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We Play in the Leicester City & County Girls League

Team Colours    

Belles:
Home: Red Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks.
Away: White Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks.

Vixens:
Home: Red Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks.
Away: Red Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks.

Season 09/10 Fixtures/Results

Belles

Vixens

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Tables

Belles - Green Division

Vixens - Yellow Division

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Managers

Vixens: Karen O'Grady
07771 665124

Email Vixen's Manager

Belles: Nicky Cranmer

(0116) 2200703
07967853570

Email Belle's Manager

Coaches

Vixens: Nikki Cranmer
Belles: Karen O'Grady

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Training Information

Saturday Morning 9am - 10.30am at Lakeside Meadows, Meadow Lane, Birstall 
Tuesday Evening 5pm-6.30pm at Lakeside Meadows, Meadow Lane, Birstall 

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Squad Members:

Vixens: 
(Not in order) Lucy Hayward, Emily Carnan, Bayley Kay, Zoe Frearson, Ella Wortley, Courtney Preston,
Emily Gunn (capt), Sarah Olsen, Amy Collins, Emily Jane Gordon, Poppy Gordon & Hollie Wilkinson.

Belles: Remi Sergeant, Paula Wilmot, Beth Batson, Dianne Warburton, Helena Bolingbroke (Capt),
Jodie Rushton, Lilly Cranmer, Zoe Elson, Alysha Patel, Grace Page, Stella Hale, Georgia Kirk and Samantha Pallett.

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Match Reports

Oadby & Wigston United under 13s 0-3 Birstall United Vixens under 13s League Cup Quarter Final (6th March 2010)

Birstall United Vixens under 13’s returned to the Meadows Sports Ground to take on Oadby & Wigston United in the quarter final of the League Cup.

Sarah Olsen started at front ably supported by Ella Wortley, Courtney Preston and Emily Gunn in mid field.

Just three minutes had gone before the quartet moved up quickly and with the ball passing to Emily Gunn, Birstall’s first goal was scored.

Birstall continued to show the upper hand with both Olsen and Gunn having further attempts on goal.

Oadby however showed spirit and Birstall’s Bayley Kay, Emily Carnan and Zoe Frearson were regularly required to stop the ball and boot it back up the pitch.

Further attempts were made to score with both Preston and Wortley coming close but nothing could dislodge the Oadby keeper and she made some fine saves.

Oadby would when they had the chance run for the goal and Birstall showed that when pressured it was only due to a fine effort by Lucy Hayward that Oadby didn’t equalize.

Running up to half time and just in front of the Birstall goal the ball was passed back and a free kick was awarded to Oadby with the ball placed less that half a metre from the line. Birstall’s players lined up along the goal line to prevent the ball slipping into the net and with luck the ball didn’t!

HALF-TIME Oadby & Wigston United 0 – Birstall United Vixens 1

Amy Collins and Hollie Wilkinson were brought on for the Birstall and quickly made an impact however Birstall seemed to have lost pace and Oadby very nearly scored on a number of occasions as there strikers showed great pace.

Birstall regained there pace and the game continued with the ball moving around the pitch.

Wortley took control of the ball, passing it to Gunn who with a flick moved the ball to Collins who powered the ball into the net.

Seconds later Collins made another run pursued by Oadby who tackled the ball off her as she tumbled to the ground.

Collins bounced back and with the ball being passed around between Olsen, Gunn and Wortley she again took control and secured her second goal securing another win for Birstall.

FULL-TIME Oadby & Wigston United 0 - Birstall United Vixens 3

Birstall scorers:

Emily Gunn 1 (3)
Amy Collins 2 (48, 56)

Birstall Player of the Match: Bayley Kay

Pitch: Soft
Weather: Cold
Temperature: 5 deg C
 

Oadby & Wigston Snipers under 13s 1-2 Birstall United Vixens under 13s  County Cup Semi Final (14th February 2010)

Off to Oadby & Wigston’s ground for the semi final of the County Cup.

Birstall knew that this would be a tough match with both teams equally matched and this was to be the case.

The whistle blew and both teams were straight in with Birstall making the first move when Ella Wortley and Emily Gunn raced up the pitch only for the keeper to hold the ball.

The keeper kicked the ball towards the Birstall end but was thwarted by the safe feet of Birstall’s Hollie Wilkinson and Zoe Frearson.

Birstall were in the ascendancy for the first fifteen minutes with Poppy Gordon, Wortley, Gunn and Amy Collins all taking it in turns to pressure the Oadby defence.

Gordon took a chance with a high ball but without success as the ball fell into the keepers hands.

The game continued with the usual pace between these two teams with Birstall showing some excellent passing.

Both Gordon and Emily Carnan who had moved up from defence took shots but again without success.

Seventeen minutes in and Birstall took the lead with a fine goal from Gunn who accepted the cross from Wortley.

Birstall may have taken the lead but they still had to win the match and Oadby would not lie down as they punished any loose Birstall balls with many runs towards Birstall’s keeper Lucy Hayward. Hayward had to come out and take the play to Oadby’s fast paced strikers.

Emily Jane Gordon was bought on for Poppy Gordon after she was elbowed in the face. EJ immediately got stuck in.

Birstall were awarded a corner and Birstall’s Corner Queen, Courtney Preston, stepped up. She powered the ball towards the goal with the ball ping ponging in front of the net. Preston moved in during the melee and took a chance but the ball sailed over the crossbar.

