Brighton Girls 1 v Dartford Girls 0
Brighton Start the League With A Fine Win
A great first win of the season,
built on brave goalkeeping and solid, intelligent defending. Bessie Thorne made
several fine saves, coming from her line with conviction. Francesca Hanlon gave
no quarter, showing huge determination to win every challenge. Iona Tutton and
Daisy Taylor covered superbly and also supported in attack. Together, these
four set the foundations for a great performance.
Winnie Price and 'player of the game' Emilie Gay controlled midfield, working
tirelessly in attack and defence. They drove the team forward. Our attacking
players enjoyed lots of possession and territory and yet Dartford were
strongest in their defensive zone. Try as they might, none of Tilly Ely, Olive
Cameron-Papadopoulos, Bethan Bell, Harriet Reeder or Imarni Sikiru could break
the deadlock. Each one showed sparkling skill and footwork but the ball would
just not go in.
The game turned in our favour when Harriet Reeder received the ball on the
right corner of the penalty area, controlled, shot and scored off the far post.
Just what the team needed and deserved. Further fine defending kept Dartford at
bay. Tilly Ely was fouled in the penalty area and our best striker of the ball,
Francesca Hanlon, fired just wide. Credit to her for stepping up.
1-0 was the final score and both Mel Pennington and Tim Herbert are delighted
to start with a league win.