PUBLISHED 25 April 2023
Our U15 Girls Football squad travelled to Repton in Round 1 of the ISFA Shield last Thursday 20th April.
After progressing through the Preliminary round against The Grange on a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out, AKS Girls were in good spirits for this away tie.
AKS started brightly and put the hosts under a great amount of pressure early on, with some fine football in which several chances were created but missed as the team grew into the game. Repton had very little opportunity to test the AKS keeper in the first 15mins, however, a breakaway counterattack saw the AKS defence split and a cool finish from Repton gave the hosts the lead, 1.0, and against the run of play.
AKS settled back quickly into their play and with some fine wing play from Sophie, further chances were created. On the 20th minute, Laura arrived at the back post to tap the ball home after Sophie had once again beaten her full back and whipped in a delightful cross. With spirits lifted, Eva (Captain) lead the charge and with some fine work in midfield started to control the game further, making the pressure tell in the 26th minute when she slotted the ball home from 12yds after the ball fell to her in the box, 2.1 AKS and a well-deserved lead.
AKS went into the break leading 2.1.
The second half started, and it was pretty much the same again from AKS, with the hosts not able to get a foothold in the game and causing AKS very little issues, the defence in Lisa, Lucy and Ella dealing with things comfortably with Ellie Rose just in front of them.
Anya was proving to be a real handful all game and it was herself that made it 3.1 to AKS early on and to settle any nerves that might have been there. With further pressure, a delightful corner from Hannah lead to Repton handling the ball in the box and a penalty was awarded. Eva stepped up but unfortunately put the ball over the bar.
Continued pressure from AKS lead to further chances being created with the Repton defence and keeper working hard to keep the score down. On the 65th minute, Hannah was in the right place and sent a rocket of a shot into the top corner from the edge of the box, to make it 4.1 to AKS and a deserved lead and victory for the girls
They now progress into Round 2 of the ISFA Shield where we await finding out our opponents.
Well done to all the Girls who gave a great account of themselves and showed the development throughout the squad this year.