Raith Rapids opened up their U13s league campaign and new adventure away to AM Soccer today.
Raith Squad: Codi, Morgan, Leila, Sarah, Brooke, Mia, Lily, Ava, Emma, Abbie, Kayleigh, Neve.
A tight game unfolded on a very tricky pitch surface making passing football difficult but both teams entertained in an end to end match.
It was the Rapids who took the lead from a throw in on the left hand side of the pitch which saw an interchange of good passing between Emma, Abbie and Mia.
This saw a final pass to Mia through the middle of the AM defence for a one on one with the AM Soccer Keeper. Mia kept her cool for a smart placed finish past the keepers left.
AM rallied and Codi produced an excellent save to dive low to her right and tip the ball around the post. AM soon equalised when their quick number 11 dribbled in on goal and finished smartly to Codi’s left.
The Rapids took the lead again not long before half time after another good attacking move ended with a goalmouth scramble as AM couldn’t clear their lines and Kayleigh pounced to fire the ball home from 6 yards out.
HT 1-2
AM started the stronger in the second half and found parity when hesitation in the Rapids defence allowed the quick number 11 to once again bare down on goal and smash the ball across Codi and into the net.
Codi, Leila and Morgan produced some solid defending and from that base started a counter attack that sent Ava flying down the left where she cut in and thundered a shot against the base of the post.
The rebound came out to Kayleigh who fired the ball in off that same post to give the Rapids a 3-2 lead.
Chances came for both sides but good goalkeeping and missed opportunities went begging.
Just as it looked as if the Rapids would see the game out AM Soccer produced an equaliser which dribbled across the line and just inside the post as Codi almost produced a fine save after getting a hand to the initial shot.
FT: 3-3
A draw in truth was a fair result for both sides and well done to the young Rapids on producing a fine team effort as their U13s learning curve has truly began.
Referees Girl of the Game: Sarah Purcell
Coaches Girl of Game: Morgan Young & Ava Mooney
Raith Goalscorers:
Mia Herd
Kayleigh Reid
Well done to all the girls from both teams today