Auckland Moors U14 Girls recently made the journey down to Skegness to participate in the ESF national football tournament, reports club chairman, Lee Costello. The weekend event, held at the Butlins resort, welcomed teams from across the country to come together and compete across the entire weekend. In total, the tournament hosts up to 400 teams at the Lincolnshire seaside town, including girls from U9 to U14.
This was Auckland Moors U14’s first weekend tournament together and gave the players, coaches and parents a chance to experience a professionally organised youth festival, meeting clubs from around the country, both on and off the pitch during the event.
In their first match of the tournament, Auckland Moors got the weekend off to a great start, up against Asfordby Amateurs, dominating possession and Erin H opening the scoring with a 1-0 win.
The next game against Corby Town FC was a tougher challenge, with action at both ends of the pitch, including an outstretched leg from Auckland Moors keeper Lottie maintaining a clean sheet. Possible trouble was avoided in the second half as Corby’s free kick from a handball was easily dealt with. Finally Erin H found the back of the net in the remaining minutes for Auckland Moors to take the three points.
A bigger challenge was faced against Marshalls Sports, eventually ending in a 0-0 draw, with a goal by Erin H ruled offside and a long range shot from Alisha denied by the post.
In the fourth match, a well organised Hornsea Sporting resulted in defeat, a goal midway through the first half breaking through the Auckland Moors defence in a physical game on the all weather surface.
Auckland Moors continued their tournament fixtures with a match against Battyeford Sporting. A closely contested game with Erin H finding the back of the net once again to win 1-0.
The final game was faced against Wallsend BC, who had also travelled down from the North East. Wallsend took an early lead with a narrow cross from the corner finding the back of the net, with Auckland Moors then responding with a goal from Erin D before the end of the first half. Wallsend took the lead again at the start of the second half and despite a goal from Amalia bringing Auckland Moors back to 2-2, Wallsend BC extended their lead further, to finish the game 5-2.
The tournament weekend culminated with an awards ceremony at the Butlins Skegness resort, with presentations made by Tottenham legend Ledley King, together with local County Durham hero and England lioness Jordan Nobbs.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
