On Monday our Year 5/6 girls’ football team opened their league season with a home fixture against All Saints Primary School of Didcot. All Saints had beaten us in past fixtures over the years, and we knew we would be in for a tight encounter.

It was the visitors that made the brighter start, passing and moving nicely but still not finding a clear route through to goal. Our defence of Lili, Hazel and Ella remained solid, supported well by the tenacity of Bethany and Freya in midfield.

We soon began to find our feet in an attacking sense. Freya released Georgie down the right hand side, where she collected the ball nicely before firing in a vicious shot that was well saved by the opposition keeper. Not long after, we took the lead.

We won the ball at the back and played it forward quickly. Georgie’s first touch was excellent, and her second was even better as she curled a low shot into the far corner. Despite the rest of the half continuing to be an end-t0-end contest, we went in at half time 1-0 up.

The next goal in the game would be crucial. If we scored, we would have the breathing space of a two-goal lead. If All Saints equalised, they would believe they could go on and win.

There was a next goal.

And it was scored by us.

Georgie pressed high, won the ball from the defender and smashed the ball into the net to give us the perfect start to the second half. All Saints reacted well, creating two good chances which were both well saved by Alejandra.

However, it was not long before All Saints were back in the game. A loose ball was sent back into our penalty area, bouncing through the crowd and finding its way into the net to make it 2-1 and set up a nervy finish.

In spite of the nerves and the constant attacking nature of the game, the girls remained firm and saw out the game to open our season with a win and keep our fantastic home run going – no competitive defeat at home for an SCPS girls’ football team since 2022.

Overall, a great performance full of determination and some great squad depth on show – Sylvie, Olivia, Issy and Saule all came on and did really well to keep the energy level of the team high – and a superb way to start a new season.

A huge thank you to those who came to support and cheer the girls on, and big thanks to Mr Spencer for refereeing.

The team was: Alejandra M-P, Lili F, Hazel B-M, Ella W, Bethany B, Freya H, Georgie Q, Sylvie F, Olivia Z, Issy C and Saule B.