Results

This season saw the Eagles move to 9-a-side for the first time, which also brought offsides and league tables, as well as the chance to enter some cups (more about that later). We had been entered into Division 3 in the league pyramid which would see us compete against some well known advisories as well as some totally new opponents.

The team consisted of all the players from the 21/22 season, plus the addition of Sophie Day, so it was a nicely settled side.  This was proved in our first match as we came up against the Whitton Wanderers side we’d drawn against in the last game of the previous season, and came away with an impressive 6-0 win. A tough 0-0 draw against Colne Valley in the next game would herald the start of an 11 match winning streak in the league, an incredible effort to keep grinding out results each and every week. Amongst these wins was a fantastic performance against the Met Police Reds, which showed us we could really compete at this level.  Met Police had given us a lesson midway through the previous year, beating us 5-1 with our goal only coming with the last kick of the game, so this would be a decent gauge as to how far we had developed. The answer was “a lot” as we won 5-0, but easily could have scored more, and this result really gave us the belief in our squad.  Lexie played up font for the first time and scored her first goals for the club, and Sophie K also scored in her first game as a striker.

Not all our wins were by such a margin during this period and we learnt a great deal more about ourselves in these closer encounters. The 3-2 win against East Surrey Girls showed our fight until the very end with Layla hitting the winner with seconds to go, and our determination to hold onto a 2-1 lead in dreadful conditions against Westside showed that we could “win ugly”.

Cups were a new experience for the team and we entered two. The County Cup included teams from all divisions, plus some academies, and we entered with the view of testing ourselves against more established sides. This didn’t prove to be a long journey, as we were drawn against the Blues version of Met Police in the first round, and they handed us a an understanding that we were still some way off competing against the really top teams. The Invitation Cup however was a different story, as it pitted the teams from the lower 3 divisions against each other. And so started a run in a competition that I think everyone will remember for a long time. Early rounds saw us drawn against teams we would expect to beat, and we did with ease and without conceding a goal. Then in the semi final it was Colne Valley again in what we knew would be a tough match. With only a few minutes to go, and dreaded penalties looming, Sophie D crossed for Lara to finish in the bottom corner and we were off to our first final!!!

We had the good fortune to be drawn at home for the final against a Farnham team that were bulldozing everyone in their sights, and a team we had never played. On a wonderful Sunday morning on Claygate Rec we recovered from  allowing a 2 goal lead to slip and eventually came out winners 5-2. The support was fantastic with parents, club officials and our training partners coming along to enjoy the day. Sophie Day was another player to get their first ever go up front, and her 4 goals speak well to her adaptability. So with a handshake from the large mitts of ex Claygate Royal and New Zealand goalkeeper Nik Tzanev, our girls received their first winners award with the club.

With the cup win under our belts it was back to the league, where we continued to grind out results and win games  (I’m thinking Camberley away here, thank you Eve!!!!!!) where we were probably (definitely) second best! The table looked very close, and it seemed things would be decided on the last day of the season, but unfortunately with the poor winter weather and the fact Farnham had started in the league part way through, fixture congestion ultimately decided the champions. Farnham were awarded 5 wins for games they hadn’t played, 4 of these against tough opposition, and that 15 points meant they could not be caught. But all was not lost!  Two wins in our last double header would give us the chance to come second, which would not only be rewarded with a medal, but would also make us “Champions of Team’s Who Actually Played All Their Games”.  “All” we needed to do was win both games in a double header, and hope Colne Valley and their superior goal difference, couldn’t beat champions Farnham.  The first of these games against Walton and Hersham was a tight affair, with W&H taking the lead from a corner and it looked like time was running out on our league endeavours. But goals from Sophie Day, and another late late show from Lara saw us come through 2-1 and keep the second place dream alive. The final game of the season was a joy to watch for all Eagles supporters. The girls played with flair and confidence, winning the game 4-0 and playing some of the best football we have as a team.  The highlight was a team move where the ball was moved from the right side of the pitch, shifted across the defence to Dani on the left who played a slide rule pass for Layla to run onto and drill into the bottom corner.  At that moment any of the very few low points from the season were buried, as we could all enjoy watching a team who have come on so much together that parental pride was the order of the day. With all eyes on the Colne Valley – Farnham game we waited to see if second place had been achieved.  A tense game there saw Colne Valley 3-2 up with minutes to go, only to concede a 3rd via an own goal, meaning second place (and the CTWAPATG title) was ours!!!

