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April 2008 - Gloucester Girls League -
St
Nicks B 0 v Cheltenham 2
Footballs a cruel game, with just 7 minutes of the match left Cheltenham
scored and spoiled the St Nicks party. Mike was at his last home match
as team principal and the girls looked like they would be giving him the
result of the season so far. Although we lost it was a fantastic spectacle
for our supporters and showed how far the team as come in the last few
months, we played Cheltenham away on the 7th October 2007 and were beaten
15-1. The journey the team have taken has been massive and all the girls
have played their part.
Perhaps for me the difference has been the form of Eleanor and her defence
who have conceded 9 goals out of the last 8 games, the same as our A team.
For someone who doesn't want to be in goal she has done a fantastic job.
I could mention all our players for the improvement they have shown. But
it's been a season of two half's and we are finishing well.
Cheltenham were not short of chances in this match but I really thought
we would get a draw, it was an unusually sunny dry day which was hard
on our girls as they covered a lot of ground during the game. Eleanor
was superb in goal and was the deserving player of the day, especially
as she played at Wembly on Saturday, Amy who was also at Wembly played
her captains role and had a great game along with the ever dependable
Beth and the improving Kaya who I thought had here best game of the season.
Jade carried on doing her thing (with a smile) and was supported by the
full of running Sarah and Gemma with her deft touch. Jasmin came on in
midfield and is getting used to this role and last but not least the lone
warrior for the team who ran the hard yards which was Sophie.
Another fantastic effort with an opportunity to finish the season on a
high at Gloucester next week. We have definitely turned into a team other
teams are not so eager to play. Well done girls....
30
March 2008 - Gloucester Girls League -
St
Nicks A 1 v Stoke Lane 2
After beating Cheltenham last time out our confidence was high but in
football it's all about what happens in the game. Stoke Lane came
to spoil the party and seemed more determined to get a result than our
girls. Stoke lane were the first on the score sheet with an excellent
goal by their feisty forward, we followed up with a well taken penalty
by Rianne but the opposition forward popped up again and won a foot race
with Reagan and slotted by the advancing Gemma. I felt a draw would
have been a fair result but you don't always get what you deserve.
As for the team performance Gemma kept well behind the sticks and made
some good saves with improvement in her distribution. The defence
of Lillie, Reagan, Ellie and Abi were solid and were unlucky to concede
the two goals. Lillie and Gemma combined well from the goal kicks,
Reagan worked the line well combining well with Natasha, Ellie had another
good game and was dominant in the middle, Abi came on in the second half
and performed well. Natasha made some exciting runs and generally
played well, Eve had an excellent first half and was back to her determined
best, Rianne was full of running and was desperate for a win, Chelsea
came on in the second half and made those intelligent decisions.
Eve was a deserved winner of the player of the day award, it was nice
to see her getting stuck in. Well done.
A good team performance but perhaps we should have done better with the
chances we had. It was a tense game to watch and there was plenty
of effort on what was a nice sunny day for a change. We will probably
find it difficult to get higher than third in the league but a definite
improvement on last season so with one big push for the last two games
who knows.....
30
March 2008 - Gloucester Girls League -
St
Nicks B 3 v Dursley Town 0
It just gets better and better for the B's the season's end will be defiantly
to early for the team. With Mike on his last official game it couldn't
have gone better for him. A dominant display from the girls was
what everyone had hoped for and got. After scoring I never felt
we would lose this one, a great display which I'm sure has the other teams
taking notice.
Eleanor was solid in goal and handled all decisions well, what a difference
she has made to the team well done. The ever dependable Beth was
just that, probably our most consistent player, Kaya played
in the back line and had an excellent game, Amy who seems to relish her
current role of Centre back and captain was superb today and not only
did she score an excellent free kick but got the player of the day award,
well done. Gemma in the midfield had some lovely touches and distributed
well and managed a goal also, Sarah covered the hard yards and her improvement
continues every game, Sophie worked hard and deserved her goal, I feel
Sophie has a lot of goals in her and her work rate is very high, Shish
came on as sub and worked hard after missing recent games.
