Excellent pre-season win for Leek Town U16 girls

The game started at a fast pace with end to end action in the first few minutes. The Leek defence of Emma Smith, Isabel Wretham, Charlotte Bromley and Mollie Shaw coped well under pressure and limited Vale to very few chances.

Amber Stanway, Becky Rothwell and Kirsty Ryder started to take control of the Leek midfield and with the tireless running of Lucy Kelsall up front the Leek team started to produce some good chances with both Lucy Kelsall and Chloe Gerrity shooting just wide of the Vale goal. Kayleigh Barnes was then introduced to the left wing and made some dazzling runs around the back of the Vale defence and also managed to get a couple of long range shots on target. Right winger Elise Skelding also started to use her speed down the wing and made some good crosses into the Vale box.

Leek won several corners and following a goalmouth scramble from one of these corners Elise Skelding managed to force the ball into the Vale net 1-0 Leek.

Vale then came back into the game and Charlotte Bromley had to make several important interceptions to prevent the Vale strikers from getting through. Vale eventually did get a good chance with Leek goalkeeper Hannah Austin making a very good save. Leek then went on the attack and forced a corner, from this the ball fell to Emma Smith who shot just wide.

Rosie Atkinson was introduced to the Leek midfield and performed very well being very quick to the ball. Amelia Synowiec was also introduced to the Leek midfield and had some good touches.

half time 1-0 Leek.

Leek forward Lucy Kelsall had to come off at half time with a injured hand, so Leek pushed Kirsty Ryder up front who started to hold the ball up well with some good lay off,s to both flanks, Leek produced several attacks which eventually paid off with Kirsty Ryder firing home to make it 2-0 to Leek.

Elise Skelding then hit the bar coming in from the wing and Kirsty Ryder came close again during a goal mouth scramble which Vale managed to clear.

All players were now starting to tire on the large Harrison Park Pitch and Vale came back into the game with Leek,s Hannah Austin having to make a couple of good saves. Vale then made their best chance of the game which came down the right hand side, the Leek players hesitated when they thought a foul would be given for a push on Mollie Shaw but the game was played on with the ball being put through to a Vale striker who fired home to make it 2-1.

Vale were then going for the equaliser but the Leek defence held firm and along with the excellent Amber Stanway who was still full of running at the end managed to protect their lead.
Full time Leek 2-1 Vale

Players of match. Amber Stanway/Charlotte Bromley

Leek Team, Hannah Austin, Emma Smith, Isabel Wretham, Charlotte Bromley, Mollie Shaw, Elise Skelding, Becky Rothwell, Amber Stanway, Chloe Gerrity, Kirsty Ryder, Lucy Kelsall, Kayleigh Barnes, Rosie Atkinson, Amelia Synowiec

All the Leek squad played well and were deserved winners in a close fought game. Vale now host Leek in a return friendly this Sunday 01st at Jackson Rd Congleton CW12 1NT kick off 11.00am