The 22/23 season will be remembered fondly by all those involved with the team.  We have seen incredible turnouts every week from players and supporters alike, and the togetherness and joy for the game that the girls have demonstrated has been amazing. In tough moments they have rallied round, never given up and provided their team mates all the support they could need.  In happy moments the success has been shared warmly by every player, and the beaming faces I see on arrival for each game has made this manager feel extremely fortunate to be able to work with such a fantastic group of girls.

Who knows what next season will bring as we look to progress up the ability scale but one thing is for certain, the 22/23 season has, in the words of most of the girls, been “Epic”!

Cheers. Nick.

Season Highlights:

Charlotte Atherton – Captain for our cup final success, an engine that I would like in my car and an absolute thunderbolt goal against Mole Valley.  An incredibly positive member of the team who just never knows when to give in.

Dani Beard – Showed increasing composure as the year wore on, and saved her best for the last kick of the season! A beautifully threaded pass, after shifting it past her opponent, for Layla to race onto and score.

Fleur Bennett – With her constant shouts of “PRESSURE” Fleur is what every team needs, an absolute positivity monster! I have lost count of the times opposition players think they have gone past her, only for Fleur to fight back and ruin their plans! She was also the only girl who played in every game of the season, impressive commitment!  Her only goal of the season came when I was on the beach and didn’t see it.  Maybe I should go away more often!

Lara Bryan – Vital goals with seconds to go seem to be Lara’s specialty. Her late goal against Colne Valley in the semi final sent us through to the showpiece game and her even later goal against Walton meant we won 2-1 and snatched second place in the league.  As for those silky turns, she must have had that passed down on her Mothers side!

Emily Burton – I don’t think I can remember a single 50/50 challenge that Emily has lost all season! As a season long highlight that is one to be extremely proud of!! She is another player who has just grown in confidence as the season has progressed.  She is often the calmest girl on the pitch even with 3 attackers bearing down on her! Oh, and she always saves me a Haribo, which lets be honest, is the most important thing any player can do!!!

Sylvia Corkin – Watching Sylvia over the end of the season has been like watching a real athlete developing in front of your eyes. One of the few players in the league who can really boss a central midfield role she has shown excellent development, and it was a shame the season ended when it did.  A final kick of the match goal against Camberley after we’d struggled all game is testament to not only her desire, but her ability to still be have the energy to be running as the game ends.

Sophie Day – Many highlights for our new signing this year, although 4 goals in a cup final will probably be hard to top!  A top bins volley against Beecholme Belles and a “Cruyff turn nutmeg” against the Met Police were particular highlights.  Goals win you games, and Sophie provided these at almost every possible opportunity, often playing against girls nearly 2 years her senior.

Sophia Hall – Watching Sophia position herself EXACTLY where she is needed has been a constant joy all year.  Her keenness to head the ball, coupled with her bi-weekly question of “am I allowed to slide tackle them?” has made her a formidable asset.  Her only goal of the season, when finally being able to play up the pitch, was taken like a 20 goal a season striker!

Annabelle Harman – Watching something “click” with Annabelle early into the season, when she suddenly realised she could physically run by people, and then proceeded to do it about 100 times in one game was an amazing thing to witness! Her save down low in the Cup Final, when the result was totally in the balance, was a product of her concentration and commitment and was one of those little moments that are the difference between winning and losing.

Sophie Kevin – The season saw Sophie play as a striker for the first time, and her goal at the first attempt against Met Police was brilliant a moment.  Sophie really grew into the season and by the end was showing impressive athleticism and positional sense that will be a huge benefit next year.

Eve McAinsh – Eve’s one on one reflex save against Camberley, when we were 1-0 up and only seconds to play, was a moment when you want the team to carry her home on their shoulders it was so good and important.  Her two goals in the first game of the season really set us on the way for a successful season and her overall positivity is so infectious I’m looking at ways to bottle it!

Lexie Rayner – Not even up for debate, that “first goal” against Met Police! Her second goal in the same match then seemed a formality.  The confidence gained from these goals meant that when the ball fell to her in the box against Whitton later in the season and with defenders all around her, she swivelled and smashed a first time shot into the net.

Layla Wellard – If we ever need to go into battle, I’m taking Layla. She doesn’t know the meaning of giving up, and never fails to give everything on the pitch.  Her last second winner against East Surrey was important, but her lashed goal into the top corner in the Cup final, with its resultant celebration, is what I will most remember her season by.

