The Under 12’s started the 2018 with a well-earned point against Barnsley at Storthes Hall although they fully deserved all 3.

 

Town dominated the game for the first half and found themselves 1-0 up after 9 minutes when good work from Molly Firth and Maddie Hall worked the ball to Ella Rejiba at the edge of the box who fired home a screamer from 18 yards.

 

The back 4 remained solid throughout led firmly by MOM Erin Fawcett at the heart of the Terriers defence.  Barnsley rarely threatened while Town played the ball around the pitch superbly showing great composure, working the ball from back to front.

 

Striker Hannah Burgess was out marked by 2 or 3 Barnsley defenders every time she received the ball in the final third but this was creating space for the midfield to get up in support. Mia Yates, Firth, Jess Radley and Burgess all went close before half time but there were no clear cut chances for Town to capitalise on.

 

HT 1-0

 

Grace Redfern in the Town goal was replaced at half time. Having had minimal touches the poor stopper was forced off due to the extreme wintery conditions so Rejiba volunteered to take her place between the sticks.

 

The second half started the same way it ended but Town just couldn’t get the final touch on numerous occasions in the Barnsley box with Radley, Scarlett Short and Martha Taylor-Williams in particular linking up well for most of the attacking play.

 

Disy Turner and Taylor-Williams saw long range efforts stopped by the opposition keeper but Barnsley got their equaliser 15 minutes from the end. Town defended brilliantly putting bodies on the line but couldn’t do anything as the ball fell kindly to the Barnsley striker 6 yards out to finish low into the corner.

 

Town gave everything they had left but couldn’t quite find the clinical edge to snatch all 3 points.

 

A good start and a solid performance to start off the year and lots to build on.

 

FT: HTLFC 1-1 Barnsley

 

Scorer: Rejiba

MOM: Erin Fawcett