This was the first time the newly formed Year 7 and 8 team have played together, and the transition was seamless. 

 

The game started off with equal amounts of possession with both teams scrapping for the ball but unable to keep hold of it for long. 

 

Once DGS settled into the game the opportunities to score started to come. Imi drew a fantastic save from TOA's keeper, and central midfielder, Faith saw the first of her efforts narrowly go over the bar, and the 2nd just wide of the post. Striker and live-wire Lily was a real pest to TAOs back line, hanging off the shoulders of their last player and creating chances before seeing her well taken header saved by the keeper. But it was debutant Year 7 student Daisy that broke the deadlock with a finely taken strike that left the keeper with no chance. 

 

The first half finished 1-0 but TAO had posed a threat with their quick breaks so DGS knew they had to keep their work-rate up, stay disciplined through the midfield, and try to secure the win by getting the 2nd goal. We also wanted to try and use the width more. 

 

With the game plan in mind the team executed it perfectly. 

 

A solid back line led by central defender Isobel meant that the team were able to cut out any through-balls and quick breaks from TAO. Our opponents' change in formation showed their intentions to try and get back in the game. Some lovely through-balls from TAO saw DGS keeper, Violet show bravery in a 1-on-1 challenge, which saw her come sprinting off her line and winning the ball with great strength. It wasn't long before Violet was called into action again to save the ball off the line, having already made an initial save. 

 

DGS needed to stick to the game plan and it was skipper Imi who lead her team with fantastic grit, getting stuck in and maintaining a very high work rate. 

 

DGS’ discipline paid off when a through- ball found Amelia, who was also a debutant Year 7 student, take on 3 players in a solo effort, before slotting the ball with great precision into TAO's net. 

 

With 15 minutes left, DGS kept things tight and were unlucky to not get a third goal when Faith's long distance and curling strike draw another great save from TAO's keeper. The team played out the remaining minutes by keeping the ball and maintaining control. 

 

A fantastic team effort from all saw DGS victorious with a 2-0 win. Special congratulations to the 7 Year 7 students who played in the first of what we hope will be many football fixtures for DGS. 

 

We now await to see who we draw in round 2!

 

Team: Imogen Hooper, Faith Chewings, Bethany Wright, Bethany Davies, Lily Norton, Isabelle G-B, Violet Hogan-Thomas, Lily Black, Daisy Benton- Bryan, Amelia Stock, Amelie Sadler, Grace Beardsley and Keira Ranxha.