With the first game being so close we expected another battle in game two, but it really didn't prove that way. Indeed the trickiest part was Eve, Sophie K and me  trying to work out who was playing in the last quarter of the second half in the second match. We'll blame the early start! Anyway, Sophie D popped a shot off from the edge of the box from where the ball took a wicked deflection that wrong footed the keeper and we were in business. The dubious goals panel had a quick chat and decided as she'd struggled for goals all season they'd award Sophie the goal. To rub their faces in it she added another soon after. With the game seemingly in the bag the girls started playing football that coaches and managers dream of. Controlled passing, covering runs and excellent pressing. When a Sophia cross was handled in the box we had a chance to seal the deal. Annabelle was in goal, and turned down the opportunity to take the penalty, so Layla stepped up and whipped it in via the post. The fabled "two goalkeepers wouldn't have saved that" was mentioned. With the game nearing an end we probably scored our best team goal of the season. The ball was on the right flank, was played backwards and then across the defensive line where it reached Dani who dropped a shoulder, lost her pressing attacked and rolled a perfectly weighted pass between the opposition lines for Layla to run onto. From there, Layla took a couple of touches and fired the ball into the far corner. We are probably up to at least 3 goalkeepers not being able to save this one! A great end to the season, made all the better by Colne Valley only getting a draw and us snatching second place by one point. Phew!

Goals: Sophie D 2, Layla 2

With our chances of finishing second relying on us getting two wins in this double header and hoping other results went our way the pressure was on. Sleepovers, revision hell and an early start due to Women's FA Cup final meant we began a little sluggishly against a side that have some good players. Lara was doing her hated job in goal but made a number of saves until a rare volleyed goal direct from a corner left us one goal down. I would say there was a mountain to climb, but actually it was the opposite as we had the benefit of kicking down the vast hill in the second half. When Sophie D got the equaliser we were back in it, but as the minutes ticked away it looked like a draw was all we'd get and second place would be gone.  But with the benefit of a manager who grew up in the 80's and with Sophia and her impressive punts downfield playing in goal we launched a route one attack with time running out.  Mayhem ensued in the Walton box, and Lara was in the right place to slot home the winner. the dream was alive!!!

Goals: Sophie D, Lara 

We lost 3-1.  It wasn't very enjoyable, but the traffic wasn't too bad so there was that!

Goal: Sophie D

Getting near to the end of the season now, so every point counts. Things looked a little worrying when Walton smashed a free kick into the top of the net in what turned out to be their only shot on target all game. The girls showed their normal levels of recovery and within 30 seconds Lara had slotted the ball into the net after good work on the left from Layla. Layla then coolly finished after a lovely run and we went in at half time 2-1 up. In the second half we maintained an excellent shape against a side who had players with a lovely touch, and another cool finish by Layla, followed by a Sophie D rocket gave us the deserved win. The end of the season has really seen the girls come on and build as a team, and every player made massive contributions in this game. Defensively we were fantastic with Dani, Emily and Fleur letting nothing past, ably assisted by Sophia who as normal always managed to find herself in the right posiion to help out whenever needed. Sylvia and Layla were fantastic in the middle, breaking up play and distributing cleverly. Annabelle and Sophie D always gave us options wide, and Sophie K showed how much her positional sense has improved by defensively being tight whilst also giving options down the wing. Lara, as usual, chased down everything and showed good commitment in the tackle, whilst also adding a goal. Brilliant work girls.

Goals: Layla 2, Lara, Sophie D

Our fourth game in 8 days, and what a match. Westside play some good football, and are also very physical and excellent from set pieces, so this was always going to be a battle, and so it proved. This was probably the best football the girls have ever played, with fantastic passing, heroic defending and incredible scrapping right to the end. It had almost everything, disallowed goals, a missed penalty and an own goal! 

Sylvia had the game of her life scoring our first from a great pass from Eve, and our second with a cool finish, whilst also crunching into tackles and passing cleverly. Westside never stopped though and managed to be level at 2-2 with only a few minutes to go. With a draw looking like the end result Sophie D popped up to crash a wonderful shot into the far top corner, giving the keeper no chance and us the win. There were amazing performances all over the pitch and cheered on by incredible support, in poor weather, it was a real club performance to remember. Well done all!!

Goals: Sylvia 2, Sophie D

Games coming thick and fast now to try and get the season completed, so this was our first ever midweek match. As an Arsenal fan I haven't been used to games on a Wednesday night, but the girls put on another fantastic performance on a very tricky pitch. Whilst we only won 2-1, with two goals from Sophie D, we created by far the better chances, and hit the woodwork on three occasions.  Highlight of the match was Dani charging half the length of the pitch to put in the most beautiful timed tackle you'll ever see to deny their right winger a shot on goal from right in front of the keeper!

