Sunday 4 October saw the first Derby derby of the 2020-21 season, the regular fixture that will see Rising Stars U12 Girls Youth play Rising Stars U12 Girls Colts, in what is now known as the Derby derby Shield!
It was a really competitive and entertaining game that had coaches and spectators gripped. The fixture took place on a sunny Sunday morning at the new ground shared by both teams (St Ed's Jackman's Fields), using the newly purchased 9v9 goals (thanks to the Football Foundation). There were lots of chances on goal for both teams, but late in the first half the U12 Girls Youth went ahead with a cross in from the right that evaded three Colts defenders before being stroked into the back of the net by Bea Fa, with an assist from Grace.
Undeterred, the Colts started the second half very strong, and after numerous chances were unlucky to equalise. But the Youth squad had dug deep to protect their lead. There were some great 1v1 battles in different areas of the pitch, in a game that was testament to how both squads are committed to their football and can raise their game when they need to.
It ended with the U12 Youth the victors - coach Kathryn awarding the shield to Connie, their captain. Bring on the next Derby derby!
Kathryn
