Billericay Town Girls Blue U12’s v Buckhurst Hill Lionesses U12’s 25/09/22
As Hugh McIlvanney almost certainly never wrote, at a time of great turmoil with inflation rampant and the pound tanking, seek solace in U12s football.
For those turning out in Billericay on a sunny, Sunday September morning, it is just as well they never read such advice. On a pitch familiar from recent tournament success at the end of last summer this display struck more pot holes than a drive through Buckhurst Hill.
After a bright start and dominating play, the Lionesses scored a deserved opener following a stramash in the box, with several players having efforts at goal and one dancing out the way when any touch seemed a certain goal. In the end it was Zoe that forced the ball over the line.
However, that lead was quickly squandered when following a foot race and some argy-bargy the teams were back on level terms. And that is how they went in at halftime.
In the second half the Lionesses again had great possession stats and even the shots on goal number was ticking along. However, Billericay continued to ask questions and from a corner midway through the half the Lionesses forgot the answer and found themselves 2-1 down. Still they battled on and brought out more saves from the opposition goalkeeper and also saw one effort come back off the bar.
At this point, the opposition parents were remarking that the Lionesses deserved to be level and there was much praise for the touch and control of Buckhurst Hill’s number 6, Emily.
Despite this the final goal was not a leveller but Billericay extending their lead. The Lionesses kept going but were left to rue those missed changes in the first half.
By Stuart Wright
