It was always going to be a good day for Ridgewood schools girls after the A & B teams had won their respective groups and would now contest the Doncaster finals.
The scene was set. A 13:30 kick off prior to the Rovers V's Plymouth Argyle league game. Inside the Keepmoat was an army of parents, Rovers staff and a few early birds who were treated to fast flowing junior football spectacle.
The A team did go onto win the game however the scoreline of 3-0 did slightly flatter the year 8 team, who actually spent most of the opening exchange desperately defending from the "Rory Delap" like long throw in. No matter how much the B team pressed and attacked the ball would not cross the goal line. As chance after chance went a begging the B team pushed forward. Just as they looked to open the scoring the A team pinched the ball deep in their own half broke away at lighting speed with Olivia Mitchell calmly slotting the ball home after a 'Coppinger like' mazy dribble.
Ridgewood A 1-0 Ridgewood B
Ridgewood B may have been one down but their spirits were high and they kept on the attack. Only Bryony Carling in the A team goal and some heroic defending were preventing the B team getting on the score sheet. With 4 minutes to go another devastating blow was dealt by Ridgewood A. Olivia Tate this time applying the finish past Shona Wright who herself had made 3 magnificent saves to keep the score close just moments ago.
Ridgewood A 2-0 Ridgewood B
Ridgewood B was still not out of the game. However after the ball had hit the outside of the post from a well hit drive it was clear it was never going to be the B teams' day. Olivia Mitchell was then presented with another half chance after some good build up play. She made no mistake and scored her second of the game.
Ridgewood A 3-0 Ridgewood B
The third goal did end the game as a contest but credit to the younger B team who kept plugging away.
We wish Ridgewood A well as they go on to represent Doncaster Rovers on the 5th February at Barnsley's Oakwell ground. They have a fantastic chance of being the next team from Doncaster to reach the North of England finals following in the footsteps of Askern Spa and Owston Park.
However we must finish with a word for the B team - made up of the year 7's who despite being a whole school year younger gave an excellent account of themselves. With them able to enter the competition again next year who knows what thy will go on to achieve?