HALF-TIME Oadby & Wigston Snipers 0 – Birstall United Vixens 1

Both teams returned to the fray and this would always be a difficult time for Birstall as Oadby usually came back stronger in the second half. This time however Birstall were equal and quickly took control with Sarah Olsen almost scoring from a Gunn cross.

Seven minutes in and Olsen and Gunn again moved up and with a fine cross by Olsen, Gunn tackled the Oadby players and with her left foot shot the ball in for her second.

Oadby now turned up the pressure and Birstall seemed to sit back and this was shown to be true when Oadby pulled back a goal from a fine corner.

EJ Gordon and Bailey Kay were brought on for Birstall and helped to steady the game but it seemed as though Oadby thought they had a chance and now heaped the pressure onto Birstall.

The final fifteen minutes was hard for Birstall but with the final whistle blowing they knew that they had made the final.

FULL-TIME Oadby & Wigston Snipers 1 - Birstall United Vixens 2

Birstall scorer:

Emily Gunn 2 (17, 37)

Birstall Player of the Match: Poppy Gordon

Pitch: Soft
Weather: Cold
Temperature: 4 deg C
 

Thurmaston Pink Panthers under 13s 1-8 Under 13 Vixens League Cup First Round (7th February 2010)

After a further week off due to the poor weather, Birstall ventured on to pastures new, taking on Thurmaston Pink Panthers in the first round of the League Cup.

The whistle blew and Ella Wortley sprinted off towards the Thurmaston goal and only just missed scoring.

Birstall were in the hunt and there efforts were awarded just two minutes in with a fine goal by Poppy Gordon coming from a throw in by Emily Gunn.

Thurmaston were not however to be outdone and shot the ball towards the Birstall end. Birstall’s keeper Lucy Hayward picked up the ball in what she thought was the goal area but the markings were poor and a free kick was awarded to Thurmaston.

Up stepped the Thurmaston player and shot a fine ball up into the Birstall net.

Within four minutes both teams had scored.

The game continued at a frenetic pace with Thurmaston showing no hesitation in tackling to gain possession.

Birstall’s attack force of Poppy Gordon, Amy Collins, Ella Wortley and Emily Gunn kept up the pace and were equally keen to wrest control of the ball and all four had a number of attempts on goal only for Thurmaston’s keeper to make some good saves.

Even Birstall’s defence of Emily Carnan, EJ Gordon and Hollie Wilkinson moved up to the other end with Carnan having a strong attempt on goal, whilst Zoe Frearson held back to control any loose balls.

Thurmaston didn’t let up and made a great attempt on goal with the ball just skimming over the cross bar.

Poppy Gordon however re-took the lead for Birstall with a powerful shot into the goal.

Birstall were starting to take control when Amy Collins crossed the ball for Ella Wortley to score Birstall’s third.

Just a minute before half time Emily Gunn moved up and fired the ball into the net only for the goal to be deemed off-side.

HALF-TIME Thurmaston Pink Panthers 1 – Birstall United Vixens 3

The second half started at the same pace with Amy Collins and Emily Gunn immediately taking the game to Thurmaston.

Sarah Olsen ran towards the goal, and having tackled six Thurmaston players only just missed scoring when the ball went high.

Just a minute later Poppy Gordon scored but again this was deemed off-side.

Poppy now took charge and quickly popped the ball, from Olsen’s cross, into the net which this time was allowed.

Courtney Preston and Bayley Kay had been brought on at half time for Birstall and showed tenacity in there play with some fine tackles.

Birstall were playing good football with some well thought out passes to get the ball into position for a goal attempt.

Once such move resulted in Olsen scoring when the ball rebounded off the Thurmaston keeper.

The game was now firmly in Birstall’s hand with a goal each coming off the boot of Amy Collins, Poppy Gordon and again Collins in the last nine minutes.

FULL-TIME Thurmaston Pink Panthers 1 - Birstall United Vixens 8

Birstall scorers:

Poppy Gordon 4 (2, 19, 41, 56)
Ella Wortley 1 (24)
Sarah Olsen 1 (46)
Amy Collins 2 (51, 59)

Birstall Player of the Match: Hollie Wilkinson

Pitch: Very Soft
Weather: Wet then cold
Temperature: 5 deg C
 

Asfordby Gems under 13s 0-6 Birstall United Vixens under 13s (24th January 2010)

After six weeks of not playing due to Christmas and the snowy weather Birstall returned to Asfordby.

Just a minute in and Birstall were up and running with Ella Wortley moving quickly towards the Asfordby net. She passed the ball to Sarah Olsen who neatly lifted the ball up over the keeper and into the net.

Despite this early goal Birstall and indeed Asfordby showed that they were a little rusty and the game showed little merit.

Birstall’s strikers, Emily Gunn, Poppy Gordon, Ella Wortley and Courtney Preston all made an effort to add to the score but the ball just wouldn’t go in.

Asfordby were always there, ready to pick up the loose ball and test Birstall’s keeper Lucy Hayward.

Hayward was further tested when a free kick was awarded to Asfordby just outside the goal area. With a powerful shot the ball zoomed past the Birstall wall with a curving trajectory and bounced out of Hayward’s hands to give Asfordby a corner.

With half time coming Courtney Preston, with a fine pass, set up Emily Gunn who powered the ball into the net.

HALF-TIME Asfordby Gems 0 – Birstall United Vixens 2

The whistle blew and within seconds Birstall had a further goal in the bag when Amy Collins scored.

Birstall were now showing the better football and this was proved when Poppy Gordon scored twice in five minutes.

Birstall now knew that the win was theirs but this didn’t slow them down with further attempts on goal.

