Aylsham reflect on season

Despite a first-ever cup final appearance, Aylsham U14 Girls (sponsored by Smith and Pinching) have had another tough year. Relegated from the top division last year, and then re-instated on a technicality, the girls have lacked the confidence that only a few wins can bring.

Despite a first-ever cup final appearance, Aylsham U14 Girls (sponsored by Smith and Pinching) have had another tough year.

Relegated from the top division last year, and then re-instated on a technicality, the girls have lacked the confidence that only a few wins can bring.

Next year, with relegation following two wins and two draws in 18 matches, they can expect to play regularly against the type of team that they beat in their cup run.

The team welcomed two newcomers at the beginning of the season: Vicky S had been a striker, but had not played competitively for two years; and defender Bethie moved from a local team that folded. Both looked short on match-practice, but grew in confidence very swiftly and ended the season as two of the most consistent performers.

At the presentation evening, Bethie won Most Improved Player and Vicky S Manager's Player.

Aylsham were also very pleased to welcome Chloe, who moved mid-season in the first-ever transfer - the fee remains 'undisclosed'!

Aylsham were unlucky to lose captain Vicky L, first to representing Norfolk in another sport, and then to a broken finger sustained when standing in at keeper in a friendly.

Other senior players enjoyed more luck: Grace scoring 15 times in 21 matches; and vice-captain Jamie scoring 17 in 19.

In fact, the team went into the cup final having scored in every game since November, and with Jamie on a personal run of goals in each of her last seven games. A large part of the success of the team has been due to Players' Player Lizzie.

The highlight of the season was on Saturday May 9, when the team played their best game of the season in the Subsidiary Cup final against North Walsham.

After finishing normal time at 0-0, North Walsham edged Aylsham out in extra time 1-0.

It was a typically battling performance from a group of girls that carried on working for each other to the very end! Congratulations on well-deserved trophies!

Bethie (19 appearances), Chloe (13, 2 goals), Emily (20), Grace (21, 15), Jamie (19, 17), Lisa (20, 2), Lizzie (19, 4), Naomi (20), Sarah (16), Vicky L (12), Vicky S (20, 4).

The team is grateful to the U13 girls who gave up some 'free' Saturdays to play for the team: Hannah (1), Lauren (3, 1), Mary (5, 1), and Shannon (1).