Vale Girls U16s battle the elements and Caerphilly, but just lose out (From Barry And District News)

Vale Girls U16s battle the elements and Caerphilly, but just lose out

7:10am Thursday 17th January 2013 in Sport

VALE GIRLS U16s 0 CAERPHILLY 1

WITH the pitch at the Buttrills just about playable, both sets of players gave their all.

The opening few minutes saw the Vale girls fail to take several chances, and Caerphilly also had a few opportunities but Emily Gillard, deputising in goal, made some confident saves.

The next 10 minutes saw Caerphilly having most of the play but they were unable to penetrate a tough Vale defence in which both Shanice Donovan and Niamh Teague controlled matters.

The Vale midfield, with Kelsey Murray having a fine game after a long spell out through injury, started to take control but, with conditions not conducive to open football, were unable to take advantage.

The second half started with both teams having shots well saved. Emily Hill and Emily Gillard both had chances but the conditions made it difficult to control the ball and and it came as no surprise when, from a Caerphilly breakaway, a speculative shot squirmed under the Vale 'keeper to put the visitors in front.

Danielle Dakin Weston in midfield and provided good through balls but the Vale attack were unable to convert.

Vale then had a penalty appeal turned down and were on top for most of the rest of the match until Caerphilly were awarded a penalty for a foul just inside the box. However, they sent the spot kick wide.

Vale girls again took control and, with Georgia Atkinson and Jess Cogbill driving crosses into the goalmouth, several more opportunities were missed, with three shots going wide.

It wasn't to be the Vale's day but credit to every single player on the pitch for giving 100 per cent in awful conditions.

To pick a player of the match was difficult but Shanice Donovan and Danielle Dakin Weston deserve praise. Manager Gino Esposito was delighted with the effort by everyone.

Next the girls travel to play Cardiff City in what should be an excellent return fixture, hoping to avenge a narrow defeat earlier in the season.