South Reading Vixens

The girls set off at the crack of dawn (well almost) for the beautiful surroundings of Bordon and Oakhanger Sports Club. This is turning out to be a happy hunting ground for the Vixens this season, as the girls cruised to their first trophy at the ground where the Under 13’s recently clinched their league title.

It was a venture into the unknown for the Vixens, with all the opposition coming from well outside their normal area. With just eight girls available from last season’s squad, players were frequently going to have to play out of position to ensure everyone got their fair share of the action. In the absence of an experienced keeper there were no expectations, other than to enjoy the day’s football.

The Vixens conceded early in their first game against Petersfield Town A, but that proved to be the only time all day that the opposition were able to find the net. The South Reading girls stepped up a gear as they got into their normal passing game and Chloe went close after a good turn, only to see her shot sail just over the bar. With time running out the Vixens levelled it as Charmaine got on the end of Georgia’s free kick, and a minute later roles were reversed as Mainey’s perfect corner found Georgia in front of goal. Thereafter, Jade, Karis and Ashleigh formed the tournament's meanest defence, and with rising star Malicia excelling between the sticks the Vixens were in no mood for further generosity. Another win followed against Liss (2-0), with a great strike from Georgia being followed by a close range finish from Charmaine.

Petersfield Town B proved to be a much tougher task, and although Georgia hit the bar there was to be no score in a very evenly matched game. Winchester Flyers were next up, and Georgia volunteered to go in goal to give Malicia a run out on pitch. The change paid dividends as she set up Chloe to notch the only goal of the game, and another three points were in the bag. Final group opponents Sandhurst Town needed a result to progress through to the knockout phase, and with both sets of players showing full commitment a very competitive game ensued. Tough tackling midfielder Felisha looked particularly impressive, and eventually it was the Vixens who found the opening. A good pass from Georgia found Charmaine in space and she made no mistake. Chloe rounded things off as she found herself in front of goal, and the Vixens topped the group with 13 points.

The knockout stage saw the Vixens face Winchester Flyers again, and last season’s semi final hoodoo was finally laid to rest. A late goal from Georgia was just reward as the girls dominated the game from start to finish, and the team was in a final for the first time ever.

With the trophy in sight Georgia again demonstrated her flourishing partnership with Charmaine against fellow finalists Petersfield Town B. However, the South Reading girls just could not get close enough to really test the excellent Town keeper, who dealt comfortably with everything the Vixens could throw at her. Even with five minutes extra time neither team could find a way through and once again it was down to penalties. With the memory of last week’s disappointment still fresh it was all too much for some of the parents. Fortunately this wasn’t the case for the girls, and great strikes from Chloe and Georgia secured a nailbiting 2-1 shootout victory and the trophy for the Vixens.

Squad: Malicia, Ashleigh, Karis, Jade, Charmaine, Georgia, Felisha, Chloe

The Vixens player of the tournament was Malicia, who demonstrated great confidence and composure in goal and was superb throughout.

Results
v Petersfield Town A 2-1 (Charmaine, Georgia)
v Liss 2-0 (Georgia, Charmaine)
v Petersfield Town B 0-0
v Winchester Flyers 1-0 (Chloe)
v Sandhurst Town 2-0 (Charmaine, Chloe)
v Winchester Flyers 1-0 (Georgia)
v Petersfield Town B 0-0 (Vixens won 2-1 on penalties – Chloe, Georgia)

South Reading Vixens - Wey Valley Tournament Winners