U12 Girls - Blacks

hampshire league division 1 - vs Haslemere A 2-2, vs Alton A 5-0

Torrential freezing rain and winds away at Trojans made for a very difficult league fixture. Haslemere had all their top players for this game and put Winchester under huge midfield and left back presssure with a well organised press. This led to Winchester forcing too many passes and turnover ball coming back at them fast. Brave keeping and solid in-circle defensive work kept Haslemere at bay. Thankfully Winchester did break the lines regularly and took the lead only for the score to be fairly equalised early in the second half. Winchester bounced back within a minute but the Surrey side drew level on the final whistle. This was a proper game and the Blacks first blemish in a league where they have won every game.

Alton next and the Blacks ran in 5 without reply, committing the midfield and forwards easily to scythe into the circle where sharp passing and finishing was executed. ‎

vs Woking A - 5-3 (19th Jan)

Woking travelled to Bar End for an early start and another hour-long 7-a-side match. Very cold conditions made for a slow start and perhaps the biggest learn of the day was layering… however, Winchester took the lead and won Q1 by a solitary goal. Woking fought back and levelled the match at 2-2 by winning Q2.

In the second two quarters, Winchester dominated chances created and scored some lovely goals. Penalty corner routines looked sharp and unselfish passing around the circle and down the wing channels was enjoyable to watch. Woking had their moments though and the Blacks defensive unit and keeper had to scramble a few times to keep the ball out.

All in all a worthwhile fixture - the regularity of these hour-long matches is certainly helping with fitness. Yet again Winchester dominated the closing stages and looked more physical at important points.

U12 Girls - Purples

Hampshire League Division 1B - vs Alton 10-0, vs Haslemere 2-1

On a very wet and windy late Sunday afternoon at Trojans, Winchester’s Purples scored ten goals against Alton in their first game, all from open play; Winchester had the possession and territory but at times became very condensed. This was improved markedly in the second much tighter game against Haslemere. The girls held a much better, wider shape and passed the ball around with pace, attacking up the right and through the centre to create two lovely open play goals. There was great channelling back and well-timed tackles by the defence as well as great saves from Cajsa (who stepped in for the day at late notice). These kept Haslemere at bay until they scored a rebound goal towards the end. A well-earned win in tough conditions, well done Purples.

U12 Girls - Blues

vs Woking D - 6-0

Winchester Blue team welcomed Woking D to Bar End this Sunday. Due to availability, this essentially became a Yellow team fixture and their experience playing together became obvious with an early goal against the less well versed Woking side.

As the match progressed, due to some solid defending and impressive tackling all over the pitch, Winchester never felt in trouble. Goals came frequently from various goal scorers and the match finished 6-0 to the home side. The game was played with a good team spirit and some much improved segments of play.