Goals: Sophie D 2

In the second game of this mammoth Sunday we fought out another close encounter with Farnham. Although Sophie D and Layla scored lovely goals to keep us in touch it wasn't quite enough, with Farnham scoring near the end to win the game 3-2. An extremely competitive game, but probably a fair result, and further proof that our performance in the League Cup Final was one to be super proud of.

Goals: Sophie D, Layla

The only 2 unbeaten teams in the league battled out a double header at Farnhams ground. We almost scored stright from the kick off, but as the game went on Farnham exerted more and more pressure. Sophie D answered Farnhams 2 goals with one of her own, but it looked like it wouldn't be enough, until Charlotte popped up with a cheeky flick from a corner to equalise with the last kick of the game.

Goals: Sophie D, Charlotte

First weekend of the Easter break and we were short on players, so recruited 3 of our u11 Eagles to help out. We conceded a goal against the run of play, and TC defended this lead well. Sophie Day scored the equaliser but try as we could, we didn't find the winner.

Goals: Sophie D 

Back to the league after our recent Cup success with a trip to the home of Surrey football. Wet conditions and a slope to the pitch made football difficult, but 2 smart finishes from Fleur and Sylvia saw us go into the break 2-0. Although they scored to make things 2-1 Sophie Day had switched from goalie to nab a second half hatrick for the second week in a row. Job done!

Goals: Sophie D 3, Fleur, Sylvia

Our first Cup Final as a team, and wow did the girls enjoy themselves. Nerves aplenty before kick off, but every player was fantastic and really showed what they can do. Shooting uphill in a tricky first half we went 2-0 up with goals from Sophie Day and Layla, but we were living a charmed life at our end. Holding out proved impossible and Farnham were able to notch 2 of their own to go in at half time level. But downhill in the second half we were a different proposition. Annabelle made a couple of fantastic saves, but otherwise our defence and a wonderful marshalling job in the middle of the pitch by Sophia kept them out. Further up the pitch were saw some amazing, battling performances, with Captain Charlotte never running out of puff. Sophie Day scored a second half hattrick to leave her with 4 on the day, and a Player of the Match award. 

A wonderful day was topped off with New Zealand and AFC Wimbledon keeper Nik Tzanev presenting the awards and Cup to a very deserving group of girls, who not only played brilliantly, but stuck together and showed what real team spirit can achieve.

Goals: Sophie Day 4, Layla 

Tricky game against a team that don't win much, but also don't concede many. The pitch being on a large side to side slope also made football difficult, but the girls coped very well and passed the ball with great intent. An early goal from Lara settled the nerves, following up on a wonderful Layla shot that came back off the post. Sophie Day picked up a goal in the second half to make things more comfortable. Both goals started with Emily winning the ball and passing onto a team mate in space, which was fantastic to see.

Goals: Lara, Sophie D

Our first game with the "Silent Sunday" regulations meant the girls were able to express themselves more on the pitch, and did a fantastic job at marshalling each other. Formation and structure remained good, even with some girls playing in unfamiliar positions. We let in a few goals for the first time in the league, but 2 from Sophie Day, one each for Lexie and Layla and 1 og was enough to see us remain unbeaten and get the win.

Goals: Sophie D 2, Layla, Lexie, O.G

Games in half term are always tricky as we ae normally a bit light on players and a bit heavy on sleepovers, and this was no exeption. Camberley are a very strong and aggressive team and they really made things hard for us. Luckily woodwork counts for nothing in this game, so while they had the lions share of the shots we had the ones that counted. Layla scored a fantastic solo goal with the last kick of the first half, and Sylvia rounded of a lovely team move to score with the last kick of the second. The game turned when at only 1-0 and with not long to play the Camberley striker had a one-on-one with Eve, who pulled off an amazing reflex save.

Goals: Layla, Sylvia

Semi final of the cup and another game against the always tough Colne Valley. After drawing against them in our 2 previous games we finally got a win when Sophie D put in a cross from the right and Lara put a first time shot into the corner of the goal. A fansastic team performance gave the opposition very few chances with Sophia marshalling the centre of the pitch and Annabelle making some fabulous runs down the right wing. Into the final we go!!

Goals: Lara

County Cup match against a very good team 2 divisions above us. Everyone gave their all and there was great iprovement in the second half. Amazing effort against a much more experienced team.

