Our U13 Girls Football team had a demanding schedule this Tuesday, taking on two back-to-back fixtures in a single evening after having a number of matches postponed due to the torrential rain we've been having. Their first match saw them face a very capable side from Cowes Enterprise College.

From kick-off, the Carisbrooke girls played a fantastic game, showing great tactical discipline and defensive strength. They kept the pressure on throughout the match, carving out several clear-cut opportunities. While a number of well-placed shots were unfortunately denied by a very strong Cowes goalkeeper, the girls' persistence eventually paid off.

Esme showed great composure to find the back of the net, providing a well-deserved highlight for the team. While the final score ended 4-1 to Cowes, the scoreline was not a true reflection of how closely contested the match was or the high level of effort our girls maintained until the final whistle.

In their second match of a demanding back-to-back evening, our U13 Girls took to the full-length pitch to face Christ the King. Despite a few tired legs from their previous game against Cowes and the challenge of the pouring rain, the Carisbrooke girls displayed incredible work rate and determination from start to finish.

The match was a thrilling, end-to-end encounter with both sides playing some excellent football. A special mention must go to Amelia, who stepped up for the team by putting on the goalkeeper gloves. She looked confident from the first whistle and made a series of fantastic saves to keep us in the hunt. Maisie was a constant threat, driving the ball forward time after time and testing the keeper with three powerful shots on target before finally finding the back of the net. Esme continued her fine form, showing great instinct to follow up and score yet again. Sadly, it was only in the last 6 minutes that we let the Christ the King attackers slip through our defence to score two very last minute goals to make the final score 5-2. 

To see such energy and quality in the final minutes of a long, wet evening was truly inspiring. Throughout this season, our U13 girls have frequently tested themselves against more experienced Year 8 sides, a challenge that has accelerated their growth and resilience on the pitch.

This exposure to higher-level competition will prove invaluable, as the experience gained this year is already building a foundation of confidence for the future. Despite the results not always going our way, these girls have been in fine form all season, keeping up-beat and positive. The only downside has to be their singing voices in the minibus on the way home.