With just minutes to go Emily Gunn moved the ball on to Amy Collins who scored her second and Birstall’s sixth.

FULL-TIME Asfordby Gems 0 - Birstall United Vixens 6

Birstall scorers:

Sarah Olsen 1 (1)
Emily Gunn 1 (29)
Amy Collins 2 (40, 57)
Poppy Collins 2 (38, 43)

Birstall Player of the Match: Poppy Gordon
 

Oadby & Wigston Snipers under 13s vs Birstall United Vixens under 13s (6th December 2009)

The match started at 11.30am and before 11.31am a penalty had been awarded to Birstall when Emily Gunn was brought down in the goal area.

Gunn stepped up to the mark and took the penalty which unfortunately for Birstall went wide.

Play recommenced with pace from both teams.

Oadby were soon taking two corners but without success and then a free kick was awarded to Birstall. Poppy Gordon took the shot which went over the Oadby wall straight into their keeper’s hands.

Oadby’s keeper then for some reason walked out of the area holding the ball and a further free kick was awarded to Birstall.

Poppy Gordon again stepped up and fired the ball which rose over the Oadby wall and, on this occasion, hit the back of the net.

Oadby & Wigston, however, were getting into their stride and were pressurising Birstall in all areas.

Birstall’s defence Zoë Frearson, Holly Wilkinson and Bailey Kay were being tested and with the ball getting past them it was left to Lucy Hayward in goal to keep the score in Birstall’s favour.

Birstall were hoping to go into half time in the lead but this was not to be when Oadby ran for the goal with some fine passing and popped the ball in.

The whistle blew and both teams still had everything to play for.

HALF-TIME Oadby & Wigston Snipers 1 Birstall United Vixens 1

The whistle blew and Birstall were soon moving up the pitch with the ball being passed between Evie Crane, Ella Wortley, Courtney Preston but no goal was forthcoming.

The game continued with pace but Oadby were showing the better football and this was rewarded with a further goal.

Birstall now had no answer for Oadby and within fifteen minutes Oadby had scored two more.

The game was now out of reach for Birstall and only a late goal by Poppy Gordon helped to reduce Birstall’s frustration.

Birstall had played better football in the first half but in the second half seemed to lack the drive to win.

FULL-TIME Oadby & Wigston Snipers 4 - Birstall United Vixens 2

Birstall Player of the Match: Emily Gunn

Pitch: Very Soft
Weather: Overcast & Windy
Temperature: 10 deg C
 

Asfordby Gems under 13s 1-6 Birstall United Vixens under 13s (28th November 2009)

Birstall United Vixens returned to Asfordby for the second week running to take on Asfordby Gems.

Birstall knew that a win was vital after a run of defeats.

On a cold and damp Saturday both teams started strongly with Asfordby making the first run for goal with the ball running wide.

Play continued with some pace but just thirteen minutes in and following an Asfordby corner the ball was deflected off a Birstall player into Birstall’s net.

Birstall were playing seemingly without any desire to score even with the help of two Courtney Preston corners.

Birstall’s new signing Holly Wilkinson was brought on to shore up the defence and with her help Birstall kept the score at 1-0.

Running up to half time only a run by Ella Wortley, Poppy Gordon and Emily Gunn showed any promise.

The half time whistle blew and on this showing Birstall would be lucky to win.

HALF-TIME Asfordby Gems 1 – 0 Birstall United Vixens

The whistle blew, and with Amy Collins having been brought on for Birstall, the tempo was raised immediately with the ball quickly heading for Asfordby’s end.

Just one minute in, the ball went off and the corner was quickly taken by Ella Wortley with the ball landing at Amy Collins feet. With superb control the ball headed back to Wortley who smashed the ball into the Asfordby net.

Seconds later Collins again took the ball but this time the keeper held firm.

Three minutes in and Emily Gunn passed the ball back to Poppy Gordon who popped the ball into Asfordby’s net. Birstall now took the lead and were showing skill which had been totally lacking in the first half.

One more minute, and Poppy Gordon again raced up the pitch ably assisted by Wortley, Gunn and Collins and added Birstall’s third.

Asfordby whilst stunned by three goals in just three minutes hit back and took the game to Birstall’s stand in keeper Emily Jane Gordon who kept her cool and held the ball.

Birstall’s usual keeper, Lucy Hayward, had been brought onto the pitch in mid field and showed that she was not only a safe pair of hands in goal but that she could force the game in Birstall’s favour.

The ball again moved up the pitch and was kicked off by Asfordby awarding a corner to Birstall. Poppy Gordon took the kick and the ball was taken on by Emily Gunn who scored Birstall’s fourth.

Just four minutes later Ella Wortley scored her second with a fine volley from twenty yards powering into the back of the net.

Birstall now knew that three valuable points would be there’s and this was further backed up when Collins scored Birstall’s sixth.

The final whistle blew after a game of two halves. Asfordby perhaps had thought that after the first half the game could be there’s but in the end Birstall’s strengths shone through.

FULL-TIME Asfordby Gems 1 - Birstall United Vixens 6

Birstall scorers:

Ella Wortley 2 (31, 51)
Poppy Gordon 2 (33, 34)
Emily Gunn 1 (47)
Amy Collins 1 (57)

Birstall Player of the Match: Amy Collins

Pitch: Very Soft
Weather: Bright but cold
Temperature: 7 deg C
 

Asfordby Diamonds under 13s 4-1 Birstall United Vixens under 13s (22th November 2009)

Birstall United Vixens played at Asfordby on a wet and very windy day.

