Brent U12 Girls 2-2 Camden
Brent Schools’ FA U12 Girls continued their unbeaten run with a superb team performance against Camden at Regents Park. Brent started on the front foot and peppered the Camden goal with shots. Nancy Mondala hit the post and Charlotte Fraser had two excellent shots well saved as the Camden ‘keeper performed heroics. Midway through the first half, Camden broke on the counter attack and a speculative long range shot evaded the defense and goalkeeper to open the scoring.
The intensity of the game went up a gear as Brent again laid siege to the Camden goal. Pacey winger Alice Moriggi was outstanding and caused Camden all sorts of problems, making surging runs down the left wing and driving forward but Brent could not find the net. Camden broke forward and superb defending by Myla Villegas Lewis and Sienna Varsani kept their attacks at bay.
In midfield, Grace Marcon combined with Ruby Halsby as the match flowed from end to end. Brent brought on Eva Armit to boost the attack and she made an instant impact. Brent goalkeeper Oliva Ridley Swettenham thew the ball to Villegas Lewis, who played an inch-perfect pass to Ruby Halsby. Halsny’s clever pass found Fraser in midfield, Fraser drove forward and crossed to Armit at the far post and she showed a poacher’s instinct, controlling the ball before smashing it into the net with a shot that even the superb Camden stopper could only watch fly past her. 1-1.
The second half was a much more even affair. Lauren Griffiths was introduced and she went close with a shot as Brent pushed to take the lead but it was Camden who – against the run of play – broke and took the lead with a well taken shot. Brent reacted well and pushed forward but Camden managed to soak up the pressure and broke again; only a spectacular reflex save from Swettenham kept Brent in the game.
That save seemed to energise Brent and Moriggi broke again, releasing Fraser who slipped the ball to Mondal and she dribbled past her maker and hit a left footed drive into the net 2-2. The final whistle blew soon afterwards, ensuring the match ended in a draw.
Brent coach Chris Ampofo said: “The team showed real spirit and courage to come back twice. I am very proud of all of them”.
Other matches
Brent Under-11 girls played their part in a superb contest with London Soccer School. In an even game, Brent scored the pick of the goals when Ellie Murphy showed incredible technique to score with a first time volley. Elisha Nyembwe and Amelia Haynes again impressed in defense and Lois Ampofo was a contender for player of the match, making some excellent saves, but LSS just edged it sealing the win 2-1.
Brent Under-9 agonisingly lost 4-3 v United Dragons in a very tight game and the Under-10 squad played in a cracking game at Regents Park, going down 3-2 in a match played at a ferocious pace.
Brent Under-16 Girls earned a well deserved point away to Alexandra Park. Apollonia Margetson continued her scoring run with yet another fine strike, making her the team’s top goal scorer.