Birkdale Diamonds v Athletico Girls
November 12th, 2009 by NoelWarham| Date:        | Sunday 8th November 2009           |
| Location:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | Bedford Park, Birkdale |
| Result: | Birkdale Diamonds (2) Athletico Girls (1) (AET) |
This was our first game in the Challenge Cup v Athletico, the game was switched to a home game due to the bad weather. Birkdale started the game at a good pace, keeping Athletico from attacking our goal and having some chances of going ahead but the Athletico keeper was on her toes.The breakthrough came with a through ball from Elliott to Edmonson in the box who took two players on and slotted home into the bottom corner making it 1-0 to Birkdale at half time with Harrison not having a save to make due to Mentha and Grocott in defence.
The second half was much the same with Grey-Smith, Core, Hubbard and Cunliffe working hard keeping Athletico`s no 10 to long range shots. Disaster did strike when poor clearing from Birkdale and a scramble in the box led to Atletico making it 1-1 with 10 minutes to go. Birkdale tried to get the winner putting Welford up top and Molyneux in midfield but the full time whistle went at 1-1 so extra time was needed.
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In the first half of extra time Birkdale pushed for the winner with Smith and Elliott bossing the park but after all the hard work it ended 1-1 still. With the last 10 minites left before the dreaded penalty shoot-out the girls said they were going out to win and and that they did playing some great football.With three minutes left Hubbard took the ball on the left with Elliott side by side with her. Elliott took the ball and headed towards the Athletico goal, gliding past three players to the edge of the box, before smashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner making the scoreline 2-1 to Birkdale (AET) and a very deserved win.
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This was a fantastic game of football, well done to everyone involved from both teams.
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