Marlborough Youth Football Club (MYFC) Rebels (U13) and MYFC Foxes (U15) have won the FA County Cup for their age groups. And, by chance, on the same day (Saturday 5 February).
Quite a momentous achievement for all girls, coaches, and volunteers involved at MYFC. It is also a historic achievement for all of the 160 girls playing football for MYFC. This is out of a total of 500 youth footballers between U5–U18, representing Marlborough YFC in 30 separate league teams.
MYFC’s girl’s football clearly continues from strength to strength, and not only did MYFC win two of the FA County Cup girls competitions, the U13s even beat a different MYFC girls team in the semi-final.
Match Report: U13 Girls County Cup (by Team Manager, Adam O’Keefe)
Derry Hill Fusion 0 v MYFC Rebels Black 5
With MYFC Rebels playing in their away green kit, the first half was tense, with both teams having limited chances, jostling for superiority. It became more open in the second half, where MYFC started with more intensity. Winning more first and second balls and pressing higher up the pitch, MYFC began to dominate, with Derry Hill struggling for a foothold.
It was only a matter of time until the first goal came, and Heidi Bell opened the scoring with some excellent poaching from a corner. Indeed, Heidi’s work rate and direct skilful running were beginning to really torment the opposition, so the goal was particularly well-deserved for her. Sienna Lewis scored the second shortly afterwards when the ball dropped nicely in the penalty area, and she clinically finished.
Phoebe Rex scored the third midway through the second half; again, a clinical finish when the ball dropped invitingly to her in the area. By this time, our girls were in complete control, and any attacking play by Derry Hill was dealt with by both a strong defensive wall and Lily in goal, who was confidently sweeping any long balls played over the top.
Elyssia O’Keeffe scored the 4th with 10 minutes to play, a precise pass into the net from outside of the area, and the fifth goal—probably goal of the game—came from Jemima Carroll: a superb long-distance shot from wide right into the top corner!
A superb win and thoroughly deserved by a team of strong young footballers. After the game, Team Manager Adam O’Keefe said, “I am very proud of this team. They are a very talented bunch of players who improve each and every game. The way they played was impressive, particularly in the second half where they seemed to have another couple of gears.”
Match Report: U15 Girls County Cup (by Team Manager, Becky Knox)
MYFC Foxes 4 v Highworth Town Juniors 2
Another afternoon to remember. After last season missing out narrowly on the league and cup, the girls were naturally ready for this final, and the success of victory was made all the more worthwhile as a result.
Supported by excellent coaches they have shown themselves how hard work, determination, teamwork, patience and perseverance can reap the rewards. Highworth, as always, was a powerful opponent, and the girls knew they would need to dig deep for the duration. Coming back from 1-0 down, and again from 2-1, every player played their part to the very end.
This is a well-deserved win that will rightly stay in the memories of the players for a long time – a win which the girls have worked hard towards for many seasons. After finding themselves on the losing side or coming away with a draw many times, there was a wider sense of pride and relief through the team, showing how far they have come both as individuals and collectively since starting together as U10s.
Parents, coaches and spectators could not be more proud of the Marlborough Foxes; indeed, as Team Manager Becky Knox said after the game, “Well done Foxes! One very proud coach!”
Overall, MYFC Chair Stu Slater reflects on the moment: “Memories are made of these: success, joy, part of a team, trusting your teammates; supporting those who need it. We achieve these things in many ways in our club, and not everyone will experience a big win, a league title, the pressure and victory in a cup final, but these two teams have and very well done to them both. Of course, a thought for the opposition teams who will be disappointed, but this is football at its best for players, parents, families, coaches, everyone. Clearly a great, great day”.
If you are a girl or boy, U5-U18, who wishes to join MYFC as a player or volunteer in a fantastic community organisation, on or off the pitch, please contact chair@myfc.me.uk.
MYFC also wish to give special thanks to Earthline Ltd, who sponsor the whole of their MYFC U13 Rebels girls squad.
Clerk to the Governing Body – Pewsey Vale School
