It was a red-letter day for Dereham Wanderers U12 Girls when they played a team from West Ham Girls in front of a crowd of over 100 people.Manager Lindsay Vallis said: “This has been a tremendous day for everyone, all the girls from both sides seemed to have had a great time and everyone got on really well.

It was a red-letter day for Dereham Wanderers U12 Girls when they played a team from West Ham Girls in front of a crowd of over 100 people.

Manager Lindsay Vallis said: “This has been a tremendous day for everyone, all the girls from both sides seemed to have had a great time and everyone got on really well.

“We gave them a really good game and in doing so have raised the profile of Dereham Wanderers FC which is a fantastic club to be involved with.

“A huge thank you to everyone who helped me with the preparations for the game and also to West Ham United manager Ray Wood for bringing his team along, it was a pleasure to have entertained them and we look forward to meeting them all again soon.”

Here is a report of the game.

“This was always going to be probably the biggest game of their lives for many and certainly one that was to be enjoyed.

It was unfortunate that West Ham got help up in severe traffic jams as it kept everyone waiting that little bit longer and possibly added to the nerves.

“Once we got the game under way it was a little more apparent that there were some nerves present and that we possibly feeling a little intimidated or perhaps just a little overwhelmed to be playing a team such as West Ham United, either of which would be perfectly understandable and acceptable under the circumstances.

“Add a crowd of over 100 people and it made it an even more special occasion. This was a game that will be remembered for a long time.

“Playing nine-a-side for only the second time and therefore players slightly unsure as to their position and role it meant that play was a little scrappy to start with but everyone soon settled and became more confident in their positions - West Ham having an obvious advantage, as they have been playing nine-a-side all season.

“West Ham took the lead with a good firm strike from inside the area following a goal-kick that was picked up by West Ham in midfield and a decisive ball through the Dereham defence.

“A second goal followed, this was a good strike from outside the area that bounced once before finding the back of the net. Dereham could have no complaints about being 2-0 down at this stage as West Ham had been dominating the possession.

“It was time to try and regroup, stay confident and show the team spirit that we have had all season. Avalon came on for Ellen for her first game for this team and immediately settled in and added some steel to the team.

“Dereham got a deserved goal back, following a corner on the right Chelsea laid the ball back across the goal to Lanti who made no mistake from two yards out and scored.

“The goal was greeted with a huge celebrations amongst the players and spectators and gave them a lift as they went into the break.

“At the break the main theme was to have a bit more belief and to bit a little stronger, there was no second chances in a game like this give it everything and have no regrets.

“In the second half Dereham matched West Ham on all fronts. They were playing with some belief, without fear and were certainly being stronger.

“Ellen came on for Sarah at the break, Joy was starting to impose herself in the central of midfield, Georgy was, as ever, full of running and desire and Paige was just outstanding with her sheer grit and determination. Chelsea was showing everyone just how much she has improved this season and was gaining the plaudits for some brilliant work and, as always, Lanti was tremendous, full of running and was putting in a powerful performance.

“Chantelle was making some good saves as West Ham looked to increase their lead but the defence being well marshalled by Becka was holding firm. Both teams had chances to score and Dereham nearly levelled with almost the last kick of the game but the shot was just a little too high.

“The game finished with West Ham 2-1 winners, but in reality this was not about winners or losers this was simply a great game of football played with lots of passion and pride.

“The crowd had enjoyed themselves as had West Ham who stayed afterwards and enjoyed some food and drink - their players even finding the energy for another game of football, they were joined by Lanti and Chelsea.”

Lindsay is looking for players to join his successful squad for next season, if you are interested please contact him on 07771 910560 or email lindsay@derehamwanderers.co.uk