Asfordby made the first move and headed up the pitch to test Birstall’s keeper Lucy Hayward. Hayward held firm this time.

Asfordby continued the attack and just seconds later scored.

Birstall seemed to be asleep and were quickly showing a lacklustre display.

Courtney Preston moved the ball on to Emily Gunn but Birstall could not level the score with the ball going wide.

Eight minutes on from the first and Asfordby, who were showing great pace and skill, scored there second.

Birstall still didn’t retaliate and Asfordby harried Birstall’s defence with further shots on goal.

Half Time couldn’t come quick enough for Birstall who would hopefully re-group and attack in the second half.

HALF-TIME Asfordby Diamonds 2 – Birstall United Vixens 0

The whistle blew and despite Birstall’s Poppy Gordon, Emily Jane Gordon and Amy Collins pressing ahead no goal was forthcoming.

Asfordby, still determined to add to their score, soon added their third.

Birstall’s play was poor and was only briefly lifted when Ella Wortley fired from the corner a ball which was deflected off an Asfordby player into the net.

This lifted Birstall’s spirits and they raised there game but Asfordby hit back with their fourth sealing a victory which in the end was deservedly theirs.

FULL-TIME Asfordby Diamonds 4 - Birstall United Vixens 1

Birstall scorer:

Ella Wortley 1 (41)

Birstall Player of the Match: Ella Wortley

Pitch: Soft
Weather: Very windy
Temperature: 8 deg C
 

Birstall United Vixens under 13s 5-3 Oadby & Wigston Starlets under 13s, County Cup (15th November 2009)

Birstall United took on Oadby & Wigston Starlets in the second round of the County Cup at home.

Birstall knew that this would be a tough match as Oadby are heading their league, not having lost a match this season.

Sure enough, after Oadby kicked off they were immediately straight into Birstall’s half testing Birstall’s keeper, Lucy Hayward.

Birstall quickly found their feet and following a corner by Courtney Preston, Oadby’s keeper also made a fine save.

Seven minutes in and Birstall’s Amy Collins took the ball and ran down the line, passing it to Poppy Gordon, who with her inimitable kick, passed the ball to Evie Crane who popped the ball into the net.

Oadby were however always showing their tenacity and kept the ball from their net following two further corners by Preston.

The game continued at some pace with Oadby showing the better passing. When they got the ball the team showed that they all had the pace and would often outrun Birstall. On many occasions Lucy Hayward prevented Birstall from loosing their advantage.

EJ Gordon came on for Amy Collins and soon helped Birstall passing the ball back to her sister, Poppy, who kicked the ball up to Emily Gunn who moved it on quickly to Evie Crane only for the ball to end up in the keepers hands.

A free kick was awarded to Oadby and the ball was kicked with force straight at Birstall’s EJ Gordon who quickly recovered and kicked the ball up the pitch to Ella Wortley. She ran off down the pitch but was thwarted in her attempts to score by another fine effort by Oadby’s keeper.

The first half was coming to an end but no one knew what the final two minutes would hold for both teams.

The ball landed at the feet of Birstall defender Bailey Kay, who launched the ball into the air from the centre line. As if in slow motion the ball headed towards the goal. No one could tell if the ball was on target but the ball, without bouncing, went straight into the net for Kay’s first goal.

Due to the elation, Birstall, were caught of guard, as Oadby scored just seconds later following a deflection off one of Birstall’s players.
HALF-TIME Birstall United Vixens 2 – Oadby & Wigston Starlets 1

The second half started with Amy Collins being brought back on for Birstall who taking full advantage of a fine pass by Poppy Gordon ran past the keeper and scored Birstall’s third.

Oadby would not however slow down and Lucy Hayward was further tested having to come out of the goal to grab hold of the ball.

Oadby were now continually attacking and this was rewarded with their second goal which was, just three minutes later, added to with their third.

The pressure was now on for Birstall.

A free kick was taken by Poppy Gordon, with the ball taken on by Collins, who passed it back to Gordon only for the ball to miss the goal.

The ball continued to move around in front of the Oadby goal and following a tackle by Oadby, Birstall were awarded a penalty.

Up stepped Poppy Gordon who powered the ball into the back of the net. Birstall were again in the ascendancy.

Fifteen minutes was left and still Oadby pushed but Birstall continued to counter attack. Again Poppy Gordon, Collins and Wortley ran down the pitch only for Wortley to kick the ball wide.

With just minutes to go Emily Gunn took the ball, passing it to Collins, who shot the ball in past the keeper. With minutes to go Birstall could start to see a positive result however Oadby were not to be beaten quite so easily and with a fine run of six superbly aimed passes almost scored.

Fortunately for Birstall the final whistle blew soon after.

FULL-TIME Birstall United Vixens 5 – Oadby & Wigston Starlets 3

Birstall scorers:

Evie Crane 1 (7)
Bailey Kay 1 (30)
Amy Collins 2 (35, 55)
Poppy Gordon 1 (44)

Birstall Player of the Match: Bailey Kay

Pitch: Very Soft
Weather: Bright
Temperature: 11 deg C
 

Leicester Foxes under 13s vs Birstall United Vixens under 13s (1st November 2009)

Another Sunday and another match against Leicester City Foxes, this time away.

Following Birstall’s defeat against Leicester at home last week, Birstall knew that the only way to play was to attack from the outset.

This they did with gusto. Both teams started strongly with the ball quickly moving from one end to the other, sometimes assisted by the very strong cross wind.

