Central Warwickshire League Under 16s League Cup

Aston Villa 4 Wyrley 4 – Wyrley win 3-1 on penalties after extra time.

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Wow! What a game of football – one to ensure the manager loses his hair and tests his heart strength!

After celebrating at their Christmas party the night before, Wyrley were lethargic in the first half and before the cob webs were shaken off were 4 – 0 down from three long range efforts and a free kick – all from the same Villa player to give them a deserved lead. Wyrley pulled one back when Cath Davis hit home from 25 yards. After a half time ‘discussion’ the girls came out in the second half to put the poor first half show behind them. Hayley Turner smashed one home after 2 minutes of the restart and the Villa nerves started to show. Wyrley were now dominant and the defence of Holly Scott, Emily Downes, Jess Brookes and Amy Marshall now keeping the sporadic attacks at bay. Hayley moved inside to get more of the ball, with Jemma Clews and Beth Crook passing well despite the muddy conditions. With time running out the hard running Laura Cumberledge burst through only for her shot to hit a post – fortunately it rebounded nicely for Rachel Hall to hit home.

It was now like the Alamo, with wave after wave of Wyrley attacking. With the manager packing his medical bag as the seconds ticked away, Cath latched onto a loose ball, steering the ball inside the post to prompt delirious scenes. The referee blew the whistle to indicate extra time one second after Villa kicked off – it was that close!

20 minutes of end to end play led to nothing – sending the game to penalties.

Cath and Hayley scored, with Nia making two excellent saves, leading to Rachel stepping up confidently to smash the ball into the top corner to clinch a place in the quarter finals.

Girls – fantastic effort to come back from 4-0 down – the Manager and parents are extremely proud of all of you – Well Done!!

Keith Hardy

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