After last weekends first ever match for the Heanor Town Sapphires, the whole football family was beaming with excitement. It may not have been the score line we wanted, but the overall result boosted the Sapphires into their second game, eager to improve on last week.

We made a big point of using last week's match as the key to this weeks training session, propelling us into today's match against AFC Mackworth Sapphires. If we didn't need any more encouragement, we were in a Sapphires derby!

The Heanor Town Sapphires set out with Lottie Moore in goal. Macey Akers and Iris Haywood paired in defence. A two player midfield comprising of Lily Peacey and Mollie Hanson. A forward duo of Sofia Morgan and todays captain, Maddie Middleton, led the line. With Lilly Tipton unfortunately unwell for today's fixture, it left Mila Hallam and Mia Peacey as our two impact substitutes.

Get the ball forward! That was the call. Get the ball forward and play with the ball in front of you. This became a literal action almost straight from kick-off, with the ball being cleared forward by captain Maddie into the overlapping run of Mollie, who slotted the ball into the back of the net with confidence. What a start, but that is exactly what it was... just the start!

The Sapphires were growing in confidence all over the pitch. Another forward attack in the 3rd minute saw the Sapphires get the first corner of the match. Captain Maddie stepped up and floated in a lovely cross, falling at the feet of Sofia to get herself on the scoresheet.

Mackworth got the ball in front of them and tried to make an attack of their own. Both Macey and Iris stood strong and dealt with the pressure very well. The ball was played back down the left-hand side, which saw Sofia win a throw-in. Lily grabbed the ball to launch a long throw over the defence for Sofia to run onto and slot it in the back of the net in the 5th minute. A great team goal.

The game started to settle a little with some back and forth attacks. Once again, the Sapphires' defence stayed resolute, keeping the ball moving away from their goal. This led to the Sapphires winning another corner. Without any promoting, Captain Maddie was on a high from her earlier corner and assist, and ran over to claim the corner as her own. She floated it into the danger zone to once again find her attacking partner, Sofia, who bagged her hattrick on the 9th minute.

The effort put in was excellent, so a freshen up was introduced with Mila coming on for Sofia, and Mia coming on for Iris. Part of this change saw Lily drop into defence and Mia into left midfield. Mollie also moved into attack with Maddie taking on the right midfield role.

The game settled down a little, with each team having attacks that weren't really testing the keepers. This was a great test for the Sapphires to manage the lead, with Mia chasing down the opposition and winning the ball back. Mila was getting a hold of the ball and putting together darting runs down the wing. Macey was as assured as ever, confidently clearing her lines.

As a whole, the team was really showing a fantastic spirit to work for each other. This was shown when Lily, now in defence, threw herself into a perfectly-timed challenge before sliding the ball into the path of Mollie. A strong run from our number 8 saw her smash the ball across the keeper and into the back of the net in style on the 23rd minute.

With the half-time break near, the Sapphires showed no slowing down at all with an eagerness to keep on the attack. After yet another lovely team move, up stepped Mollie to bag her own hattrick and round the half off in style.

It was an incredible first half with so much effort and determination on show by every single player. Lottie had energy to burn, so a switch saw her move into midfield, whilst Mia donned the gloves for the second half. More changes followed with both first half attackers, Sofia & Maddie, moving into defence. This allowed Lily and Macey to move up into attack. Sofia partnered Lottie in midfield.

With both Lily and Macey working fantastically in defence for the team, it was a reward of sorts that they now had an opportunity to test their attacking skills. After a Maddie clearance up field, Macey managed to play the ball into space for Lily to use her bursting pace to run on, knock it past a defender, where she then flicked it into the goal. This was quickly followed by some determined pressure by Lily onto the defence, winning the ball back in the area and grabbing her second goal on the 31st minute.

Both teams battled and were starting to cancel each other out in a 5 minute period. Lily challenged the Mackworth resolve and picked the ball up in her own half, dribbled past a defender, then a second, and a third, only to see her shot ricochet back off the post and cleared by Mackworth.

Iris came on into defence to sure everything up with a confident display, really claiming her place as our key defender. Lottie made a crucial tackle and dribbled the ball forward. She passed the ball into Mila, who was now alongside her in midfield, who kicked the ball into the path of Macey. It was Macey's time to shine, and there was nobody who could stop her as she powerfully ran through and scored her first goal in the 37th minute. Instead of a celebration, she quickly scanned around the supporters and looked towards her family with a beaming smile of joy and happiness across her face. This, this is what memories are made of.

Mila and Maddie both moved into attack, searching to add a little sweetener on an already delightful performance. After hitting the post and forcing the goalkeeper to make an impressive save, Mila managed to get herself a goal on the 45th minute, leading to yet another beaming smile from our number 2. Awesome!

One player who arguably deserved a goal today was our captain Maddie. She was instrumental in everything the Sapphires produced, leading the team confidently, as well as getting herself a couple of assists. Scoring wasn't to be for her today, but her impact on the match was enormous. Her goal will come in time.

Overall, it was a magnificent showing by the girls. In only their second match, they've proven they can turn it on, and once they get used to playing with each other, they'll get even better. It wasn't the busiest afternoon for our goalkeepers, but both Lottie and Mia held their own when needed, and we couldn't be prouder.

A special mention needs to be made for today's referee, Flo. She controlled the game perfectly, speaking to every player throughout and helping them through the match. Truly fantastic. We hope to see you at one of our matches in the future.

AFC Mackworth never gave up, and they should all hold their heads high for a great effort. Unfortunately for them, the Heanor Town Sapphires were in great form. We wish you all the best for your season ahead.

Supporters Player of the Match - Sofia Morgan. Determined as always. Clinical in front of goal as well as fitting into many different positions throughout to help her team. Well done, Sofia.
Coaches Player of the Match - Iris Haywood. Showing excellent progression from last weekend, Iris stepped up today and put on a masterclass in defending. First to every ball in her area, staying strong against her opponents, as well as pushing the team forward with pin-point passes. Well done, Iris.

The Heanor Town U10 Sapphires are proudly sponsored by 'Hodgkinsons - East Midlands Masonry Ltd'. Our girls looked amazing in their kits. Thank you.

Heanor Town Football Club

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