Perhaps I go on a bit but this bunch of girls have really impressed me
this season, great effort, great attitude and a smile on their faces
top job girls well done. I would also like to make reference to
Mike's last official game in charge, he has been fantastic this season
taking a new team on and bringing them to this point and personally I
think next season will not be the same without him and his enthusiasm
for football and the girls, he will be sorely missed, I hope
we will see you at some of the games Mike, thanks for all your efforts.
9
March 2008 - Gloucester Girls League -
St
Nicks A 1v Cheltenham Town 0
After the match last week you wouldn't have been blamed for thinking this
game might be another disaster. After training on a Saturday
you realise that it's just another match for the girls and both teams
start at 0-0. With the teams performance through the season we should
have confidence, we have seen them develop into a strong title contending
team who pass the ball nicely and on their day can beat anyone.
The game kicked off with both teams desperate for points, early on both
teams seem to cancel each other out with most of the action in the middle
of the park. The game looked as if it was only going to be one goal
in it and it was just a case of who was going to score it. As for
the team's performance they physically ran their socks off, Gemma was
solid in goal and what impressed me was her decision making during the
game which in my opinion earned her player of the day. Lillie and
Ellie looked solid in defence and every game I see, they seem to grow
in confidence and if I'm honest a really didn't see how Cheltenham were
going to get by these three. The midfield had to contend with the
high work rate which the game demanded and Natahsa, Reagan and
Rianne were up to the task. We all know Natasha makes great
runs down the line but where her game has improved in my opinion is the
strength on the ball and in the tackle, Reagan has that never give up
attitude and had a very high work rate and Rianne who had a great game,
covered every blade of grass and kept the team going forward. Eve
spent a lot of time up front making intelligent runs and making her trademark
tackles and was rewarded with the match winner. Chelsea came off
her sick bed and played sensible possession football.
Excellent result which makes the run in very exciting, well done girls.
9
March 2008 - Gloucester Girls League -
St Nicks B 2 v Gloucester C 0
The B team have arrived, looking back from the end of January the result
improvement speaks for itself. Played 6, won 2, drawn 1 conceded
7 goals, scored 6 and that includes Stoke Lane, Quedgeley and our A team.
A fantastic effort from the squad and a determination for improvement
has taken them to a better place. Behind these results you first
have to look at the defence, Eleanor has been excellent in goal, every area
of her game has got better and today was no exception. In front
of every improving goalkeeper is the defence and Beth, Jade and Amy were
excellent today with their strength in the tackle and pace, they have
been the platform all season for the team improvement. The big improvement
has been the midfield and attacking play, Kirsten who proved herself in
the defence has moved into midefield and has been solid at the heart
of midfield, she scored a great half volley and won the player of the
day, Gemma has proved her midfield credentials and is reading the
game well, Sarah has really shown improvement and is full of running,
she scored again today. Sophie mainly worked the midfield today
and battled hard and finally Jasmin who played very well getting
a taste of midfield.
Another pleasing performance against an improved Gloucester side.
As usual the mothers were in full voice.
2
March 2008 - Gloucester Girls League -
St
Nicks A 0 v Gloucester A 6
A generous score line perhaps but a fair result.
The classy Gloucester side were out of the blocks from the whistle and
never took their foot of the gas. Rabbit in headlights is perhaps
a good description of the first five minutes. After the shock and
awe St Nicks started to get back into the game with some goods runs but
Gloucester scored a couple of quick goals which took us to half time.
The second half felt like more of the same conceding a further four goals.
We missed Chelsea with her thoughtful game and gave possession away far
too easily but with a long period of dominance in games it was always
going to be difficult raising their game for the big three. Some
positives from the game and the girls worked very hard throughout.
Gemma - Made some good saves, Abi - Player of the day, worked very hard
for it, made it difficult for the attackers, Ellie competed well showing
her improving game, Lillie defended strongly good game. Natasha
got stuck in and had a good game, Rianne kept trying throughout, worked
hard, Reagan came on after injury on Saturday and competed, Eve made a
great effort throughout the game and had the best chances.
We conceded possession too easily, didn't make the most of our possession
but we have had a great season to date and the players have developed
well and in football you always look forward to the next match.
2
March 2008 - Gloucester Girls League -
Rodborough
Youth 1 v St Nicks B 2
A fantastic performance from what has been a huge
improvement in the team in the second half of the season. Rodborough
have improved this season so to beat them at home was very satisfying.
