Binfield Wildcats Girls Football - Under 10's - Season 2007/2008

The Binfield Wild Cats played their first “friendly” match of the season at the Maidenhead Boys & Girls FC ground on Sunday 17th September. Their opponents, the Maidenhead Girls. The intended fixture was to have been a home game at Stubbs Lane against “Kennet Valley FC Girls”. However, due to Kennet Valley team complications, the Maidenhead match was arranged as an alternative by coach Steve Rushin. 

The first half seemed to last forever, with plenty of stoppage time added. Although lengthy, the Wild Cats played a consistent game, ensuring that the possession of the ball was pretty much equal between the two teams. Despite the initial goal by the Maidenhead Girls, the Wild Cats maintained their focus, culminating in an excellent equaliser (Binfield’s first goal of the season). This was scored by Georgie, who ran the ball into space, past the defence and subsequently into the Maidenhead net. The ensuing excitement on the pitch was equalled by that of the Binfield supporters. The first half also gave Steve the opportunity to play two of the more junior players, Josie and Holly. 
Half Time Score Maidenhead Girls 1 – Wild Cats 1

The second half maintained the pace of the first half. The Wild Cats continued applying the pressure to Maidenhead, whilst maintaining a good defence. A draw was looking likely until the Maidenhead Girls managed to get behind the Binfield players, and score their second goal in the twenty second, and final minute of the second half. A close match, that should have ended in a draw.
Final Score Maidenhead Girls 2 – Wild Cats 1

A good game showing the strengths of the Binfield Wild Cats, who continue to develop their skills. Although recognised as scoring the Goal, Georgie narrowly missed out on the new “Wild Cat of the Match” trophy, which was awarded to Ellie, the team Goalie. 
Go Wild Cats!

After forming as a team this summer, the Binfield Wild Cats played their inaugural match at the South Reading FC ground on Sunday 9th September, making history for Binfield FC as the first Girls Youth team. Their opponents, the established South Reading Vixens. In 2006/2007 the South Reading Vixen’s Under 9’s team lost only three of their 24 matches, had a goal average of 3.8, and conceded only 7 goals.

 Steve Rushin (team coach/manager), had all of his eleven strong squad available on Sunday. The team looked great in their new bright red Binfield F.C. football kit.  

The first half was an energetic display by both teams, with an early attempt on the Wild Cats goal after the first five minutes. This was brilliantly saved by the team goalie, who would further prove her abilities during the match. After the first fifteen minutes Steve replaced Rachel, Beth and Polly with Imogen, Georgina and Georgia to ensure that energy levels on the pitch remained high. During the first half Imogen, Sophie & Georgie played up front, allowing the team captain several good attempts at the Vixen goal.

The Vixens continued to keep the majority of the play out of their half, culminating in them scoring two goals in the last few minutes, despite the good defensive efforts of the Wild Cats.

 Half Time Score Vixens 2 – Wild Cats 0

The first five minutes of the second half saw the third goal from the Vixens who maintained the pressure by keeping the Wild Cats in their own half. Georgie was substituted for Chloe. Another high goal from the Vixens gave them their fourth of the match. Shortly after Chloe was slightly injured by a blow to the head by the ball, and was substituted by Sian. Ellie continued to valiantly fend off attacks from the Vixens, supported by her defence. Despite those great efforts the Vixens managed a fifth goal. The remaining ten minutes saw a few more substitutions to ensure the girls earned a deserved rest. Indeed there was an exciting change in the final stages as the Wild Cats took the game to the Vixens end, and had several attempts at goal. 

Final Score Vixen 8 – Wild Cats 0

A good first match for the Wild Cats who fended off a number of goal attempts from the Vixens, and completed their first time as playing as a team. The team captain Georgie played a particularly good game, but “Wild Cats Girl of the Match” was identified as the team Goalie – Ellie.
Go Wild Cats!

 Report by Lee Hains

Women's' Football