U11A Team’s First Fixture

On Tuesday 4 October, the Surbiton High Girls’ Preparatory School U11A football team faced Hurst Park Primary School in the first round of the Surrey Cup. This was the U11A team’s first fixture of the year and the first time they were all playing together, but this could not be guessed if watching the performance this team put on. The level of cohesion between the players was admirable, forming a stalwart defence before springing into a cascading attack of entwining runs like swallows in a mirage, dazzling the opposition defence. This led to several great chances where we burst through the Hurst Park Primary School defence only to be denied by arguably the best player on the day, the opposition goalkeeper. Despite our best efforts, a stunning long-range strike from Hurst Park broke the deadlock between the two teams. This was later followed by another great bit of play from their winger, whose quick feet managed to work the ball to the striker at the far post who guided the ball into the bottom corner.

Although 2-0 down at half time, a rousing speech from the day’s captain, Niamh, saw the Girls’ Prep come out with a steely determination and focus. The second half began with more of the same from the Surbiton team, with unrelenting running and continuous pressure, which was eventually rewarded with a well-taken goal by Niamh, who struck a thunderbolt of a free kick into the far post from a tight angle. The remainder of the game was end-to-end football with lots of chances for both teams but no more goals, meaning the game finished 2-1 to Hurst Park Primary School. However, despite the loss, spirits remained high with everyone recognising the high quality both teams gave, a true sign of maturity and sportswomanship.

Although everyone played remarkably well, there are a few names that must be mentioned, starting with the ‘Girl of the Game’, “Mabel the Lumberjack”, who’s impeccable timing in the tackle fell any attacker who dared try their luck and then quickly set-up the counter with her fast, accurate passing. Secondly, “Lila the Cat” played her first ever football game in goal, but instead of the nervous newcomer, she had the aura of a seasoned professional with lightning reaction saves. Finally, there are the two Year 5s who represented the team, Darcey and Daisy. Both played fearlessly on and off the ball, getting truly stuck in and caused issues for the opposition all game long.