IOM goal scorers: Sophie Partington (2: 37 minutes and 65 minutes); Isla Caine (1: 42 minutes)

Captain: Caitlin Williams

POTM: Zara Levy

After travelling the previous evening, the IOM Under 16 girls were relieved to find their game could go ahead as 24 hours earlier, the 10 am Garstang match had been cancelled due to a frozen pitch.

After a focused warm-up, the game commenced with an IOM pushback. 

At 3 minutes, IOM won their 1st penalty corner; however, they were unable to convert.

Despite Garstang’s forwards pressing for free hits, the IOM defensive line-up of captain Caitlin Williams and Bree Collister confidently transferred the ball to the wide midfield players Zoe Bridson, Grace Taylor, and Lauren Collister, who worked tirelessly throughout the game to support the attacking and defensive play. 

Each team strove to gain dominance during the first half. 

Under IOM pressure, Sophie Partington turned over the ball and drove into the ‘D’; unfortunately, Garstang’s keeper saved her shot. 

For a short spell, Garstang appeared to be gaining the upper hand, but unable to convert a penalty corner, it began to lose momentum against a composed IOM side.

Despite further intense strikes by forwards Isla Caine and Alicia Kiernan, the IOM could not take the lead, and the first half finished at 0-0.

The 2nd half started with Garstang’s pushback; however, a determined IOM team immediately applied pressure and won possession through an interception by forward Isla C, who quickly moved the ball forward to Sophie P, passing to Amira Crookall, whose strike was on target but saved. However, Sophie P managed to pick up the rebound to slot the ball past the keeper. 1-0 to IOM!

Garstang attempted a counterattack, but the IOM defence worked hard, with excellent challengers by Caitlin W and Bree C. This led to Bree C winning the ball, passing wide to Zoe B, who drove right before passing on to Amira C. Amira C used her pace to continue down the wing before passing into forward Sophie P, who crossed the ball to Isla C on the left, who slotted the ball past the GK. IOM 2-0! Great teamwork and a textbook attack!

Garstang, a determined counterattack, won a penalty corner. Their shot was on target this time, but IOM GK Ellie Burns made a strong save to thwart Garstang’s hopes of scoring.

Although Garstang continued to battle, they were outplayed by the composed IOM team, led by tenacious midfielders Zara Levy, Summer Craig, and Faith Watterson.

IOM GK Ellie B made another crucial save before IOM scored their third goal in the 65th minute through great linking play by Summer C, Faith W, and Alicia K, who slotted it to Sophie P to score. 

The IOM continued to apply pressure, with a further on-target but saved strike by Isla C in the game’s last five minutes.

Final score 3-0 to IOM!

Well done, ladies. You worked hard, never gave up, and combined your skills to ensure a team win. 

Thank you to Garstang for their hospitality and a well-fought match;  thank you also to the umpires (including IOM Umpire Dee Gimbert); IOM Junior Team Manager Niamh Goddard for organising; our sponsors OAK, the MHA and all the parents for their ongoing support (and to those parents who drove today)