AFC Bournemouth
To wrap up the first half of the season just before Christmas, AFC Bournemouth girls’ under-10s, under-12s, under-14s and under-16s visited Swindon Town FC.
All four youth age groups were in action across the day, representing the Cherries for the final time in 2017.
The under-10s game was a competitive affair, with debutant Kayleigh putting in an exceptional performance in goal for the youngest Cherries side. The girls showed off what they had been learning in training this half of the season and showed some strong defending throughout the match. As ever, it was a very pleasing performance from AFC Bournemouth’s under-10s.
Meanwhile, the under-12s played two fixtures against Swindon Town under-11 and under-12 sides. Starting with the game against the eldest age group, the Cherries found it difficult to get started and were 2-0 down after some well executed passages of play from Swindon.
However, AFC Bournemouth did manage to get themselves into the game, as they found an opening through Maya, who struck the ball well to find the back of the net. It was Maya again, when the equaliser came, as she got on the end of the rebound from another shot.
AFC Bournemouth worked hard to try and find a third goal to get themselves in front, however Swindon Town capitalised on a quick counter attacked to steal the win in the dying moments of the game.
Following the match, the under-12s played again, this time against Swindon’s under-11 side. To start the game, the Cherries were much more attacking and worked well to get the ball through the thirds of the pitch effectively.
Zara, from the under-10s joined the older age group for this fixture and made quite the impression as she secured the win for AFC Bournemouth with a well struck corner which found the back of the net. At the other end of the pitch, Maddie, in goal, and Imogen and India defended well to prevent any Swindon attacks result in a goal.
The afternoon saw the under-14s and under-16s face Swindon Town FC for their fixtures, with the former playing two games. Their first game was against Swindon’s under-13s, with the Cherries starting brightly. However, the girls found it difficult to get into any passing rhythms and sustain long periods of pressure.
As the game progressed Swindon took control and created several opportunities, eventually running out as 2-0 winners. In the second game, the under-14s changed their playing structure and produced an excellent team performance.
A solid defence gave them a base to launch quick attacks. Lucy C., who was playing up from the under-12s was able to get on the end of such moves to score two goals for the Cherries, leading to a 2-0 victory.
In the final game of the day, AFC Bournemouth’s under-16 girls faced an enthusiastic Swindon side.
The Cherries found it difficult to get into an early rhythm of play, however the match was played at a high tempo and both sides came close to scoring several times in the early stages.
