Under 12 Maroon vs Ringwood Town Youth Panthers

U12 Division 1

In a bitterly cold, wet, and windy affair, our U12 Maroon team welcomed Ringwood Town to our home venue this afternoon. The girls fought back from a two-goal deficit to secure a well-deserved 2-2 draw, showcasing incredible determination in the second half.

The U12 Maroon team began the match in what is becoming an all-too-familiar slow fashion, and for the second game running, we found ourselves behind early. A wind-assisted cross from the opposition winger looped over our keeper and into the net.

With several players operating in unfamiliar positions, the team struggled to find a rhythm. Missed tackles and moments of ball-watching allowed Ringwood to build momentum, and they doubled their lead midway through the first half. Some tactical adjustments brought more stability towards the break, and the U12 Maroon team started to create a few chances, but we were unfortunate to go in at half-time trailing 2–0.

The second half saw a transformed U12 Maroon team side take to the pitch. Playing with far greater intensity and determination, the girls began to showcase the quick, intelligent passing football we know they are capable of. The midfield worked tirelessly to support the defence, frequently turning over possession and immediately putting Ringwood under pressure.

This pressure soon paid dividends. The excellent Lili-Rose reacted brilliantly in the box, bringing us back into the game with a well-taken goal.

Lifted by the goal, the girls pushed on for the equaliser. With renewed purpose, improved movement, and some lovely passing sequences, the U12 Maroon team took control of the match. The reward came when the ball found Shay out wide. Her driven shot-come-cross hit the keeper and rolled over the line to level the scores at 2–2.

The final five minutes were tense. At a point where we might have pushed for a winner, we momentarily lost our structure, inviting heavy pressure from Ringwood. However, the girls dug in and held firm to secure a thrilling draw.

The manager praised the effort, saying that the U12 Maroon team showed great character to fight back from two goals down, and their second-half performance was truly excellent. The manager stressed that consistency is the key at this stage of the season, noting that too often the team starts slowly and leaves themselves chasing the game. If the girls can replicate that intensity and determination from the first whistle to the last, the wins will follow and they will climb the table again.

A huge well done to Jessica Baxter, who arrived feeling under the weather but still gave absolutely everything from kick-off.

Jessica produced several excellent saves, including one remarkable stop in the final minutes, and kept us in the game when it mattered most. Her commitment and bravery were outstanding today.