I can't praise the girls highly enough for their enthusiasm and commitment
throughout the season.
Eleanor
has made huge strides as a goalkeeper and made another confident display,
Beth and Jade have been our rock throughout the season and took to their
tasks with the usual vigour and determination, Kirsten having to play
at the back as cover for Amy played a mature game and battled hard.
Gemma played those nice touches we are getting used to and kept possession
well, Sarah covered every blade of grass and is growing in stature as
her experience grows (very happy after scoring her first goal).
Sophie has really impressed of late and scored again today. It
was the debutants arrival that guzzumped the others today as man of the
match with a impressive first game from Jazmin.
Excellent performance from the parents again, excellent performance from
the players and a very happy Mike. Best of all an enjoyable game
to watch.
17
Feb 2008 - Gloucester Girls League -
Dursley
0 v St Nicks A 3
If we had played 2 halves of 20mins each we would all be waxing lyrical
about this performance.
The girls played some fantastic football with some great passing and strong
attacking moves leading to many opportunities to score.
We didn’t really have our shooting boots on or that determination
in and around their goalmouth and we also seemed to switch off a little
at the end of each half...........BUT
The improvement in effort and bringing to the game some of Saturday’s
drills was great to watch.
ABI...Stand in keeper helped out the team as Gemma was sick, kept a clean
sheet, looked strong and distributed the ball well...Brill Abs thanks
ELLIE...best game so far.. Ellie is progressing week by week and was dominant
in the role of right back, she also got forward well and had one shot
from 300yards away(!!!) that their very good keeper tipped over
the bar….well done Ellie
LILLIE..Another strong game from Lillie who is reading the game well and
covers across the line...In fact if her Dad had won that many tackles
then this reporter would have had an easier time of it when they played
together.!!!
NATASHA...One of her best games...bombing down the line and getting in
crosses...just what was required. keep working Tash...you have great ability.
RIANNE...Covered every blade of grass again. Rianne was the heartbeat
of this team and she got involved in everything and was unlucky not
to score.
REAGAN....Very good game supporting and helping with Lillie’s passing.
Reagan hugged the touchline and provided options to others for the ball
out of defence...Scored a great goal and could have had a couple more.
EVE...Got herself into some great positions and with the quality of our
crosses could have finished off a few more chances.... as
it was she had to settle for 2.
Some great performances girls...have a look at the league table........its
up to you.
PLAYER OF THE DAY....ELLIE SHIPP
10
Feb 2008 - Gloucester Girls League -
St
Nicks A 3 St Nicks B 1
A capacity crowd of about 25 people were treated to a thrilling
game of football on a glorious Sunday morning. The result which
was vital to the A team chasing a top place finish, was perhaps second
place to a demonstration of team spirit amongst the St Nicks U12
setup. For the 60 minutes of football it was war but before and
after it was like any other day. The ever improving B team gave
the A's a run for their money, levelling the game after an early score
by Reagan. Inevitably the A's pulled away and managed to contain
an enthusiastic second half display from the B's with 2 goals from Eve.
The game was enjoyed by the supporters and the players of both sides and
a result which moved the A's into third place, an excellent achievement.
Eleanor was kept busy in goal and produced a string of excellent saves,
the defense of Beth, Jade and Amy produced another quality display
and managed to contain the A's attack for large periods of the game.
Sarah, Gemma and Kirsten battled incredibly hard supporting Sophie up
front as well as protecting the defense. Sophie was busy throughout
the game providing the only goal for the B's and her impressive performance
earned her player of the day, well done.
Gemma had less to do but was efficient in her distribution, Abi and
Lillie contained the B's well and provided support for the midfield.
Chelsea's vision, Reagan's energy, Natasha's wing play and Ellie's powerful
running makes it very difficult for teams to live with as it proved
at the weekend. Rianne and Eve both have the ability to score
at will and Sunday was Eve's turn to do so. Chelsea was the player
of the day with some stunning passing, piping Ellie to the post who had
another excellent game.
