Saturday 16th saw the first
set of fixtures for the Female Centre of
Excellence. The Colchester girls
couldn’t have had a harder start for
there first game at the new Shrub End
facility as there took on Arsenal at
U10s,U12s,U14s and U16s. England scouts
were in attendance to watch some of the
most gifted players in the country.
They were looking to identify any
players that are ready to make the step
up to international level, following in
the foot steps or Colchester and England
players such as Katharine Nutman and
Kate Longhurst.
The U10s showed continued improvement as
very young group of players, but the
Arsenal team was stronger and won the
game 6-0.
A
very close game on the U12 pitch saw
Arsenal snatching a 1-0 win in a very
close game. Hannah Dennis was voted U12
player of the match in her first
appearance in a Colchester shirt.
The
under U14 lost 5-2. Colchester goals
coming from Rebekah Henderson, Georgia
Linsell and player of the match was
voted to Amelia Southgate.
The
U16’s got a point in a 0-0 draw against
the gunners. The opening 20mins of the
game started out equal with Lizzie Kent
and Sinead Redford impressing in their
Colchester debuts. The pacey Arsenal
winger was causing problems down the
right flank and won Arsenal a penalty.
Nikita Runnicles the Colchester
goalkeeper saved brilliantly diving to
her left to keep Arsenal at bay.
Colchester looked dangerous on the break
with a front 3 of Sinead Redford, Leanne
Cullivan and Fran Swales always looking
a threat. But long range efforts from
Lizzie Kent, Page Chappell and Hollie
Mellia were the closest Colchester came
the breaking the deadlock. The second
half saw Colchester tire and Arsenal
looking the stronger team. Outstanding
defending from Lannen Armstrong, Amy
Quinn and Lily Melloers kept Colchester
in the game as they struggled to get out
of there half. Two more world class
saves from Nikita Runnicles showed why
she is one of the best goalkeepers in
the league.
In the last 25 mins Colchester brought
on fresh legs in Katie Melia, Alice
Nutman, Abigail Judge, Harley Brooks and
Jenny Smith. This injected some pace
into the team with Colchester breaking
out in the last few minutes to try and
nick the game and the three points.
This wasn’t to be but the under 16s can
be very happy with the start they have
made to the season. Nikita Runnicles
was rightly named player of the match.
The next game sees Colchester take on
Reading at home. For any details on
girls Centre of Excellence (U10-U16) or
Female Academy (U17-U19) please call
Dmitri Halajko on 01206 216406.
