Well done to all of the girls, who represented the school, playing in two football fixtures this week. For many, it was their first ever competitive game of football against opposition from another school and it was clear to see their confidence growing across the two days.

The first fixture was against Rice Lane, who had already played two matches this season. After going 1-0 down, the OLI girls rallied straight back with a goal from Macey Jacbos, after a great pass inside from Lavelle Lamb.

An amazing finger-tip saves from Yusra in goal, as well as great defensive displays from Mia, Erin and Leah, kept us in the game for long periods of time. A handball meant Yusra faced the daunting task of a penalty kick, but she made herself big and put lots of pressure on the Rice Lane player. Succumbing to this pressure, the kick hit the post and rolled out to safety. The final few minutes saw a flurry of goals from Rice Lane, leaving the final score at 5-1.

On to the next fixture vs. Florence Melly and the game was a much tighter and spread out game. Using the knowledge gained from the first game, the OLI girls worked hard as a team, fulfilling their formational roles exceptionally well. Our forward line, bolstered by the movement of Leah Dean and Macey Jacobs left the Florence Melly defence dazed and confused. Unfortunately the finish was all that was lacking. Spirited runs from Gabriella Bennett and Liv Roberts gave us more chances in the second half and Mia, Lavelle and Yusra, kept the Florence Melly attack at bay many times.

When the ball did get past them, Erin Dean stood strong in goal with vital clearances. On top o the game for the majority, we gave away 1 goal after a split second lack of concentration and the game ended 1-0. This result wasn’t fair on our girls, as they deserved at least a point, but they have learnt vital and harsh lessons in the world of football that will help them move forward in the new year.

Well done!

MOM: Macey (vs. Rice Lane)

MOM: Mia (vs. Florence Melly)