03
Feb 2008 - Gloucester Girls League -
St Nicks B 1 v Quedgeley 2
Another
great game to watch, another close score line, great effort from
the team but not the result we deserved. The B's are definitely
buzzing at the moment, following a great game last week away to Stoke
Lane this was probably a better game performance for us and perhaps should
have done better with the chances we had. Eleanor has been on great
form for us in both her kicking duties and goalkeeping. The back
3 of Beth, Jade and Amy have been an excellent combination for the last
2 games, Jade and Beth have really played well together all season but
by adding Amy it has just seemed to work even better, Amy also scored
our goal today.
Sarah, Gemma and Kirsten's work rate was very pleasing today, they really
kept going and you can definitely see goals in them for the future.
Sarah was player of the day and didn't stop running with some of her trade
mark dribbling, a very big well done to her. Sophie had a very busy
game up front and manages the lone warrior role really well, very well
played to her. You cannot fault any of the girls they really worked
hard in difficult weather conditions and the improvement is plain to see.
Well done B's bring on the A's.
27 Jan 2008 - Gloucester Girls League
- St Nicks A 9 v Gloucester City C 0
As the score line suggests this was a comfortable victory for the girls.
At times the football was excellent with thoughtful passing and prolonged
periods of possession. Gemma was an observer with very little
to do in goal and had a brief spell on field and was unlucky not to score.
Lillie, Abi and Ellie spent most of there time in an advanced defensive
position and worked some tidy balls to the forwards and snuffed out the
rare Gloucester attacks.
Abi also managed a rare goal and Ellie was unlucky not to score.
Chelsea had another impressive game and looks confident in possession,
Reagan fell just short of her hatrick and generally had a good game.
Eve on her return had a great game not only scoring a hatrick but being
the managers player of the day, well done Eve. Rianne was her usual
energetic self and scored another well deserved hatrick. Tash made
her trademark runs and was always available on the wing.
A good performance from the team, perhaps the girls lacked the killer
touch in front of goal. A good second half performance from the
Gloucester goalkeeper kept the score down. Well done girls...
27 Jan 2008 - Gloucester Girls League
- Stoke Lane 1 v St Nicks B 0
The best game of the season, so far. Tension from the Stoke lane
supporters could be felt throughout the field, the girls held the top
three side till the midway point of the second half. Determination,
effort, teamwork and a lot of grit sums up what this team showed today.
Amy gave a captains performance playing in an unfamiliar centre back role,
earning the hardest fought player of the day award and a good choice it
was. Eleanor was superb in goal and had no chance of saving the
only goal, Beth and Jade gave everything in this match and didn't deserve
to be on the losing side. Sarah, Gemma, Kirsten and Lauren battled
for every ball and worked tirelessly throughout the pitch trying to support
Sophie up front who held up the ball very well and made some nice runs
troubling the Stoke lane defense.
Overall I think this was a fair result in terms of chances, but if ever
a team deserved something out of the game, it was this one. Hopefully
what we witnessed today will be taken into the next game. A fantastic
game to watch, fantastic support from the parents and a super effort from
the girls....
20
Jan 2008 - Gloucester Girls League - Rodborough Youth 1 v St Nicks A 6
First game in the new year, a heavy pitch
with long grass had all the makings of a tough match. After a tense first
half the girls pulled away to make the game a formality. The first
half brought attractive football but lacked the final product, but a fine
second half goal scoring exhibition from the Gingel sisters finished a
gritty performance from Rodborough.
Gemma looked solid in goal and produced an excellent first half reaction
save to keep the advantage with St Nicks. Lillie, Abi and Ellie
were solid at the back and produced some excellent support play producing
good ball for the midfield/forward line. Ellie also played in midfield
and was unlucky not to score. Natasha, Chelsea and Reagan battled
for midfield supremacy and played some excellent balls between them, keeping
a high work rate at the same time. Reagan was rewarded with 2 goals.
Rianne gave a commanding performance scoring a hatrick along with a very
high work rate. She was a deserving player of the day recipient
a very good performance well done. A good result against an improving
side well done girls.
12 Jan 2008 - Gloucester Girls League - Gloucester City A 11 v St Nicks
0
As the scoreline suggests it was a difficult
game for the girls. A touch of new year hangover and a very windy
heavy Gloucester pitch added to a difficult watch. Eleanor was the
player who impressed today making some fantastic saves and being very
brave when she needed to be. She was the deserving player of the
day. Taking no credit away from Gloucester who were good value for
there win it was perhaps just one of those days.
