Wow, what a performance, what a team!
Despite some injuries in the 24 hours leading up to the game which meant two players missed out; the girls stood up and put in an outstanding performance to put Girls’ Model into the semi finals of the Schools’ U16s NI Cup.
It was a match of high-quality, in the biggest school football competition in Northern Ireland. Girls’ Model edged out Dominican College with a 3-2 victory at Ballysillan Leisure Centre. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the resilience and determination of both teams. It was the Girls’ Model who started the stronger, with plenty of controlled pressure on the DC back line, but a long ball caught us out to go 1-0 behind. Our students responded well and didn’t let that goal hamper them, deservedly drawing level with a fantastic free kick from Charley. The Girls’ Model continued to work the ball around the box but couldn’t find a clear chance before half time, with the score 1-1.
The second half saw much of the same, with Girls’ Model having more possession and creating chance’s but again it was DC who took to lead from a corner, with a ball that fell luckily to one of there players who tapped it home to give them a 2-1 lead. BMSG again put the pressure on the DC defense with shots from Louisa and Chloe getting good saves from the goalkeeper but it was another shot from Charley that drew the sides level at 2-2 and nothing less than the girls deserved. With extra time looming the decisive match winning moment came when the Girls’ Model team, who were the more aggressive side, pressured the midfield of DC; won the ball back and with 3 minutes to go got a deserved lead for the first time in the match, with Charley completing her hat-trick! The girls dug even deeper to hold on for the win, controlling the ball in the final minutes. All the girls played so well individually and as a team and worked their socks off but special praise goes to hat-trick hero Charley with some great finishing and Olivia who played her first game at right back and never gave DC’s attacking players anything all game. This match exemplified the fast progress of girls football with both sides displaying commendable skill, hard work and tenacity and was a joy to watch for those that came to watch.
We will play Portadown College in the semi final at a date and time to be confirmed.
Well done, everyone at Girls’ Model is proud of you!
Mr Potts
