The Cawston Red Rose FC girls played away at Open Academy, Norwich, on Saturday 20 January with a scratch team owing to two players being injured and a further two unwell.

With no substitutes available and the team shuffled around to fill the gaps, each player knew they would have to be at their very best to get any result.

The first half was dominated by the Red Rose girls restricting the Academy to shots from well outside the penalty area and conceding only one corner in the half.

Goalkeeper Betty did not have to make a single save during the half while the Academy keeper was kept busy and made several saves to keep the score to 0-0 at half-time.

Red Rose changed their goalkeeper for the second half and the match continued in the same vein, with defenders Evie and Amanda comfortably dealing with any forward runs by the Academy.

New keeper Daisy had to make only one save during the half as Red Rose again dominated, with the Academy keeper making save after save to keep them in the game.

Finally, mid-way through the half, Bea slotted the ball in for the first goal of the match, with further excellent strikes by Jessica, Bea, Della and Betty, all saved.

At the final whistle the Red Rose girls had at least got their well-deserved three points for a win in a match absolutely bossed, despite the single goal scoreline. Final score: Open Academy 0, Red Rose 1.

Left to right: Opposition choice for player of the match, goal scorer and referee’s choice for player of the match. Photo: Red Rose FC

Red Rose are looking for some extra junior school-age players to be in the squad for next season. You don’t have to be a great footballer yet (although we don’t mind if you are).

If you think you would like to take part please contact us. You will train with the all-girls team to improve your skills until you are confident to play with us; next season you could be part of the team.

For further information, contact Paul Willmott on 07926 004994.