Credit to the girls for the energy they put into the match but with Cheltenham
next week improvements will have to be made. Good effort.
16 Dec 07: Gloucester Girls League -
Quedgley 0 V St Nicks A.....1
Another
victory...well done girls.
An interesting match against an improved Quedgley team,we had most of
the possession and creating plenty of chances.
It did start to look like one of those games where we did everything but
score and it wasnt until midway through the 2nd half that Rianne broke
away from her marker to sprint towards goal and find a perfect finish.
The match summed up the team spirit that has grown as the year comes to
an end and the girls,the parents and the management can be proud of their
progress.
No individual comments as this was very much a team effort.
The player of the day went to Regan who worked her socks off not only
on her defensive duties but also spent plenty of time in the opposition
penalty box.Well done Regan.
HAPPY XMAS to everyone....... but remember, no chocolates, no sweets,
no beer or wine as you will all be weighed when you report back to training......
and that applies to the players as well !!!!!
25
Nov 07: Gloucester Girls League - Gloucester City C 1 v St Nicks 'B' 4
An excellent display which was very enjoyable
to watch. A well deserved win in which the girls deserved a lot
of credit for there fitness and determination. With 7 players it
was a gutsy performance with two of our girls being a goal short each
of there hattricks. Eleanor was unusually quiet in goal
and dispatched her kicks efficiently as usual, Beth and Kaya played very
well in defence and were able to support the attacking play more than
normal. Kirsten, Lauren and Gemma were our midfield dynamos with
energetic performances from the three and Kirsten managed a couple of
goals. Amy was very brave up front and was rewarded for her efforts
with two goals and did everything but score her hattrick. A difficult
choice for Mike in player of the day but Lauren who is improving every
week was the deserved winner, well done.
A very pleasing performance which we will be able to take to the next
game. Excellent......
18 Nov 07: Gloucester Girls League - St Nicks 'B' 1 v Rodborough Youth
0
In a lower league clash this game was always
going to be close. A more confident B side were desperate for a
win after going so close last weekend. The only factor against both
teams was the weather which was very wet and very cold. A great
start by St Nicks put Rodborough on the back foot, we could have gone
into half time perhaps 3 or 4 nil up but scoring goals has been our shortfall
this season. The elation of Amy's goal was evident from all the
players and parents alike and on a warmer day the team in my opinion would
have finished the game in the first half. But the team walked off
at half time with the lead hoping to build in the second half. Unfortunately
the weather had got to Rodborough which had braved the game with just
there shirts on and couldn't continue the second half, a little bit of
an anti climax to the game but a win none the less.
Jade, Beth and Eleanor were excellent at the back as ever. Gemma
and Kirsten had the better of the midfield with Holly and Amy up front.
Kaya, Lauren and Aylisha came on as subs and played very well. I
cannot compliment all the girls enough for a very professional approach
to today's game. Excellent girls nothing less than you deserved.
11 Nov 07: Gloucester Girls League - St Nicholas 'A' 8 v Dursley 2
A good result in difficult playing conditions.
We started strongly against only 6 players from Dursley and dominated
the 1st 1/4 with some fine football and creative play.
Then we lost our way for 15 mins untill half time and were slow to react
to some good crosses into the box. But a constructive team talk from the
boss gave the girls the incentive to push on and to keep playing and creating
chances.
Gemma - Good handling and great distribution from hand and feet
Regan - Started at full back and linked well with Natasha down the right
wing.
Lillie - Solid game at the back and got forward in the 2nd half to score
with a left foot volley.
Abi - Neat defending when required and was able to get forward more than
usual.
Ellie - Another good performance capped with a goal.
Chelsea - Got herself on the ball many times,passed well and looked at
options to open up the Dursley defence.
Natasha - Great game from Tash,saw loads of the ball and not only got
some good crosses into the box but helped herself to a Hat Trick.
Eve - Played out on the left and made some good runs that opened up space
for others.
Rianne -Very enegetic game and scored the 2nd "triple" of the
match.
Player of the day........Natasha
Well done girls. Played 8 .... Won 7 ........ . now a run of tough
games against the teams above us.
