Red versus blue, the traditional local derby. It’s always a tough ask for the squad girls to play competitively against each other, but they know what they have to do and why they do it.

The skies were blue, the sun was shining, the pitch looked immaculate and there was only our girls playing at the venue. It’s as though it was perfectly set up for this derby.

The game started tentatively, both teams showing respect to each other. There was a strange quiet in the air as the players settled into the game. It was a deadlock for the first fifteen minutes or so, with both teams having attacking opportunities and both teams defending well when asked to.

Jas, Olivia and Anna, such a reliable three at the back, were holding off the attacking play from the Blues. Erin C and Laura H were playing as defensive midfielders as we were aware of the threat the Blues had down the middle of the field as well as the pacey and skilful wingers. The wingers kept Laura D and Destiny busy. Ellie and Gracie a constant attacking threat but prepared to track back to help defend when needed.

Some great football from the Reds, starting from the back, one touch football playing around the pressing opposition; this quality passing continued through to the midfield players, then eventually a through-ball to break the strong defensive line lead to Laura D putting a quality cross into the box for Ellie, Destiny and Gracie waiting to pounce on it. Gracie got there first and a simple tap in lead to the first goal, or what they thought; the ref blew for off-side.

It was proving a tough task to break the Blues defensive line, and the excellent passing to play out from the back, or on the counter kept the Reds constantly occupied. It was some pressing play from the Reds that allowed Laura H some space around the box, then some individual skill and work to set her shot up, managed to get that shot past a brave and excellent keeper, Ellie, 1-0 to the Reds.

The game continued as it started, chances for both teams, threats continued from all over the pitch. Both teams constantly working hard in either defensive or attacking play.

Ten minutes later saw Laura H with the slightest of spaces again around the box. Same as earlier it took some quality and quick thinking to break this tight defensive line; and it needed an accurate and powerful shot to beat the keeper.

2 – 0 at half time. The Reds knew this game wasn’t over at all. With no subs due to three players unfortunately being injured, these girls had to go out again, in the sometimes-blistering heat, to face a very strong Blues team.

The same continued, scoring chances from both teams, the Blues were unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, but the tracking back from the players, the strong defence and quality goal keeping from Jas kept the clean sheet alive.

With fifteen minutes or so to go, Erin C found herself around the edge of the box again, she had already had a few ‘sighters’ and we were waiting for that one that hits the back of the net that we’re becoming accustomed to; and this was the one, a quality, precise long range shot looping over the keeper broke the second half deadlock.

It does sound corny, but it is the truth; both coaches knew the overall winner here is the Hesketh Colts Under 15s girls squad. It is testament to the work they all put in and the commitment to being the best they can, both individually and as their relevant teams. We as coaches were so proud to be able to watch how these players represented themselves and our club in the manner and with the values we constantly strive for. Quality passing football, commitment, determination, courage, respect and integrity, all these attributes where displayed on and around the field of play today.

Girl of the Game went to Laura H – two quality individual goals that broke the deadlock and the constant work rate all around the field.