Grays Ath Girls U14s 0 v 3 Petts Wood Swans U14s
Undone by clinical finishing by table-toppers

Grays U14s girls are currently more than holding their own in a very strong JPL Cyan division, which includes teams representing West Ham and Bromley, with other sides from as far afield as Hampshire. On a wet and wild Saturday morning they welcomed league leaders Petts Wood Swans to Lakeside. The visitors are a strong outfit who came determined to hold their place at the top of the table.
The first quarter was tightly contested. Phoebe Love was making some great ground down the right wing but the first chance of the game went to the visitors, Dannatt put Lesalniece through but Grays keeper Connie McChrystal was equal to the shot. The Swans then pressed hard but the home defence held tight. For Grays Ath, Dulcie Galbally nearly broke through but lost control of the ball at the critical moment. The deadlock was broken just before the first break. Roberts, for the visitors, put a free kick into the box, which unfortunately struck debutant Abbie Lewis-Kelly on the arm. Dannatt calmly put the resulting penalty away for a 1-0 lead.
Grays definitely then had the better of the second period, played in torrential rain. Galbally had a shot saved at the near post and visiting keeper Moran then fumbled a corner but there was no Grays player on hand to take advantage. Skye Bailey then picked up the clearance but shot over the bar. But perhaps Blues best chance of the game then fell to Isabelle Ludlow. She controlled the ball well but pulled her shot wide, with the goal at her mercy.

Half time: Grays Ath 0 v 1 Petts Wood Swans

The more the game went on, the more the visitors started to take control of the key battles. Ridd down the right was a constant threat and Weatherley’s long throw-ins presented a real challenge. And it was Ridd who made it 2-0 early in the half, picking up a long ball and skillfully clearing McChrystal with her shot. Grays tried to hit straight back, but Galbally’s attempt was well saved by Moran.
As hard as Grays tried in the final quarter, the Petts Wood defence was not to be breached. Indeed, the better chances fell to the visitors. Only a fine last-ditch tackle by Love prevented Rudd from stretching the lead. As the Blues tired, the Swans passed the ball with confidence and looked the table-toppers they are. And just before the final whistle, Dannatt beat the offside trap and although McChrystal got a hand to the ball, the shot had enough power to make it 3-0.
For long periods of the game, the Grays girls were a match for their strong opponents, but some clinical finishing in front of goal was the difference between the two sides and we wish Petts Wood all the best for the rest of the season, as they chase the title. But the Blues girls can be proud of their efforts throughout the season, playing at a very high level and representing our club with distinction.

Final score: Grays Ath Girls U14s 0 v 3 Petts Wood Swans U14s
Grays Ath starting XI: McChrystal, Page, Laws, Lewis-Kelly, Ludlow, Love, Hague, Rayner, Jacks, Galbally, Turan
Squad: Kelly, Fisher, Raine, May, Bailey