06/09/2026
💙🤍 York RI U12s v Thirsk U12s 💙🤍
York RI U12 Girls produced a fantastic battling performance at home to Thirsk Falcons, narrowly losing out in a closely fought game in which they certainly deserved a share of the spoils.
With no substitutes available and a straight nine players for the 9-a-side fixture, RI knew they would have to work hard from the first whistle — and the girls did exactly that.
RI took an early lead following some excellent work from AH, who held the ball up well before laying it off to OS. She powered through the Thirsk defence and finished superbly from just inside the box to give RI a deserved advantage.
Thirsk responded strongly and began putting us under increasing pressure, but the RI defence stood firm. MT, IA, GW and DF all made important challenges and clearances around the box, showing great determination and working hard for one another.
That pressure eventually told midway through the first half as Thirsk found an equaliser, but RI responded immediately. New goalkeeper CA caused the Thirsk defence all sorts of problems with a number of excellent long kicks and clearances, while OS, AH and EH combined particularly well through the middle and down the left with a number of good runs from ER on the right flank.
RI regained the lead when another strong clearance from CA released OS, who produced another powerful finish to score her second of the game.
It was becoming a real end-to-end contest, with Thirsk able to introduce fresh legs from the bench while RI continued with the same nine players. Another spell of Thirsk pressure eventually led to a loose ball inside the RI area which unfortunately resulted in an own goal, sending the teams into half-time level.
Thirsk started the second half brightly and took the lead with a well-worked goal, but rather than allowing heads to drop, it seemed to spark RI into life.
From that point on, the girls produced arguably their best spell of the match and dominated much of the remainder of the second half.
GW was moved into the holding midfield role in front of the defence and had a big influence on the game, repeatedly breaking up Thirsk attacks before playing a number of excellent through balls to launch RI forward.
ER also grew into the game on the right side of midfield, putting in some important tackles while continuing to support the attack. EH, OS and ER worked tirelessly in midfield, pressing for the equaliser while also showing great discipline in tracking back whenever Thirsk threatened.
Behind them, MT, DF and IA dealt confidently with the limited attacks Thirsk were able to create. MT also showed great composure in possession, bringing the ball out from the back and linking effectively with the midfield on several occasions.
CA looked increasingly assured in goal as the match progressed, making a number of smart saves and clearances to keep RI within touching distance.
At the other end, AH continued to cause the Thirsk defence problems with her movement and determined running. RI pushed right until the final whistle and almost grabbed the equaliser in the dying seconds when AH found space on the edge of the box, only to see her effort pass agonisingly the wrong side of the post.
It was a narrow defeat, but very much a “proper” game of football between two well-matched teams.
Playing the entire match without substitutes, the RI girls showed tremendous effort, work rate, teamwork and skill. They can be extremely proud of their performance and, on another day, would certainly have come away with at least a point.
Coach's player of the match - GW for listening to instructions very well, and her effort and passing.
Parents’ player CA for great assured debut goalkeeper performance, and opposition player of the match OS for 2 great goals and tireless running and positivity in midfield
⚽️💙🤍⚽️
