Under 14 Performance (Season 2026-27) vs Worthing FC U14

Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for the U14 Performance squad to take from an entertaining and competitive game against Worthing. With only one substitute available and a squad still building chemistry and understanding, the girls showed great determination, resilience and clear signs of improvement throughout.

The girls started brightly and were rewarded with an early goal from Arielle, whose high press forced an error from the Worthing defence. She reacted quickest to finish and give the team a deserved lead. Worthing gradually grew into the game, gaining more control of possession and turning the score around with two goals to move 2–1 ahead.

A tactical reshuffle saw Bella move to right wing and Annabelle introduced at right‑back, while Arielle took a short rest after a knock. The pattern of the game remained similar —the girls worked hard and battled for every ball, but Worthing’s pace in attack continued to cause problems, adding a third goal to extend their lead.

With Arielle back on the pitch the team immediately looked more threatening going forward. Her energy and determination paid off as she grabbed her second goal of the game, reducing the deficit and lifting the team. Worthing responded quickly, restoring their two‑goal advantage to make it 4–2.

Further changes saw Daisy, who had been excellent at centre‑back, swap positions with Tia at CDM after another hardworking midfield performance from Tia. The team then produced one of the moments of the match when Tia threaded a brilliant through ball into Isla, who showed outstanding composure to score her first goal for the club — a confident finish into the bottom corner to make it 4–3. With momentum building, the girls pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Worthing found a late goal to secure a 5–3 win.

Player of the Match could genuinely have gone to several players: Daisy, dependable and composed throughout; Isla, marking a strong performance with her first goal for the club; Arielle, a constant threat and scorer of two goals; and Bella, whose work rate and versatility stood out. After careful consideration, the award goes to Bella, who worked tirelessly from start to finish, adapted brilliantly when asked to change position, and made a significant contribution in every phase of the game.

A performance full of effort, resilience and exciting signs of development from a squad still forming its identity. Plenty to build on.