UNDER 17S AT KINGS LYNN

 
After the previous weeks clean sweep of wins the under 17s travelled to Kings Lynn hoping for some more good performances although they knew the opposition would be tougher this time.
 
All started well in the first match with some good passing and excellent defending helping the team achieve a comfortable 8 -1 victory over the Bury Ladies team (scorers Michael Hart 3, Sam Arnold 2, Hannah Barrow, Dan Salisbury and Simon Thompson).
 
The second match against the hosts was a tight affair with never more than one goal between the teams although it was Kings Lynn who always got their nose in front. Ely had many more chances than their opposition but just couldn’t convert enough. With the scores sat at 4 -3 down with a couple of minutes to go Ely tried everything to equalise. Even with strong vocal support from the Ely crowd, the opposition goalkeeper and the posts kept the shots out with the final whistle coming too soon (scorer  Hart 3)
 
The third match pitted Ely against Peterborough who they had beaten the previous week. Peterborough however had a stronger squad this time including their England under 17s captain . Ely started well but again couldn’t convert their chances. Meanwhile at the other end despite good goalkeeping Ely found themselves 3 – 0 down at half time. The second half proved to one of the highlights of the season as Ely upped the tempo and began to pass the ball around and create several chances. Well taken goals by Salisbury and Hart gave them hope with James Bayes in goal keeping out the few Peterborough shots they were allowed. With the players and crowd unaware of how much time was left, an excellent pass was converted by Hannah Barrow seconds before the horn went for a well deserved draw much to the delight of the Ely supporters.
 
In the final match Ely played a strong Cottenham side and it was the oppositions ‘imported’ players who shone with superb stops from their Kent goalkeeper and excellent forward play from their player who had travelled all the way from Manchester to play. Whilst again Ely had much of the play and several chances they couldn’t find the net and lost 4 – 0.
 
Overall the team were well pleased with their performances with the only downside being missing all 6 penalties they were awarded and a direct free hit, suggesting the day could have been much better.