Julians FC vs Athenlay by Matt Leach

Julian's FC sent shockwaves through the Under-12s Tandridge Youth League after smashing six goals past title contenders Athenlay Girls.

Athenlay, who arrived at Streatham Vale with an impressive 100 per cent record after three games, did not know what had hit them!

Although for the most part smaller in stature, Julian's set about their opponents with gusto. Yet Athenlay weathered Julian's whirlwind start and took the lead with a well-taken goal halfway through the first half.

Striking sensation Bea capped a scintillating first-half display by equalising after a mazy run and a crisp finish. But there is so much more to her game than just goals. She was everywhere, tracking back, winning the ball and causing untold panic in the Athenlay defence with her quick feet.

She was not the only one. Captain Rhoshaine, back from injury, had the opposition back-pedalling with her pace down the right, while Lauren was pulling the strings from midfield.

At the back Martha was reading the game like a modern-day Franco Baresi, while Shakyla was in determined mood - letting nothing past. Olivia came on in the first half and immediately looked a threat - tormenting the increasingly-tired Athenlay defence.

But despite their first-half dominance and the heroic efforts of the ever-improving goalkeeper Azariah, Julian's found themselves 2-1 down after a slick counter-attack from Athenlay.

With the clock counting down to half-time, Julian's won a free-kick in Shakyla territory. Up stepped the inspirational defender and her piledriver was deflected into the net to make it 2-2 at the break.

Isobel was switched to the right and looked hungry for the ball, and for goals. Linking up well with the dynamic Zosia and Bea, Athenlay soon realised there would be no let-up in the second half.

Betsy entered the fray to shore things up at the back and her tenacious tackling and composure on the ball summed up the spirit of Julian's which has been so expertly nurtured by coach Matt Hayman.

Julian's kept their foot on the gas, with Bea running the match again. She piled in with two more goals to grab a deserved hat-trick.

Second-placed Athenlay may have run out of ideas on how to stop Bea, but they refused to give up - hitting back with two second-half goals of their own.

Only for Isobel to give Julian's some breathing space with a slide-rule finish into the bottom corner for Julian's fifth.

Zosia was inches away from adding another goal after a powerful surge into enemy territory. She needn't have worried, five minutes later Shakyla broke Athenlay hearts to smash a sixth into the top corner.

Match report by Matty Leach