Diamonds under-11s girls showed their cutting edge as they shone in the Radcliffe sun, thanks in part to a couple of young gems.

Due to half-term hitting attendance, manager Mark put the call out to Isabella and Lois from our younger girls’ team Phoenix (who had no game), and they did not disappoint.

Radcliffe Juniors were the opposition, as parents’ player of the game Lexi scored a brace in what was one of her best games for Diamonds. Not to be outdone Maria (also a year younger than most) scored a hat-trick, with Eva, Erin and Lois, with her first goal for the team, completing the scorecard.

Isabella didn’t put a foot, or hand, wrong in net, with the home side’s only goal being a fantastic finish prime Schmeichel wouldn’t have stopped.

Eva controlled the midfield, with Frankie patrolling the back line, ably assisted by Mia, and Lois, Lexi, Maria and Erin offered a constant outlet, by intelligently finding space. Their tidy interchanges were a joy to watch.

The girls moved quickly from front to back, and created a host of chances, and it was only some excellent goalkeeping, offside decisions and overhit final balls that kept the score down in the first half.

As the coaches delivered their team talk, Diamonds found their shooting boots in the half-time break and came out blazing for the second period, as the goals finally began to flow.

Coach Mark said: “Isabella was outstanding in nets and Lois topped off a fine performance with a goal. They won Kris’ players of the game awards. They both stepped up a year and did not look at all out of place.

“It was Lexi’s best performance of the season and was capped by a brace, which led to parents deservedly making her their player of the game.

“I was also really impressed with the way Maria and Erin linked up. I have been really pleased with how the whole team have played of late - we are looking to play good football, are physically strong and fit and hopefully we can keep this momentum going for the remainder of the season.”

Jaguars under-nines boys put in a ‘great performance’ against UK Sports.

Coach Tim said: “We had a few players missing, so the boys knew they would have to put in a lot of effort and play in a variety of positions. And they rose to the challenge.

“We controlled the match and the opposition struggled to get out of their half for long periods. When they did Gabriel and Flynn stood strong in defence, as did Amir who played excellently in goal.

“James continued his brilliant season with two goals. Connell kept up his good form, scoring another. And Oscar smashed home right at the end.

“We have just two league games and cup final to go, with Jaguars playing some excellent football.”

Cheetahs under-12s girls battled hard against the odds at Radcliffe Town.

Coach Alex said: “We were missing a few players, and had a stand-in goalkeeper, but we felt overall the scoreline was not deserved. 

“Our girls showed real strength of character and we were very proud of the way they kept going with determination against a solid keeper, who was confident at coming out for the ball which helped prevent us from getting on the scoresheet.

“Summer and Aoife were players of the game and all the girls came off congratulating each other on their efforts, despite the defeat.”