In a run of fine form, the Charnock U13’s were back on home soil this weekend, eyeing up a fourth straight win and a climb to second in the league table. The reverse fixture in the season opener was a tough 5-0 defeat, but the girls were ready to show just how far they’d come since that day. With a big crowd, and Grace (and mum Lauren!) dashing back from holiday just to play, everything was set for a cracker.

Maltby kicked off, with Charnock facing into the sun - Evie launched an early long ball that Rose latched onto and fired goalwards, setting the tone for an energetic start. And at the other end, Eva showed her defensive steel with a crunching tackle, and goalkeeper Chloe was quick off her line with her trademark shout of ‘KEEEEPERS!’ as she safely gathered the ball.

The back line of Evie, Georgie, Maisie and Eva were soon in full flow. Evie pulled off a brilliant double tackle before Maisie cleared well, and Georgie read play perfectly to tidy up any danger. But Maltby were sharp too, and when a deflected shot fell kindly, they sent an effort just wide - a warning for Charnock.

Amaya found her rhythm in midfield, winning challenges and turning play into attack, linking well with Grace and Rae to push the team forward. Raegan was in the action too with a clever through ball that Rose chased down for a shot, saved well by the keeper. But after a Maltby corner caused trouble in the box, a cool finish saw the visitors take the lead. 1-0 to Maltby.
That sparked the quick response Charnock needed. Grace slipped a neat pass to Summer, whose first shot was parried by the keeper - but Summer was quickest to react, slotting home the rebound to level things up at 1-1.

Keavey grew into the game, showing real bite in midfield, while Amelia showed flashes of quick footwork that had Maltby backpedalling. Moments later, Amaya pressed high to win the ball in the Maltby half, feeding Rose who raced clear and drilled a low shot across goal. It clipped the far post on it’s way to the net to take Charnock into the lead, and a stunning turnaround in minutes.

Half-time arrived with Charnock 2-1 up, but there was still plenty of work to do.
The second half saw Maltby come out fast, forcing Chloe into a confident save. Raegan then had a solo run and strike at goal, while Georgie and Eva continued to frustrate the Maltby forwards with excellent defending. Keavey produced a driving run through midfield, pushing the team up the pitch, while Summer and Grace combined brilliantly down the flank to win a throw. Rose was ever dangerous, testing the keeper with another low shot to earn a corner, which Summer whipped in with menace.
Maltby broke well from one of those corners, but Amaya wasn’t having it - sprinting back to make a perfectly timed tackle. And soon after, some strong Maltby play saw three players charging toward Chloe, but the Referee called offside.
The closing stages were frantic. Rae got stuck in up top, battling well and refusing to be bullied, and at the back Eva pulled off the tackle of the match to deny Maltby a great chance. Maltby pressed again for an equaliser, but Amaya’s strength forced a miscued shot. With the game swinging end to end, Summer and Rose linked up nicely again for a shot that was saved, and Chloe had to stay alert as Maltby saw yet another chance ruled offside.
Raegan showed excellent composure in the middle, holding play and distributing well, though one Charnock attack was flagged offside. And Summer’s vision nearly created a late third, sliding a pass through to Grace, but Maltby broke free to go one-on-one with Chloe - who threw herself bravely at the striker’s feet to make a vital stop. Play was halted briefly as she received treatment, but the Charnock number one was soon back on her feet and ready to see it out.

As the final whistle neared, Eva again stepped in with a crucial clearance to Raegan who held the ball brilliantly in midfield. Rae and Keavey showed real determination as the game got more physical, winning important duels and a late corner. Maltby had one last effort that went wide, and the referee’s whistle confirmed it - a 2-1 comeback win for Charnock!

It was a defensive performance to be proud of, with Maisie, Evie, Georgie and Eva rock solid throughout, supported by tireless midfield work and relentless attacking pressure.
After the match, a delighted Manager James praised his team: ‘What a turnaround it’s been since the County Cup loss. The girls have pulled together, grown in confidence, and pulled off a reyt result today. Going 1-0 down, then hitting back so quickly shows unbelievable character. Every single one of them deserved Girl of the Game - they’ve listened, worked hard, and ground out a victory they earned.’
Congratulations to Evie and Eva, who picked up the Parents’ and Coach’s Player awards for their superb defensive displays. And a big thank you to everyone who came down to cheer the girls on - the atmosphere around the pitch was fantastic once again.

A proper team performance today for a gritty 2-1 win. No match next week, but the girls will next face league leaders Wingerworth away on 8 November. Up the Charnock!