Quarter final of the cup and a great performance from the girls after so long away. Lara was in goal first half and didn't touch the ball once! 4-0 probably should have been more, with Sphie D and Layla scoring a goal each in both halves. Secong half we worked the ball better, with assists from Lara and Sophie D which were applauded as much as the goals! Great work.

Goals: Layla 2, Sophie D 2

Back to the cup in this game and we moved through to the next round with an excellent performance that saw the opposition have no shots all game. Layla slotted home the first, Sophia got her first of the season at her first go up front and Sophie Day added another 4 to her impressive tally. It really was lovely football today with width being used brilliantly all game. Eve showed some great skill on the right wing and Emily didn't put a foot wrong in defence and looked incredibly cool on the ball.

Goals: Sophie Day 4, Layla, Sophia

Good result against a strong, physical team. Fleur did some fantastic man marking, Layla was all over the pitch and Sophie Day bossed the right wing. An early goal for Layla, followed by 3 for Sophie D at her favourite end gave us enough goals to win, but really it was a fantastic team performance with all girls showing great discipline to keep their shape and be hard to break down.

Really tough game on a very tricky pitch and against physical opposition saw us come away with 3 points. Layla scored midway through the first half, but it always felt like we needed a second, which Sophie Day proved in the second half. This proved necessary as the opposition were "awarded" a penalty which they converted to leave a tense last few minutes, but the girls stuck together and saw it through.

Goals: Layla, Sophie Day

Our first ever cup match saw the girls put on a very professional display against a new team who showed excellent athleticism. Some really strong performances today from many of the girls and there was some proper football being played, and positions being held. 4 - 0 was a good result, and there was also a post and crossbar hit and some good saves from their keeper. all round very solid!

Goals: Sophie D 2, Layla, Sylvia

A tough game was won with 2 fantastic solo goals and a well worked team break away. Captain Sylvia set the tone with a brilliant run and cool finish, but we also conceded later in the half to go in at 1 - 1. First half goalkeeper Sophie Day then came out on pitch, and with her first touch intercepted the kick off, then every other touch took her around the opposition before coolly slotting home. Prime Maradona! 

A battling match saw Sophia very solid in goal for the second half, and excellent clearances took the pressure off when needed. Pre match rugby practice seemed to pay off with some intriguing physical battles all over the pitch!

Goals: Sophie Day 2, Sylvia

No subs today, so the girls had to work hard and smart, and they did both! Some really fantastic football played. Charlotte struck another "Atherton Special", ripping in from the edge of the box and giving the keeper no chance. Layla didn't stop running all game and got 2 well deserved goals, and Sylvia also hit the back of the net. Some amazing performances all over the pitch meant that our keepers were not called into much action, and finally we beat Mole Valley at our third attempt!

Goals: Laya 2, Sylvia, Charlotte 

Played Met Police who were top of the league and scoring for fun. What a performance! 5-0, could have been more, and an amazing performance by every player. Sophie K was fantastic up front, scoring and assisting in the first half.  Lexie took over and scored her first 2 goals for the club, both clinical finishes. Layla and Sylvia also scored, and other than this I could name every girl for their amazing play today. Layla gave her all as captain, Sophia was our defensive rock, Dani and Fleur shut down their best player all game, Emily tackled and passed like a pro, Annabelle safest hands of all our keepers, and defending amazingly, Sophie D travelling back early and looking sharp all game, Lara nutmegging the opposition, Charlotte never being out of position or missing a tackle, Sylvia having her best game of the season and Eve trying a new position and doing better than I ever expected........well done to all the girls!! 

Goals: Lexie 2, Sophie Kevin, Layla, Sylvia

A cracking, end to end game, against an attack minded opposition. We mainly controlled the first half, with Lara putting us one up early on, but couldn't make our possession count during the rest of the period. East Surrey cam back strongly to equalise in the second half, followed by a VAR assisted goal from Laylas cross (see girls, always play to the whistle). East Surrey then levelled late on and it looked like it would be a draw, until Layla chased down the wing and unleashed a shot that the keeper could only fumble into the net. Great performance girls!

Goals: Lara, Layla, Own Goal.

A tough game against a physical and athletic opposition saw our girls stick to their tasks fantastically well. We defended amazingly and also had chances on the break, with Layla scoring an offside goal that was correctly disallowed. A really great all round performance.

Great start to the season with all players looking very sharp. Sophia was captain and had a fantastic game in holding midfield. New signing Sophie Day had a real impact, scoring our first goal, and also winning and converting a penalty for our second. 2 goals from Eve and one each for Sylvia and Layla capped an excellent performance.

Goals: Sophie D 2, Eve 2, Sylvia, Layla