Under 18 Performance Squad vs Exeter City FC GDC

JPL Warriors U18 Green Division

A spectacular second-half hat-trick from Annie powered the U18 Performance Team to a crucial 3-1 victory over Exeter City, turning around what was a lacklustre first-half display into a statement win.

Following a break, the newly formed side appeared disjointed and struggled to find their rhythm in what was a key fixture for the league table. Worryingly, the team looked short on the grit and determination required to compete at this level. It came as no surprise when the visitors capitalised on the slow start, taking a deserved lead that they comfortably carried into the break.

Whatever was said during the "honest debrief" at the interval clearly hit the mark. The team emerged for the second half with a renewed purpose and a visibly improved team mentality. A formation change helped with player availability and immediately added structure, allowing the girls to look more likely to equalise.

As the half progressed, the momentum swung firmly in our favour. Once Annie netted her first goal, there was only going to be one winner. The clinical striker sealed the victory with two further well-taken goals, completing a sensational hat-trick and securing a vital three points for the squad.

Two players were jointly awarded Player of the Match for their exceptional contributions:

Annie: The Hat-Trick Hero whose clinical finishing provided the decisive goals.

Ellie: Who lead the line throughout the match and served as a constant, reliable outlet for the team.