17 Apr 2008 - Copleston Under 13’s V St John’s U13’s – Match Report

An early evening kick-off saw the ballet for the final Champions League spot in the division. Copleston needed to avoid defeat to finish fourth.

The match kicked off on a sunny but cold evening and Cops got off to the perfect start when Ashleigh fired one in from just inside the penalty area. The match was very open and both teams going from end to end. St Johns equalised and then took the lead. This was going to be a tough game with St Johns looking a lot better then the first time we played them.

Half Time – Copleston 1 – St Johns 2

The half time team talk was based on the Cops giving everything for the last half hour of the season. The sky blues were working hard with Jazzy and Beth giving their all. Injuries started to take their toll with Kelly and Beth struggling and having to come off for a period of time. St Johns scored again and quickly followed in up to make it 4-1 before Ashleigh pulled one back for the Cops. St Johns scored a fifth to put the match seemingly out of reach. The girls were flagging after a hard fought game.

Then a Liverpoolesque comeback nearly happened. Kelly scored one of the goals of the season against her old team to make it 5-3. Then straight from the kick off Ashleigh completed her hat-trick. Cops had scored two goals in the last minute. Was an amazing comeback going to rescue that Champions league spot? Then with the clock ticking down Mema was through on goal. She shot and it just grazed the post and then the final whistle went.

Full Time – Copleston 4 – St Johns 5

Credit to both teams for a cracking match and a fitting finale to the season. The girls have worked really hard this season and it looks like they are all coming back for more next year. They have been a pleasure to work with and a credit to their parents.

Let’s see if we can get ourselves some silverware in the tournaments.

Come on the Copz