Maroons go down fighting

The Under-16 Girls Development Maroons met this afternoon for their first game of the season against Inverleith Ocelots at warm and sunny East Fettes.

Inverleith pressed from the outset and pegged the Maroons back in their own half for much of the opening ten minutes, but a lovely angled pass out of defence was quickly played through midfield and found Ellen Robertson who struck a lovely shot for the opener.

The defence held firm under pressure until the 20th minute when Inverleith at last capitalised on their possession and equalised with a low angled shot inside Emma’s far post. Eight minutes later, we were behind when, after a bit of a scramble inside the D following a short corner decision, the ball slid past everybody and into the goal.

The half-time whistle came shortly after and we went in 2-1 down, but certainly still in touch.

Coach Jo gathered everyone in the goal and analysed with the girls where we felt we were strong and weak. Team tactics set, the second half got underway.

We started well and after some good play and slick passing through midfield, Jude struck a lovely shot which went agonisingly the wrong side of the post. Not long after, we went closer still when the ball struck the upright and was cleared by a defender after an almighty scramble when no fewer than three players had shots at goal repelled by the Ocelots keeper and defence.

With four minutes remaining, we found ourselves 3-1 down. After successfully defending a series of short corners, our resistance was broken when the ball broke and was tucked away just inside the post by an Ocelots attacker.

All was not lost as we broke from defence with great speed and precision and Jude tucked a lovely shot past their keeper after a glorious feint and turn inside the D.

We almost snatched a draw at the death when a short corner was struck agonisingly past the post.

So, a 3-2 defeat, but some great performances and a lovely day for it.

Well done to Neve Jardine, Ellie Hall, Jude Walker, Emma Brien, Katie Stott, Ellen Robertson, Cara Buttery, Millie Wilson, Alisa Gibb, Ellie Simpson, Charlie Webster, Ella Rubenstein, Thea Jones, Emilia Henry and Isla Anderson. Thanks also to Coach Jo for her help and advice on the day.

Derek Brien.
Under-16 Girls Development Squad Manager