Are you up for the challenge????????
11
Nov 07: Gloucester Girls League - Cleeve Colts 1 v St
Nicholas 'B' 0
In a game that had almost everything it was both enjoyable and agonising
to watch at the same time. We were so close to gaining a result
we could almost taste it. Cleeve Colts dogged defence and our goal
shyness was the difference between the sides. With 11 players
to choose from we were almost at full strength. Jade and Beth were
superb in defence and have formed an impressive partnership. Kirsten,
Lauren, Gemma, Kaya and Sarah made up the midfield and all worked tirelessly
and in my opinion dominated the middle. A great effort by all of
the them keeping possession well and supplying good passes.
Amy spent most of her time in attack and was unlucky not to score and
probably did everything but. Aylisha played a supporting role up
front along with a few of the midfield who played both roles. Sophie
and Holly took turns in goal and both made some great saves, they also
did very well up front and were unlucky not to score. An excellent
team performance and very positive attitudes from the players who must
be hurting from the results this season.
We are going to win and when we start scoring we won't stop...I hope.
Sarah (the Bruce) was our player of the day who had a great game with
a great work ethic.
04 Nov 07: Gloucester Girls League - St Nicholas 'B' 0 St Nicholas 'A'
4
Many
years ago I played in a game watched by one man and his dog. This game
was watched by 50 people and about 60 dogs!!!
A very enjoyable game with some good performances from both teams.
The A team took an early lead through a well worked move down the right
and this set the pattern for the 1st half. The B team played very well
and in the 2nd half they had more of the play at times.
A Team
Gemma.... Quiet 1st half played a "roving" fullback
role in the 2nd.
Ellie.... strong in defence passed well going forward
Abi.. Cool when under pressure.. another solid game
Laura.. played well .. went in goal and once she got used to the rules
made a couple of saves and kicked well
Natahsa.. bombed down the wing always a threat
Chelsea... a player who is right in form.. great game
Eve.. attacked at every opportunity was rewarded with 4 goals
Sarah.. good game passed the ball well and set up 2 goals
I think its fair to say that the B team gave a good account of themselves
and remember it was nil nil in the 2nd half.
Well done to all players and it was good to see somany,
grandarents, brothers, sisters & pets!!
28
Oct 07: Gloucester
Girls League - St Nicks A 3...Gloucester B 1
Phew!!! What a game. A fantastic team performance
against a strong Gloucester team. We only had 7 fit players for this match
and they all played their hearts out.
After taking the lead through a well worked goal finished off by Regan
the opposition came back at us using their keepers long kicks and the
wind to their advantage. We had a lot of chances to pull ahead but an
own goal by Eve making a last dich tackle left us level at half time.
With 15 mins to go I think a draw would have been a fair result but our
girls had differant ideas. 2 goals from Sarah secured the win ..but
we know we have been involved in a cracking match.
Gemma....not a lot to do in the 1st half but the Rallisons made 3 fantastic
saves in the 2nd half ...2 from Gemma that save certain goals and one
from her mum Annie who dived to her left to stop the ball running down
to the cricket square.( in her condition not a wise move!!)
Eve..stop gap defender who had a strong game...winning her tackles and
headers and making a couple of good runs down the right wing.
Abi...played witha stern look of determination and never lost a challange
all day.
Chelsea....looked like she had run a marathon after 10mins but kept going
to the end...never gave the ball away and always found time to look up
and select the right option.
Regan...best game since joining St NIcks...she is a player that is better
than she thinks she is....Unusual in a girl of her age!!!! great game.
Rianne...back to her best ...working hard and taking on the opposition
and taking pot shots...sometimes from a bit too far out but I think she
was looking for goal of the season!!!
Sarah...battled well in the 1st half but had liitle joy against 2 big
defenders but WHOW!! what a left foot volley for her 1st goal follwed
by a second 5 mins later.
Great game to watch...it was difficult to choose a Player of the Day..if
we had 7 trophies they all would have won one.....but Chelseas all round
game won her the award for the 2nd game in a row.
A big thank you to Laura for getting off of her sick bed to act as a sub
if required.....but a weeks rest will bring her back stronger.
For more information contact pete@stnicksfc.co.uk
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