moments along with some frustrating ones. St Ives battled well and deserved their goals, but in the end our girls got the job done, if not particularly in style.

The big pitch seemed like it would suit us and the intensity in our warmup gave us reason to think the girls were going to be on it this morning. Plenty of early endeavour, particularly with Emilia’s running down our left wing, India on the right, and Amy, Shannon and Alice causing St Ives problems up front, but our first few chances were put over the crossbar. After the brilliant exploits of last weekend’s friendly, we tried out the same 3-4-2-1 formation, but today this narrow shape meant our midfield didn’t have their normal passing options to the wings and we were guilty of holding on too long or turning into trouble. At the back we looked solid; Mads flanked by Bam and Ilazki, left and right, and we thought this could be a quiet morning for Cha. Not so! Some nice footwork by Indie on our right, recycling the ball across the midfield and a through ball for Emilia to run onto and shoot. Denied by the post, but Amy in for the follow-up on her left for 0-1. Not long after, a ball in to Kate, set Shannon free in on goal. Her shot saved by the keeper but she reacted well to the loose ball and tucked it away for our second. Late arrivals, Annie and Seyma, were on now. But St Ives reacted well to going two behind and started to create some chances. We were missing the pace of AJ at the back today, but Cha was quick off her line to clear a through ball, averting the danger. However, this time we gave it straight back and with Cha stranded, their striker neatly lifted her shot into the empty goal. 1-2. Our turn to up the tempo. Maybe not to our normal standards, but our passing was getting going, Mads to Bam, Bam to Emilia and back to Kate. Kate through-ball and Shannon tucked it away for 1-3. Better. But again St Ives came back. Beating our backline for pace, their striker timed her run perfectly and seeing Cha come out to close the angle, she chipped a finish that Cha got a hand to but not enough to push over the bar. A nice finish for 2-3. As we approached half time, Emilia cut the ball back to Ilazki on the edge of the box. Good first touch meant the shot was on, which Ilazki duly fired low into the bottom corner. Really good, simple football for 2-4.

Switching back to our normal 4-3-3 after the break and although we never really got out of 2nd gear, overall we looked more balanced, and composure on the ball was improving. Pauline controlled well in the middle of the park from a St Ives clearance, and quickly fed the ball in for Shannon to run in and tuck the ball across the keeper to make it 2-5. Seyma sent a ball in to Amy up top. A slight heavy first touch, past the defenders, was made up for by Amy. So rapid off the mark, and first to the ball and sliding it under the keeper for our sixth. The game was getting away from St Ives now. Ilazki, calm in the middle, and her simple ball found Alice to touch, turn and shoot for seven. Amy at right-back now, won the ball, inside to Pauline, Indie’s run opening up the space for a pass in to Kate. Her turn and precision left foot in off the post and 2-8. More from Kate now. Charging up the right side and able to cut a cross back to Emilia for a left foot top bins finish and nine. Pretty much over now, but just time for Pauline to whip a corner and Annie arriving at the back post on the volley. Ball off the crossbar, down and back out. Our bench and the Ref couldn’t see if the ball had crossed the line, but their Lino had the best view and gave it for Annie’s first of the season and our tenth goal, before the final whistle blew.

Seems a bit harsh not to be more upbeat after putting away ten goals, but standards are so high now and these girls have raised our expectations. We’ll need to be back on it next weekend in the cup when we face a Cambs City team unbeaten in many years 👍⚽️ ... See MoreSee Less

As my Gran would say

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