Girls U13

Lichfield Diamonds 2 v 0 Barton Rovers

Diamonds were a little lactustre in front of goal today with lots of wasted chances, but hard work and exceptional defending meant that they kept a clean sheet. Rhianna Cleverley, Jade Butler and Hannah Brickett Haycock excelled today and prevented Barton from having a single shot on target.
Millie Fletcher scored a great free kick after Ellie Lewis was fouled on the edge of the box and Chelsea Czekeryla made in 2-0 in the second half after the best move of the game - A great run from Charlotte Jarvis, from her own half, gave her the time and space to play a quick one-two with Ellie Lewis who crossed low into the box. A composed turn and shot from Chelsea nestled into the bottom corner.
Lichfield Diamonds 7 v 0 Barton Rovers
After a long lay off from league action, Diamonds wasted no time in getting on the score-sheet. Inside the first minute, a smart Diamonds move on the break culminated in a sweet volley from Megan Brindley after Danni Oxley made the keeper work.
Shortly after, Chelsea scored an exceptional individual goal after taking on two defenders before finding the top corner. At this stage in the game Diamonds were having lots of shots on target which is exactly what the coach had asked for at kick off.
It was soon 3-0 from an Oxley corner which hit a defender and crept in under pressure. The fourth and final goal of the half went to Megan Brindley after a richochet fell kindly for her in the box and she volleyed home. Diamonds looked comfortable but at half time seemed complacent and it showed for the first 10 minutes in the second half, giving away possession a little too easily in the final third.
Fortunately, the strong defence stood firm and prevented any real threat. MOM Hannah B-H was particularly prominent. Diamonds did switch back on eventually with Oxley finding the net first in the second half, again across the keeper.
Ellie Lewis (opponent MOM) scored next after a skillful run and making the correct decision to be selfish this time!
Last on the score-sheet, and to cap a fine debut, was Hannah Yousaf who scored a superb long ranger.
Lichfield Diamonds 8 v 0 Burntwood Phoenix
Diamonds were not at the races for the first 10 minutes and, although they defended well throughout the match and Burntwood didn't even have a single shot on target, could not break the deadlock. After the first goal from captain Chelsea Czekeryla though, the whole squad (and spectators) breathed a sigh of relief as the flood gates finally opened. Ellie Lewis and Chelsea then proceded to take it in turns to slot home. Chelsea netting another 2 to get her hatrick and Ellie bettering her by 1 to score a fantastic 4. Megan Brindley found the net last of all after tirelessly working hard throughout the game. Dani Oxley & Hannah Yousaf continue to show there versatility with several players switching positions.
Mention must go to defenders Rhianna Cleverley and Hannah Brickett-Haycock who played simply out of defence to counter attack. Jade Butler had a rare appearance in goal for the second half where she did fantastically.
Lichfield Diamonds 2 v 0 Chasetown FC
Diamonds U13 bought the curtain down on 2011 in fine style, a good all round team performance saw them replace Chasetown at the top of the league table. The City girls would have gone
in front in the first minute but for the keeper pulling off a good save which she went on to repeat on several occasions. Eventually Diamonds' hard work and patience got its reward when Megan Brindley fired home from just inside the box.
At 1- 0 Chasetown were always in with a shout and it took a fantastic save from Danni Oxley to push a ball heading into the top corner onto the post and to safety. The second half followed the same pattern with Diamonds pressing for the all important 2nd goal and Chasetown looking dangerous on the break. Jade Butler had an outstanding game at right back and winger Ellie Lewis worked hard to support both attack and defence. More good saves from the visitors keeper kept Diamonds out but she could do nothing as Millie Fletcher rifled one onto the top corner to make the points safe.
MOM's Megan Brindley and Jade Butler
Burntwood Phoenix 0 v 4 Lichfield Diamonds
Diamonds quickly took charge of this game, playing some great football for the entire hour. Some great, no-nonsense defending when necessary and some smart passing and interchange through midfield and up top, it really was a pleasure to watch.
It was soon 1-0 after some great work from midfield to play Megan Brindley in. A great decison to shoot first time caught the keeper out of position, nestling the ball firmly into the bottom corner.
Millie Fletcher dazzled and danced her way past the Burntwood defenders to score a fantastically taken hat-trick which was fully deserved for her hard work, pressure and great decision making. The "box of tricks she'd obviously had for Christmas" proved priceless as her shooting boots were firmly back on and she stole the show.
Top of the league and no goals conceded - Thanks to a fantastically timed Rhianna challenge late on - well done girls :)
Only one MOM this week, picked from both teams' managers - Millie Fletcher.
Lichfield Diamonds 1 v 0 Chasetown FC
In a blustery encounter, Diamonds came away with the spoils in this top of the table clash, although the wind prevented Diamonds playing thier usual flowing football, they still created the better chances and had several first half shots flash by the post and will be relishing the move onto bigger pitches with bigger goals. Eventually the pressure told when the Town keeper fumbled a Chelsea Czeckerlya shot Ellie Lewis pounced to bundle the loose ball over the line for the only goal of the game. This moved Diamonds 3 points clear at the top with a game in hand.
A good, solid debut from Molly Jowett and fine individual and unit performances from the defenders ensured Diamonds held onto the points, Rhianna Cleverley (MOM) and Jade Butler both impressed. Congratualtions on a great team performance girls :)
Barton Rovers 0 v 1 Lichfield Diamonds
On a large, boggy, hard going pitch Diamonds were unable to make a difference to the scoresheet whilst attacking uphill. However, some good football was played in parts against a team happy to defend in numbers in their own half.
Diamonds showed great team spirit and hard work, especially in defence, where Rhianna Cleverley excelled once again. Jade Butler and Hannah B-H also played well in a rock steady performance which we have now become expectant of.
A fingertip push in the first half from Danni Oxley kept Diamonds in it and their goal record in tact as Barton had their only real shot on target. Diamonds had their own chances in the first 30 minutes, with debutant Nicole Ward closest to finding the net.
Some great battling all over the pitch saw Molly Jowett claim MOM and it was after her hard work that the ball broke to Ellie Lewis on the edge of the area. She turned on a sixpence (old money for you young ones!) and danced her way though several defenders before crucially sliding the ball low into the corner.
A great result and a fantastic defensive display once again. Well done girls :)