On Sunday 2nd February the U14Gs and parents travelled to Kings School Macclesfield to face Alderley Edge in the third group game of the EH T1 Cup. The day had started wet but by the time the match began at 13:00 the sun was out and the conditions were pleasant.
I was still walking back from having dropped the PC masks behind our goal when Repton stunned AEHC with a goal in the first 30 seconds of play, Daisy having made a great run down the right wing before firing a cross in to the D for Elisabeth to deflect accurately past the keeper.
AEHC managed to compose themselves and it wasn't until a further 15 minutes had passed that Tilly was able to score again to make it 2-0.
A great strike from Jess 21 minutes in was blocked on the line, but a blistering shot from Elisabeth just before half time that rattled the back board meant we entered half-time with a comfortable 3 goal margin.

Coach Ayelen spotted some areas for improvement and communicated these to the team at half time, primarily to make sure that defenders / midfielders were offering the high players an option for a pass back so that the attack could be quickly switched from one side of the pitch to the other to take advantage of areas of the pitch that were more open.

In the second half AEHC were stronger and tested our defence on several occasions, but Tilly was able to score her second at the 43 minute mark. Isobel made two important saves shortly afterwards, but AEHC were able to score their only goal of the match after 53 minutes of play.
By this time our victory was certain, but Poppy was able to put the icing on the cake just before the final whistle blew to make the final score 5-1.

This was our stiffest test in the competition so far against a strong Alderley Edge team, but it was also our best performance which was great to watch. We passed better than we have previously and although there was still plenty of individual skill on show, it meant that the team performance as a whole was much more accomplished. If we can build on this we should do well in the rest of the competition.
Well done to all.
Jamie