Following our impressive set of results on Day 1, Wolverhampton were rated as one of the favourites to win the competition but everyone was keen to maintain the momentum by winning the final group game in preparation for the semi final. Quay Celtic from Dundalk weren't going to lie down,however, and it was our goal keeper who was the first to be called into action but as usual Kornelia was up to the task. At the other end Dhemi had a goal chalked off for a supposed foul on the keeper but we gradually wore down the oppposition and took control once our captain Tilly had emerged from the bench. On two occasions Tilly gained possession in midfield and relesed Lexi and from the second of these breaks Lexi scored what proved to be the only goal by expertly shooting across the goalkeeper and inside the far post.
CA Plan de Cuques now stood between us and a place in The Mediterranean Cup Final and they were certainly one of our toughest opponents to date as they appeared to be from a French football academy in Provence.The Wolverhampton girls had a few shots early on from Tilly, Harmani and Faith but the French team defended very well and took the lead when a long clearance was chased down by their pacy forward who smashed the ball with such ferocity that Kornelia had no chance of saving it. Undaunted, our girls threw everything at the French defence but space was at a premium and it looked as though we would never score until Faith somehow managed to create a bit of space for herself from one of our many corners to drive the ball home through a crowded goalmouth.The game went to penalties and there was some controversy when CA Plan were awarded the win after each side had taken just four penalties each, rather than the usual 5, with the score at 2-3 !! A disappointing way to lose, but football is all about fine margins, and the defeat should not detract from a wonderful experience enjoyed by players and parents alike.
In the 3rd place play off we really showed our strength with an emphatic 6-1 victory over Quay Celtic who had lost the other semi final to the eventual winners, Ballyoulster FC from Ireland. Celtic scored first but Faith showed great determination in midfield to go through a few challenges in order to create the chance from which Dhemi drew us level. Soon after Faith put us in front, and then made it three after receiving a great pass from Remi and the floodgates had opened. Dhemi scored from the edge of the box to make it 4-1 and she got the fifth to complete her hat trick. The defender had handled the ball in an attempt to block the shot but advantage was played and the goal was allowed to stand.Not content, Dhemi ploughed on and in the last few minutes she robbed a defender to get her fourth and Wolverhampton’s sixth goal. A great ending to a wonderful few days.The Wolverhampton girls, had gained many new admirers due to their ability as footballers and the way in which they had conducted themselves throughout and the tournament organisers could certainly learn a few lessons from them.There is certainly a need to clarify rules and they must be more pro active if they are to raise the standards of this event both on and off the field.
Squad:
Kornelia Kruczynska, Remi McKetty, Caitlin Gregg, Xienna Fletcher, Harmani Gill, Esme Shields, Sarannah Lister, Lexi Ruby, Erin Leo, Tilly Mae Oakes, Dhemi Simpson- Taylor, Savannah Lal, Faith Hilton-Warner.
