Squad: Nora, Betsy, Izzy, Lillie, Sienna W., Sienna M., Chloe, Erin, Esme, Emilia, Anaiya, Neve
The season kicked off with one of our longer trips and an early start, heading to sunny Asfordby to take on the home superstars — the Pumas in purple, Asfordby Superstars in their usual sky blue.
It took a little while for the team to find their rhythm, with the game settling into an even, hard-fought contest as both sides worked hard to make an impact. The breakthrough came in the second half: a strong run and superb cross from the right wing by Neve found Sienna M., who finished crisply first time to put the Pumas ahead.
Asfordby responded with a well-worked corner to level the scores, and the closing minutes had chances at both ends. Excellent goalkeeping from Nora, backed up by resolute last-ditch defending, kept the Pumas level, while the home keeper also produced a string of fine saves.
An even, hard-fought game played in a great spirit — a fitting curtain-raiser to the season, with the new players settling in well and plenty to build on for a league full of tight, competitive fixtures. A special mention to Anaiya, who made her first league appearance for the Pumas.
Asfordby U3 Superstars 1-1 Rugby Town U13 Pumas
Player of the Match (Parents’ Player): Chloe
Coaches’ Player: Betsy
Players’ Player: Sienna M. and Neve