Sutherland vs. Benfica under 13 girls match report
14-Oct-08

by P Ellis and adapted by J Simnett

Our Sutherland under 13 girls were looking forward to this game as we knew it was going to be close. We know that Sydney Benfica must of been looking forward to reversing the 3-2 score line from our win during the 5 Star Futsal gala day at Menai.

Less than a minute into the game and a fumble from our kick off sees Benfica in our goal area with the keeper to beat. Jessica gets horizontal and deflects the shot wide with her legs. We all take a moment to let our hearts start beating again.

Benfica kept attacking but our defensive trio of Morgan, Taylor, and Mikhaela kept them out. Things started to turn our way and we began to press our opposition goal thanks to Natalie and Kirrily.

A fine performance by the Benfica keeper despite our best efforts kept us scoreless until a 17th minute counter attack by Benfica two on one resulted in the first goal of the match to bring half time to 0 – 1 to Benfica.

In the second half Natalie was working overtime at pivot and doing a great job. A poor goal clearance by Benfica saw Bronte quick to capitalise and level the scores 1 - 1.

A few minutes later a great team goal was started off by Natalie and finished with beautiful combination by Jessica and Morgan 2 – 1 to Sutherland.

Now Benfica doubled their efforts and Mikhaela as goal keeper was making save after save, including a rocket to the midsection.

The last 8 minutes saw us desperately defending our lead. Bronte did a superb job as we rotated her to pivot and with Kirrily as target Sutherland forced Benfica into errors. Sutherland preserved the lead to the final whistle.

Sutherland under 13 girls left the court very happy, we just love to play and we are glad for the development that we are getting from playing for Sutherland in Futsal. The player of the match was our super goal keeper Mikhaela Natta.

Source: SSFA