Birstall’s attack force of Amy Collins, Evie Crane and Emily Gunn, as though hearing the hunting horn, ran forward pressurising the Foxes.

Leicester were not to be out done and seemed to play a game where they would always close down quickly on Birstall’s player swamping any chance of moving forward.

Amy Collins was shadowing Leicester’s number 7 and with equal pace would, throughout the game, thwart her attempts to attack Lucy Hayward in Birstall’s goal.

Hayward made some fine saves and certainly kept the Foxes at bay.

Leicester were now at a loss as to how they could break through Birstall’s tactics and this was shown by their desperate attempts to run past the gauntlet.

Birstall’s Emily Carnan, Zoe Frearson and Bayley Kay just wouldn’t let Leicester through showing just why Leicester always have to play their strongest team against the Vixens.

Closing up to the half time whistle, Leicester made a run and almost scored with the ball rolling around the goal mouth. Bayley Kay moved in and quickly kicked the ball out of danger.

The whistle blew with both teams still to score.

HALF-TIME Leicester City Foxes 0 – Birstall United Vixens 0

The whistle blew and Leicester quickly took the initiative running up to the goal. Hayward was unfazed and stood her ground.

The ball went off awarding Leicester a corner followed immediately by a further two corners. Still Birstall held there ground.

Birstall’s Gordon Girls, Poppy and EJ, Courtney Preston and Sarah Olsen all helped to stop Leicester with some fine football throughout.

Five minutes to go and still no score.

Birstall were starting to believe that a draw was possible and the tension could be cut amongst the parents.

Leicester made another run for the goal and the ball ricocheted around only for it to go in. Leicester had scored.

Two minutes later Leicester’s number 7 made an almost unchallenged run from the centre line and popped a second in for Leicester.

The final whistle blew and despite the score, Birstall could be proud of their fine achievements.

FULL-TIME Leicester City Foxes 2 – Birstall United Vixens 0

Leicester (55, 57)

Birstall Player of the Match: Emily Carnan

Pitch: Soft
Weather: Overcast and very windy
Temperature: 15 deg C

 

Birstall United Vixens under 13s vs Leicester City Foxes under 13s (25th October 2009)

The day had come when Birstall would have to take on their nemesis, Leicester City Foxes.

EJ Gordon took goal for Birstall.

Poppy Gordon was first off the mark pushing forward to test the Leicester keeper with a fine shot.

Leicester however were soon to get in their stride and within three minutes had scored.

EJ Gordon made some fine saves, saving the ball off two Leicester Corners.

A free kick was awarded to Leicester from the centre line and the ball whizzed just past the Birstall goal.

Leicester took another shot with the ball bouncing off the cross bar with Birstall’s Zoe Frearson giving it a hefty boot up to the other end.

Evie Crane, Emily Gunn, Ella Wortley and Courtney Preston all played well for Birstall but just couldn’t break Leicester’s defence.

Twenty minutes in, Leicester scored again.

HALF-TIME Birstall United Vixens 0 - Leicester City Foxes 2

Both teams came back on and within 30 seconds Leicester had scored their third.

Nothing that Birstall could do would stop Leicester overrunning Birstall and the game was sewn up with a further two goals in quick succession.

Five minutes to go and Birstall seemed to get a little more fighting spirit but just couldn’t score.

FULL-TIME Birstall United Vixens 0 - Leicester City Foxes 5

Birstall Player of the Match:

Pitch: Soft
Weather: Bright
Temperature: 13 deg C
 

Birstall United Vixens under 13s v Asfordby Gems under 13s (18th October 2009)

Birstall played Asfordby Gems at home.

Unlike Birstall of late, they went straight in to attacking football from the off.

Within the first three minutes Birstall’s Emily Gunn, Poppy Gordon and Amy Collins had all had attempts on goal only for the ball to either go over the wood work or be saved by the Asfordby keeper.

The Asfordby keeper played some fine football throughout with some fine saves of some high powered Birstall shots.

Nine minutes in, Emily Gunn passed the ball to Poppy Gordon who followed it on to Amy Collins. Collins first shot rebounded off the side bar but she managed to kick the ball again and this time into the net.

Only two minutes after this Birstall’s keeper took a goal kick that landed at Collins feet. Off she sped from the centre line with Asfordby closing in. Collins didn’t give up and powered her second into the back of the net.

Birstall were now playing the better football and punishing any errors that Asfordby made. It was only through the dogged determination of Asfordby’s keeper that the score didn’t increase rapidly in Birstall’s favour.

Sarah Olsen and Evie Crane were brought on to replace Amy Collins and Ella Wortley.

Immediately Crane heaped on the pressure and took advantage of a fine cross by Emily Gunn to add Birstall’s third.

Just three minutes after this Crane was again at goal mouth and kicked the ball which went in off Asfordby’s keeper.

HALF-TIME Birstall United Vixens 4 – Coalville Ravenettes 0

As soon as the whistle blew Birstall were again on the attack with Poppy Gordon making a cross to Crane only for the ball to pass by the goal.

Poppy Gordon then attempted a narrow angle shot only for the ball to roll along the cross bar and over the net.

A game of ping-pong then started with the ball being kicked at a rapid pace between Birstall’s Emily Gunn, Poppy Gordon, Ella Wortley, Sarah Olsen and Courtney Preston just a few metres from the goal. The ball would just not go in.

The ball however finally fell at the feet of Birstall’s Exocet, Emily Gunn, who ran up towards the net and scored Birstall’s fifth.

