Under 18 Performance Squad vs Eastbourne Borough

JPL Warriors Cup U18 Group 4

It was a day of high stakes and high emotion for our U18 Performance team as they traveled two hours to face Eastbourne Borough in our final League Cup match. With progression on the line and the significant news that our GK was stepping away, the team was determined to get a result and give her a proper send-off.

The match started brightly, with our side creating multiple opportunities that, on another day, might have seen us three or four goals ahead. Unfortunately, those chances went begging, and we were punished. A breakdown in a promising attack led to a swift Eastbourne counter, resulting in what seemed to be their only shot on goal in the first half. It found the back of the net, and we went into halftime down 1-0, wondering how we weren't in the lead.

The second half mirrored the first, with our team dominating possession and chances. Alicia, Suzie and Ellie all had efforts on target, but the Eastbourne goalkeeper was up to the task, gathering every shot. Just when it looked like it wasn't going to be our day, the momentum shifted. A scramble in the box from a corner resulted in Lucie turning the ball in for the equaliser. Moments later, Ellie marked her debut with a special goal, putting us ahead 2-1.

With just ten minutes remaining, victory seemed assured. However, a long ball over the top bounced awkwardly, evading our defense. The Eastbourne striker raced on, lobbed Leya, and watched as the ball ricocheted off the bar. Despite good work from Hannah, the opposition managed to knock the ball in, tying the game at 2-2 in a moment of sheer disbelief.

But the team didn't give up. Showing incredible resilience, they pressed forward once more. A perfectly weighted, defence-splitting pass from Ellie found Lucie, who slotted home her second of the match to make it 3-2. The final whistle blew, securing a narrow but thoroughly deserved victory.

It was a fantastic performance from an ever-changing squad that stuck to the task and responded brilliantly to the halftime feedback. Every player gave their all, but the Player of the Match award went to Matilda for her relentless work rate and unwavering desire, which was the difference-maker.