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MATCH REPORTS
 
Essex  5 - 1  Hertfordshire
Sat 15 Nov 2008 at Woollams Playing Fields, St Albans
S.E.E.S.F.A Girls u14s Competition
 
Under 14s Manager Emma Burden claimed her side "did their schools and the Essex County Schools F.A. proud" after kicking-off their S.E.E.S.F.A. Under 14s Competition campaign with a resounding win over neighbours Hertfordshire.

Goals from Alex Duberry (2), Kelsey Phillips, Ria Melvin and Phoebe Guiver claimed the first points for Emma's talented youngsters, and the Manager couldn't contain her excitement at the end, explaining: "The girls put on a fantastic performance that was entertaining from start to finish. Considering some of them had never played together before, you would never have believed it!"

After a difficult selection of the final sixteen, the players were finally put to the test in their first fixture, looking sharp during their warm-up despite not knowing anything about the home side. The core-line opened up after a cross from Emily Clements down the left side of  midfield was headed home by Alex Duberry after just 88 seconds. This was swiftly followed by Kelsey Phillips' finish after a well-taken corner to give the visitors the best possible start.

Despite making rapid early strides, the team maintained their hard work and raised the tempo of the game before the half-time whistle was blown. Duberry troubled the scorers again after a positive run and cross by McClean down the right side of midfield after 27 minutes.

With the interval approaching, several changes were made to the side to try players in new positions and out of their comfort zone, and the score remained 3-0 until Hertfordshire eventually managed to break Essex's defensive shackles and storm through their back four after the defence didn't manage to clear a long ball first time round.

But the away team didn't let that affect them and they kept knocking on the door of the Hertfordshire defence, achieving success again in the 49th minute with good link-up play from Ria Melvin to Hannah Dennis, then on to Phoebe Guiver who crossed for Melvin to head home at far post.

The last phase of play had come from central midfielder Ellen Powles who played to the feet of Guiver who managed to turn the defender and strike the ball first time into the top right hand corner to add a final gloss to the scoreline. At full time, Assistant Manager Karissa Rodney added: "The girls went out there and proved to us that they are a hard-working team and, if they keep performing the way they did, they will progress on to a very good season. We are very proud of them."

Squad: Alex Baker (The Albany), Ria Melvin (Shenfield), Lilly Kershaw (Havering), Molly Bartrip (Francis Bardsley), Jess Johnson (Maltings Academy), Kelsey Phillips (Brentwood Ursuline), Emily Clements (Coopers, Company & Coborn), Ellen Powles (The Gilberd), Alex Duberry (Caterham High), Hannah Dennis (Mayflower), Phoebe Guiver (Hedingham), Hayley McClean (Hassenbrook), Lindsey Gardner (Francis Bardsley), Sarah Gibbs (Mayflower),  Megan Lawler (Manningtree High).