Whilst the score line didn’t show Asfordby in a good light they continued to take the ball when they could and test Birstall’s keeper Emily Jane Gordon and there luck was in when they kicked the ball past Gordon’s hands.

Birstall’s usual keeper, Lucy Hayward, who had kept goal for the first half, was brought on to play in defence and showed that she was not just a safe pair of hands in the goal. She made some fine tackles helping to pass the ball back to Emily Gunn who went on to score Birstall’s sixth with a finely judged whack into the top right of the net.

The game was now heading for the end but Amy Collins could not let up and raced down the pitch in her usual style and launched the ball past the Asfordby keeper, securing her hat trick.

The final whistle blew and in reality both teams could be applauded for an entertaining hour of football.

FULL-TIME Birstall United Vixens 7 – Asfordby Gems 1

Birstall scorers:
Amy Collins 3 (9, 11, 59)
Evie Crane 2 (24, 27)
Emily Gunn 2 (32, 58)

Birstall Player of the Match: Sarah Olsen

 

Ibstock under 13s 3-2 Birstall United Vixens under 13s (11th October 2009)

Birstall Vixens under 13’s travelled to Ibstock for there first league game against this team.

Birstall had been beaten by Ibstock in a pre-season tournament so they were aware that the opposition had the ability.

The game started in windy conditions and Ibstock were quickly pushing Birstall, testing Birstall’s stand-in keeper Emily Carnan.

Birstall retaliated with flowing play between Amy Collins, Poppy Gordon and Emily Gunn with a shot by Collins just missing the goal.

Seven minutes in and following a cross by Emily Gunn, Poppy Gordon scored first for Birstall.

Ibstock’s number 3 was quick to respond with a fast run down the left side only for Zoe Frearson to tackle her and rescue the ball.

Play continued with both teams taking it in turns to test the keepers but without success.

Seventeen minutes in Ibstock equalised with a shot just slipping through Emily Carnan’s hands.

Ibstock then almost scored again from a corner with Carnan only just getting her hand to it.

Birstall were then awarded a corner. Courtney Preston hit the ball which between Birstall’s Sarah Olsen, Poppy Gordon and Emily Gunn rattled around the goal mouth. At one point the keeper had the ball only for it to slip from her hands with Collins quickly taking advantage only for the ball to sail past the goal.

The half-time whistle blew with both teams having everything to play for.

HALF-TIME Ibstock Town 1 – Birstall United Vixens 1

Lucy Hayward took over in Birstall’s goal and was soon tested by Ibstock having to make a number of fine saves.

Amy Collins made a run with the ball down half the pitch but Ibstock’s defence closed in and pushed the ball out for a corner.

The ball was soon back at the foot of Birstall’s Poppy Gordon who launched a high ball which only just skimmed the cross bar.

Ibstock then took a goal kick only for the ball to land at the feet of Emily Gunn who pushed forward passing the ball to Poppy Gordon who scored her second.

Seconds later a free kick was awarded to Ibstock just outside the area and with a hefty boot the ball rebounded off Emily Gunn almost scoring a Birstall own goal.

Ibstock were increasing the pressure and with there pace across the whole team soon equalled the score.

Only minutes were left and both teams battled on but it was Ibstock who blasted a ball towards the net which unfortunately went in off a Birstall player. Ibstock now led for the first time and finished the victors.

FULL-TIME Ibstock Town 3 - Birstall United Vixens 2

Birstall scorers:
Poppy Gordon (7, 47)

Ibstock (17, 54, 57)

Birstall Player of the Match: Amy Collins

Birstall United Vixens under 13s v Coalville Ravenettes under 13s (4th October 2009)

Playing at home for the third week in succession Birstall entertained Coalville Ravenettes for the first time in a league fixture.

As has proved the case Birstall were slow at the start with Coalville making the first run towards goal only for the attempt to be thwarted by Birstall’s Emily Carnan who forced Coalville to let the ball run out.

The goal kick went straight to Coalville’s captain who took the advantage and raced down the left hand side punishing Birstall with a fine goal just four minutes in.

Despite calls from the manager Birstall failed to raise there game and Coalville continued to pressure all of Birstall’s players.

With the sun now shining it appeared to wake Birstall up and Evie Crane and Emily Gunn made a run for the goal only for Coalville’s keeper, who played a fine game, to run out and take possession.

Fifteen minutes in Emily Gunn took the ball from a throw in by Birstall’s Emily Jane Gordon and with her usual determined manner kicked the ball past the keeper to equal the score.

Coalville responded with there number 7 and 9 showing great pace and it was only through the valiant efforts of keeper Lucy Hayward that the ball was kept out of the net.

Amy Collins was brought on for Birstall and the pace quickened with fine passing between Poppy Gordon, Emily Gunn and Amy who within the first minute only just missed the goal.

Birstall were now in their stride and were pushing hard.

Coalville had a throw in which was neatly picked up by Amy Collins who rushed towards the goal and scored Birstall’s second.

Just minutes later Emily Gunn powered her second into the top right of the net.

Coalville did not give up and with their fast paced forwards running with the ball whenever they could they certainly tested Birstall’s Emily Carnan and Zoe Frearson and when they failed, Lucy Hayward in goal.

Just minutes before half time Courtney Preston took advantage of a loose ball and with a mighty kick launched the ball into the air. No one quite knew where it would land but with a bounce just in front of Coalville’s goal it added to Birstall’s score.

HALF-TIME Birstall United Vixens 4 – Coalville Ravenettes 1

The whistle blew and Coalville were on the off again quickly pushing the ball towards the Birstall goal but without success.

