A very long season finally came to a close on Wednesday night when we played Buxton in the League Cup Final at Cavendish Fields in Matlock. We were unavoidably missing several players for this game and had no substitutes, in contrast to our opponents who had a full complement of 5 subs.

With Vicky unable to play the girls decided to rotate goalkeeping duties again, with Carly taking the gloves in the first half. Playing down the slope we kept Buxton busy in their own half for the majority of the time, and were creating openings but just after 10 minutes Buxton broke away and took the lead.

Not to be outdone, we immediately created a chance at the other end which Chelsie converted to make it 1-1. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to consolidate this position before Buxton again took the lead only a few minutes later, but once again, immediately from the restart, we broke through their defence and Chelsie again slotted home to make it 2-2.

We managed to create a number of further good openings before half time, but were unable to make any count and with another Buxton goal before the interval it was 2-3 at half time.

It was a very warm night and with no subs to call on there was a likelihood that fatigue would play a part in the second half. There had also been occasions in the first half when we had tried to win the game individually, so the message at half time was to let the ball do the work and make passes when they were available.

At the start of the second half BethJ took over the gloves. Playing up the slope and a goal down we were looking to get the next goal, so it was a setback when Buxton extended their lead (2-4) soon after the restart. BethJ had to be alert on a number of occasions coming out to smother the ball or clear, before Carly took over again. She was much busier than in the first half, and was also called on to clear her lines on a number of occasions, pulling off some excellent saves – the pick of the bunch being a one handed tip around the post.

However, as the game wore on we were looking the stronger team, despite playing up the slope – Chelsie doing well to work herself some space with an overhead flick but the ball seemed to take an age to come down and she wasn’t able to keep her shot down, Jordele having a couple of near misses, Tash hitting the crossbar, and Hannah forcing the keeper into a save with an instinctive shot – then, with just over 10 minutes to play Jordele pulled one back (3-4). This set up a tense finish and we pressed forward but with only a minute to go Buxton broke down the other end and despite Carly’s best efforts scored a fifth to seal the win.

Despite the loss, it was a magnificent effort by the girls who left the pitch to rousing applause from their supporters. The referee deserves a mention too, for maintaining an impressive commentary throughout and controlling the game in a calm, good humoured and unfussy manner. It was nice that he commended the girls’ play and attitude afterwards , saying it had been a pleasure to have refereed them and that he would happily do so any time. Well done, girls.

It’s been a memorable season, and probably the latest finish to a season we’ve had and, after an intense six games in four weeks, including three cup finals and a semi final, everyone will benefit from a deserved end of season break, until we start pre-season training in mid July.

Thanks to all the parents and families for their support, and to Zach and Dave for their help with the team throughout the season.

Derby Evening Telegraph report 2/6/12