There were tremendous scenes at St Mary's Park on Sunday, as Cheetahs under-12s girls won a gripping penalty shoot out to progress in the BBDFL Cup.
The clash with Astley Bridge Belles ended 1-1 in normal time, meaning a tension-filled shoot-out, which saw Marauders come out on top 3-2.
Coach Alex said: "It was a brilliant performance from the Cheetahs and quite how the game finished 1-1 is beyond me. We started brightly, moving the ball well and finding space.
"We were solid in defence and AJ was outstanding as our stand-in keeper for the whole match, taking excellent goal kicks, being vocal with her defence and saving shots from close range.
"There were double figures of crosses and shots just whipping through the opponents' penalty area and missing both posts, and some fantastic saves from their keeper to keep them in the game.
"We finally got the reward of a goal in the second half when Summer tackled to win the ball on the right just outside the area, then dribbled in and finished with power.
"But we held the lead for a mere five minutes, before the Belles found the back of the net from a well worked move. Charlotte, Pearl, Katy at the back were cool (a little too cool at times for those of us anxiously watching...) and despite clearing the ball to set off multiple attacks we just could not find that second goal.
"Orlaith, Sylvie and Flora made some fantastic runs but couldn’t find Aoife or Lola to finish off the game. So it went to penalties.
"For the shoot-out, we went with a change of keeper to bring in Katy and our brave takers were Flora, Orlaith, Summer, Sylvie and Aoife.
"Katy was quick to make the first save but couldn’t stop the second or third. But she then saved the fourth over the top, and the fifth. Despite two misses from our girls, they all stayed fully behind each other and two wonderful finishes made it equal. Then up stepped Aoife for the final one and won it for us with a fantastic finish and began a full-on, uplifting celebration from the team. The Belles were amazing opponents and it must have been hard for their girls to take."
Also at St Mary's Park, the previous day, Vikings under-11s boys soared in their game against Bridge Eagles.
Coach Tom said: "It was a lovely morning on St Mary's as the Vikings put in another outstanding team performance. We kept with the new formation from last week, and wow, it works so well for us.
"We controlled the game from start to finish. Our midfield three worked tirelessly, putting in a lot of leg work, keeping us in the opposition half. If it wasn't for their GK, it could've been a big score.
"I am so happy with the boys' work rate, concentration, and discipline, but most importantly, their teamwork. Watching them all play with a smile on their faces is a pleasure. Goals came from Jenson (2), Seb and Eoin.
"Jenson was player of the game for a top performance. He was in the right place at the right time, anticipating the ball coming to him for his first and his second goal was unstoppable. He held the ball up brilliantly, turned the defender and finished in the top corner. His overall display was top class."
Raptors under-12s boys drew 3-3 against Strike girls. Coach Paul said: "It was a perfect morning for football. Strike started well, with Raptors struggling to get on the ball.
"Strike took the lead and that jump started our boys. Luca picked the ball up deep in their half and dribbled past three players, before slotting home.
"We were 1-2 down at half-time but started the second period well, creating chances and pressing. It paid off when Fabian followed up a double save from their keeper, to find the net.
"Minutes later Daniel chased down a long kick from our keeper Cameron and squared to Max who put us in the lead with a great finish. Strike ramped up their pressure for the last 15 and we were defending deep. Unfortunately, despite an initial great stop from Cam, the ball spun back into the goal from a close range shot levelling the score again.
"We were gutted we couldn't hold out for the win but it was a good display of team work and character."
Violette was Diamonds under-11s girls' opponents' player of the game in their match against Haslingden.
Coach Mark said: "From kick-off we moved the ball really well and it looked like were putting our touch and pass training drills into practice, but then we seemed to switch off a bit.
"We sat too deep and panicked a bit in possession, while leaving Erin isolated up front having to go on her own as she was outnumbered. At half-time we asked for more from the midfield and we started to look like ourselves as the second half progressed.
"We started to force the play and won a penalty, which Erin cooly slotted home. We now had midfield runners supporting the strikers and goals came from Eva and Layla as we created more chances.
"The girls really took on board the half-time instructions. Goalkeeper Darci, with Jeanette, Lexi, Mia, Elsa and Frankie all put in a defensive shift. Both keepers kept the score respectable, with some very good saves.
"The opposition gave Violette player of the game and her great season continues. Kris awarded his POTG to Layla who lulls the opposition into a false sense security, then tears them to shreds, topping her all energy performance off with a well taken goal. The parents picked Essi as their POTG. She was exceptional on the ball and always looks to make the right decision in possession."
Jaguars under-nines boys had their first cup match on Saturday, winning 7-5 against Uppermill.
Coach Tim said: "We made a really strong start and played some great football but Uppermill never give up and despite their dominance the Jaguars had to dig deep. Goals came from James, Ned, Riley, Oscar and Connell."
Fellow under-nines boys Panthers played Sapere Aude, with Rocco being named player of the match for an outstanding display. Their goals were scored by James, William and Oliver.
