75 girls teams from across the North East of England arrived at the Brayton Belles tournament in Selby in advance of what turned out to be a great showcase for girl’s football.
The opening fixture of the day saw Mill Lane United Blues under 13’s make a tentative start against a well organised Poppleton, who, despite Mill Lane United being on top for most of the game, took an opportunity well to open the scoring. From the restart, the ball was passed back to Millie Sharp who hit a thunderous shot that found the top corner and gave the Poppleton keeper no chance; scores level again after 5 seconds.
The second match for Mill Lane United was another hard-fought affair against Guisley with some great football from both teams. Neither side managed to break the deadlock thanks in part to a strong performance from the Mill Lane United defensive partnership of Lauren Hartley and Olivia Johnson.
After lunch Mill Lane United moved up a gear giving a well spirited Brooklyn side no chances and scoring 5 with some excellent passing play and clinical finishing from captain Abbie Longley, Amelia Hodgeson and the ever dangerous centre forward Millie Sharp.
Mill Lane United’s final group game against the host’s Brayton Belles was going to be a challenge. Coming off the back of some good results, Belles were in a confident frame of mind and in no mood to give Mill Lane United an easy time. Mill Lane United, however, had grown in confidence too and edged in front with a typical Millie Sharp strike before Hannah Gray produced her best goal of the season to make it 2-0 at the final whistle.
So to the knockout phase with a tie against Scarborough who defended well and kept Mill Lane United at bay for the duration, taking the game to a penalty shootout. Some solid penalties and an outstanding performance in the Mill Lane United goal from Jess Wright saw Mill Lane United progress to the Semi Final at the expense of a very hard-working Scarborough.
The Semi Final was a repeat of the day’s opening fixture with Mill Lane United lining up once more against Poppleton. Following the earlier draw, this time Mill Lane United controlled the game from the start and frustrated Poppleton with some excellent link up play and had most of the possession. Five minutes in the constant pressure told and Mill Lane United took the lead when Millie Sharp headed home a fine cross from the left boot of the outstanding Amy Dodds. Mill Lane United now needed to press on and soon doubled their advantage as Amelia Hodgson rose above the Poppleton defence to head a bullet into the back of the Poppleton net. This, however, is a class side and to their credit, Poppleton came back at Mill Lane United with a goal in the last minute, and another with the last kick of the ball, taking Mill Lane United to a penalty shootout for the second time in two matches. Same routine, the same result. In sudden-death Caitlin, Purcell stepped up confidently to send Mill Lane United through to the final.
In the tournament, final Mill Lane United lined up against an unbeaten Castleford side that showed just why they were there right from the kick off. End to end play and great defending from both teams meant this game was only going to go one way, penalties!
Now in the ‘penalty groove’ Mill Lane United approached the tie breaker with confidence and were determined not to fall at the final hurdle. Scoring the first three well and with Jess Wright pulling off two saves it was left to Lauren Hartley to seal a fantastic tournament win for Mill Lane United Blues under 13’s.
This was a great team performance in a well organised tournament, Mill Lane United would like to extend their thanks to the organisers.
Mill Lane United Blues have recently relocated to Winifred Holtby school and are looking for new players to join this highly successful team. If you are in current year 7 or 8 and would like to join call Jim Hartley on 07798 684385.
