Another beautiful morning of football beckoned, with the sun shining over some fantastic facilities at Flitwick Community Football Centre, where the Panthers met the Eagles for their fourth league match this season.

The Flitwick Eagles U10s, looking smart in their blue and white kit, started strong, with an early attempt on goal in the opening minutes of the quarter. Clearly one look at Ava’s strong stance in goal was enough to put them off and it went sailing well wide.

The Panthers were quick to rally and some great dribbling up the pitch from Scarlett to Rosie meant a first go on goal, but the Eagles goalkeeper made the save. The Eagles got it back, but some excellent blocking from Niamh, along with some great tactical defensive play from Ivy meant that Rosie got another great opportunity through on goal. Sadly, she was thwarted again. However, third time is always a charm, and Rosie was determined. Her brilliant footwork came good and she banged a beautiful shot in to get the first goal of the match.

Flitwick came back strong but some great tactical defending from Niamh and a wonderful block from Quinn meant they didn’t get too far, with the Panthers putting pressure on all the time. So good to see the training the girls have been working hard on being put into practice.

Some lovely teamwork with great passing play from Floss, Ivy and Scarlett in midfield kept the ball heading in the right direction, but the Eagles soared back to life with a blistering run up and a shot on goal. Ava jumped up to meet it and tip over the bar, showing her cool-as-a-cucumber moves and experience at reading the game perfectly.

The Eagles came back fighting in the second quarter, but the Panthers were unperturbed with Olivia showing some lovely ball control. A corner kick threatened the Panthers goal but Ava made a great block, supported by Evie and Niamh who got the ball out and away as soon as they could.

Ava again showed her experience and fantastic keeper skills by coming out the meet the ball every time it came close, thwarting any attempts from the Eagles.

A brilliant run up the pitch from Maddie showed that she meant business and minutes later, she got her goal.

The Eagles came back fighting, putting Ava’s skills to the test again as she made some brilliant saves and got it back out to the middle of the pitch, which gave Maddie the opportunity to keep pushing, making some epic runs up to try and get another goal. Her persistence paid off and she banged another one in with a celebratory move afterwards that shows her gymnastic skills are just as good as her footballing ones – nice one Maddie!
The second half was a definite mixed bag with both teams working really hard to score. There was a flurry of activity wherever you were looking. Maddie had another go at a strike, but didn’t quite make it. Scarlett made a great ball in from a corner kick but it didn’t find a player to put it in the back of the net.

The Eagles rallied and managed to score their first, which was an unlucky bounce off a wet pitch.

The Panthers fought back with great determination and Scarlett had two good shots on goal which just went wide. Another fast-as-lightening run in from Maddie resulted in another goal for the Panthers, followed soon after by Rosie to help cement the score line for the girls.

The Flitwick goalkeeper had her work cut out and made two more great saves, which gave the Eagles a boost and showing their fighting spirit. There was some great defensive teamwork in front of our goal and a lovely intercept from Scarlett which went up the pitch to Maddie and Rosie, who really kept the pressure on.

The Panthers didn’t rest on their laurels in the last quarter – if anything, they fought harder which was a joy to watch. Floss and Maddie threatened the goal area consistently, supported with some great blocking and battling from Scarlett and intelligent defending from Ivy. Floss made it through and scored another for the Panthers.

Flitwick battled back with a determined run up the pitch but the shot went wide and the Panthers soon got it back with another great run from Rosie. Quinn, Ivy and Scarlett kept battling hard, making some great interceptions and working brilliantly together to pressure the Eagles goalkeeper. A great ball in led to us getting a lucky goal past the Eagles, quietly helped in by Ivy.

What a great match to watch – the Panthers showed some intelligent and tactical play today, and showed us how well they are developing week on week. Congratulations Panthers - we’re so proud of you all, keep on having fun and enjoying your football together.

Maddie was awarded player of the match today for her super attitude, boundless energy and hungry desire for goals!.