The U12 Girls finished the season with a clean sweep to totally dominate their division in a gutsy hard fought last match that had the spectators on the edge of their seats throughout.
Tension was high for the last match of the season with the girls up against second place Camberley and Farnborough in what promised to be a close match. The Andover girls came out determined to win and for the first time all season started with gusto and energy taking the game straight to the Camberley team. With end to end action the crowds waited with bated breath to see who could break the deadlock first.
Much to the relief of the Andover supporters it was Andover who took the lead with a cracking shot from Tianna reverberating off the back board as the ball slammed in to the goal. This was followed up 10 minutes later by a wonderfully worked break down the wing by legs Martha who had streaked past the C&F defence time after time offloading to Indianna who slipped the ball to Tianna who slotted it in to the back of the net for her second.
Play ebbed and flowed as Camberley came back strongly determined not to lose without a tremendous fight. The Andover defence was put under immense pressure but held firm as to a player the Andover team dug in deep and worked hard to get back to help the defence.
Josie had another cracking game in goal making a number of critical saves to thwart the Camberley attack and the defenders swammed to help clear the ball and sweep it clear when it was out of Josie’s reach. In one attack in about the 45th minute Josie make a cracking save with an out reached stick which she then managed to kick clear, but unfortunately blinded by the swarm of players around her she was unsighted as a Camberley forward collected the ball and fired it back in to the net. 2-1……pressure growing….. the crowd start to sweat despite the bitter chill.
The attacks continued at both ends as Andover looked to make the game safe and Camberley looked to score again with many more saves from both keepers and defenders alike. With a couple of minutes to go Andover had a series of short corners, but frustratingly could not take advantage, but it did not matter as the final whistle blew to seal the season with the vital win to make it a clean sweep.
Camberley’s’ Players players were Tianna and Josie recognising their outstanding contribution to the game, but there were outstanding performances from everyone throughout the game as to a girl they dug in deep and played their hearts out. As I said the other night glory must also go to the defence who ensured that the two goals we scored were sufficient to get the win by frustrating the Camberley attack with guts, determination and aplomb.
Well done everyone - it has been a fantastic season.