Five minutes in and again Emily Gunn, who was outside the box scored her third.

Soon after a penalty was awarded against Coalville for hand ball and Poppy Gordon stepped up to the spot. She kicked the ball only for it to go straight to the Coalville keeper.

Play resumed with Birstall’s Sarah Olsen being brought on who was quickly in the middle of the action with the ball passing between both teams.

Poppy Gordon who made a number of attempts throughout the game finally managed to power a shot, in her usual manner, past the keeper making Birstall’s tally six.

Birstall’s Ella Wortley was always there waiting for that loose ball and she took one down the right hand side passing it across to Emily Gunn who pushed forward only to finally tumble over the Coalville keeper.

FULL-TIME Birstall United Vixens 6 – Coalville Ravenettes 1

Birstall scorers:
Emily Gunn 3 (15, 25, 35)
Amy Collins (20)
Courtney Preston (28)
Poppy Gordon (48)

Birstall Player of the Match: Lucy Hayward

Pitch: Firm
Weather: Warm and sunny intervals
Temperature: 14 deg C

 

Birstall United Vixens under 13s 1-1 Oadby & Wigston Snipers under 13s (27th September 2009)

Birstall took on Oadby & Wigston at home, a side that had beaten Birstall 5-1 in a pre-season friendly. Birstall knew that this would be a tough game and this is how it started.

The whistle blew and instantly Oadby were on the attack with Birstall caught napping. Within the first minute Oadby scored with a shot past Birstall stand in keeper Emily Jane Gordon.

Birstall had to quickly re-group and with Evie Crane making two runs up to Oadby’s goal it looked like Birstall could pull a quick goal back but on these occasions the ball went wide.

Even Birstall’s Poppy Gordon got in on the act with a high ball that just missed Oadby’s net.

Oadby were not letting things slip and constantly pressurised all the Birstall players.

Birstall’s Zoe Frearson, Bailey Kay and Emily Carnan all worked hard to keep the Snipers at bay with some fine kicks back up the pitch.

Lucy Hayward was brought back on as Birstall’s keeper to allow Emily Jane Gordon to re-take her mid field position on the pitch.

Bailey Kay played in her own inimitable style throughout never giving up when the ball was at her feet but Oadby were playing strongly and despite a number of attempts neither team could make the break that would result in a goal.

HALF-TIME Birstall United Vixens 0 – Oadby & Wigston Snipers 1

The second half started much as the first with Oadby taking possession and heading straight for the goal but on this occasion Birstall showed why they have such a reputation.

Birstall were now in the ascendancy playing the stronger football and really showed that they wanted to win as they piled on the pressure.

Birstall’s Emily Gunn, Evie Crane, Sarah Olsen and Poppy Gordon were all moving up quickly with the ball and despite there best efforts just couldn’t get the ball past the Oadby keeper who played well throughout.

Bailey Kay took three quick throw in’s from mid way into the Oadby half but nothing could be done to get that illusive goal.

Oadby were then awarded a free kick just metres from the goal. Birstall built a strong defensive wall and it was only through the resolute efforts of Lucy Hayward that Oadby didn’t add a second.

The game was now into injury time and Birstall just had to score. Birstall again moved up with Emily Gunn, Sarah Olsen passing the ball to Poppy Gordon who with her heavy right foot blasted the ball into Oadby’s net.

With just two minutes to go both teams moved up a gear but in the end the whistle blew and the result was fair.

FULL-TIME Birstall United Vixens 1 – Oadby & Wigston Snipers 1

Birstall scorer:
Poppy Gordon (62 minutes)

Birstall Player of the Match: Poppy Gordon




 

Birstall United Vixens under 13s 2-1 Asfordby Diamonds under 13s (22nd September 09)

The first league home match of the season saw Birstall take on Asfordby in an evening kick off.

Emily Jane Gordon started in goal.

Both teams knew that they were facing equal opposition and sure enough the game started with tremendous pace right from the start.

Asfordby started strongly with a run up to the Birstall goal with their number 4 and 6 players showing speed and agility with number 4 almost scoring but for the skill of Emily Jane Gordon in goal.

Birstall’s Evie Crane then made a run for Asfordby’s goal and made a good cross only for it to be wasted with no one else close enough.

The Referee was showing the girl’s just how the rules work with many blows on the whistle. One such blow ended with an Asfordby free kick which only just went over the cross bar. Birstall had had a lucky escape.

Asfordby’s number 6 made another fast run but just couldn’t score with the ball again just missing the cross bar.

The first half continued on this basis with both teams making unsuccessful attempts on goal.

HALF TIME – Birstall United 0 Asfordby Diamonds 0

Birstall’s Amy Collins was brought on for the second half and immediately her pace started to show with some great moves between her, Emily Gunn and Ella Wortley.

Ten minutes into the second half Emily Gunn ably assisted by Amy, Ella and Courtney Preston scored.

Asfordby were not however beaten and quickly responded with another attempt only for yet another close miss.

Birstall’s defensive squad of Poppy Gordon, Bailey Kay, Zoe Frearson and Emily Carnan kept Asfordby at bay powering in to Asfordby when the need arose.

With the light fading fast Emily Gunn and Amy Collins took off and headed for the goal. Asfordby’s keeper moved out and headed for Emily Gunn who took a shot only for the ball to hit the side bar rebounding to the boot of Amy Collins who with skill popped the ball into the net.

This was soon followed by Birstall’s Sarah Olsen coming on and almost scoring with the ball just trickling past the goal mouth.

With only ten minutes to go neither team gave up and Asfordby continued to harass Birstall and this was rewarded with a goal in the dying minutes of the game.

Asfordby now had a chance to equal the score however the final whistle (and the lack of light) brought the game to a finish.

FULL TIME Birstall United Vixens 2 Asfordby Diamonds 1

Birstall Scorers:
Emily Gunn (45 minutes)
Amy Collins (59 minutes)

Birstall Player of the Match: Bayley Kay (Defence)

Birstall United Vixens under 13s 6-1 Asfordby Gems under 13s (20th September 2009) County Cup First Round

A late summer sunny morning saw Birstall take on Asfordby Gems in the first round of the County Cup.

Asfordby made the first move with their number 9 quickly testing Birstall’s keeper Lucy Hayward.

Birstall soon got into their stride with Emily Gunn crossing the ball to Ella Wortley.
Poppy Gordon and Evie Crane also tested Asfordby’s keeper.

Birstall were showing the upper hand and this was rewarded fifteen minutes in when Poppy Gordon fired a shot past the keeper.

Emily Jane Gordon not to be out done by her sister also made an attempt only for the ball to skim past the wood work.

Asfordby were not out and again Birstall’s Lucy Hayward had to show her skill in stopping the ball.

Birstall again made a run for it hotly pursued by Asfordby and in a busy goal an own goal was scored by Asfordby which was awarded to Emily Jane Gordon.

Asfordby’s number 8 again made a fast run for the goal and only just missed with the ball hitting the side netting.

HALF TIME Birstall United Vixens 2 – Asfordby Gems 0

Birstall now turned up the pressure with Evie, Poppy and Emily Gunn all making attempts on goal.

Asfordby as ever didn’t stop and following a corner almost scored.

Birstall retaliated and soon put the game beyond the reach of Asfordby with three goals in a five minute spell.

The first came from Sarah Olsen’s foot with a fine lob hitting the wood work only for the rebound to hit the back of the net.

Three minutes later Poppy Gordon added her second, following a run with Emily Gunn and Ella Wortley, with the ball powering past the keeper.

Poppy then scored her third following yet more fine passing by the Birstall squad.

Evie Crane made another run for goal with the ball just missing. Emily Gunn however was not so unlucky and popped in Birstall’s sixth.

Perhaps Birstall had taken their eye off the ball when Asfordby scored to show some reward for some good play throughout the game.

A good start to Birstall’s County Cup campaign.

FULL TIME Birstall United Vixens 6 – Asfordby Gems 1

Birstall scorers:
Poppy Gordon (15, 43, 45 minutes)
Emily Jane Gordon (24 minutes)
Sarah Olsen (40 minutes)
Emily Gunn (50 minutes)

Birstall Player of the Match: Poppy Gordon
 

Oadby and Wigston Bulletts under 13s v Birstall United Vixens under 13s (6 Sep 09)

The opening fixture of the league season saw league debuts for Poppy Gordon, Emily-Jane Gordon and Evie Crane. It also saw Emily Carnan start in goal, with Lucy Hayward replacing her between the sticks in the second half.

The early exchanges were even, if a little scrappy as both sides struggled to take control of the game. Ella Wortley and Poppy linked up well to produce an early chance for Emily Gunn. A fluent Oadby and Wigston move was thwarted by an Ella Wortley tackle and a Zoe Frearson block. The home side then sprung the offside trap only for Emily-Jane Gordon to make a last gasp tackle. Neither side could unlock the opposition defence. As the half wore on, the game saw Birstall applying more pressure. Amy Collins came on to replace Evie Crane and soon forced the home keeper into conceding a corner after chasing what appeared to be a lost cause.

The deadlock was broken soon after with a trademark Emily Gunn goal, taking the ball on her chest, prodding the ball through the advancing defence and using her pace to race through and slot the ball past the keeper. Birstall then nearly doubled their lead as Amy Collins hit the side netting. Shortly before half time, Oadby and Wigston nearly levelled things with a curling left foot shot which Emily Carnan did well to save and Ella Wortley made a crucial tackle as the rebound fell to an attacker.

HALF-TIME – Oadby and Wigston 0 Birstall United 1

The first half had been fairly even, with both sides having everything still to play after the break. The next goal would be crucial, and it went to the away team after only two minutes of the second half. Efforts from Evie Crane and Poppy Gordon were blocked but Emily Gunn followed up for her, and Birstall’s second.

The home side were not out of it, with Bayley Kay having to thwart the dangerous number 9. Indeed, Oadby and Wigston pulled a deserved goal back after tenacious work by the number 4 created an opening for the number 9 which she converted with aplomb.

Courtney Preston took on an increasingly influential role in midfield, and Evie Crane was just unable to take advantage as the home keeper came rushing out of her goal and misjudging the bounce.

The game went away from the home side in a two-minute spell when they conceded twice to the irrepressible Emily Gunn. First, she gathered a clearance from the keeper, powered through the centre of the defence for her hat-trick. She then pounced on defensive uncertainty to nab her fourth.

The scoring finished with a much-deserved goal for Poppy Gordon who had combined strength and skill in midfield throughout. She ghosted in at the far post to meet an intelligent ball from Sarah Olsen and plant the ball in the far corner.

An excellent start to the season for the Vixens.

FULL-TIME Oadby and Wigston 1 Birstall United 5

Birstall scorers:
Emily Gunn (4)
Poppy Gordon
Birstall player of the match: Emily Gunn

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