10/10/2026
Under 14s Ambers vs Forza
Another week with no league action provided the Under 14s with an opportunity to test themselves against reigning JPL Premier Division Champions; Bradford-based Forza Football Academy, in a friendly at Station Road. Both teams enjoyed stellar campaigns last season and have started this season in form so everyone was anticipating a highly competitive match. Whilst the windy conditions at the home ground may have reduced the quality on show, both teams contributed to a pulsating game of football and matched each other all over the park.
Norton made one change to the line up as Isla L came in at left back with Isabel moving into centre back for the first time this season. Indi operated alongside Isabel as Georgia and Isla C took their usual positions at right back and goalkeeper respectively. Further forward the front 6 was unchanged with Scarlett (c), Lottie and Pennie in the centre, Miah P on the left, Molly on the right and Ruby the lone striker.
From the get-go both teams realised they were not going to be afforded time on the ball as possession flip-flopped between the 2 teams thanks to sharp tackles and intelligent interceptions. With the wind behind them Norton took control of the first half with Lottie, Pennie and Scarlett seeing lots of the ball and looking to set the attackers free. Isla L and Georgia were keeping the impressive Forza wingers quiet as Indi and Isabel were always on hand to sweep up behind them and set Norton on the front foot. Indiās game is generally about confidently striding into midfield and providing front foot passes however, today, she had a lot more defending to do and demonstrated that she is equally capable of putting in crunching tackles and winning battles with attackers. Isabel was at her best looking assured at the back and providing cover when Forza did break through the defence. Isla L was having her best game for Norton showing composure on the ball with excellent feet whilst cutting out opposition passes with good positioning. The game required robust tackles and Georgia and Scarlett were on hand to add some steel into the Norton performance whilst Lottie, Pennie, Molly and Miah added the quality and attacking intent.
Chances were few and far between for the first 30 minutes however Ruby had a long-range effort comfortably saved from the Forza goalkeeper and Molly almost ghosted in at the back post when the ākeeper spilled Miahās effort. Nortonās best opportunity came when Miah was denied by an excellent double save when she was played through on goal by Ruby.
Forza missed a golden opportunity of their own when the striker found space in the box however, she fired wide. Forza came into the game towards the end of the first half and, following a scramble in the penalty area, Scarlett dangled out a leg and upended the attacker and a penalty was awarded. From the spot the Forza player confidently stroked the ball low and hard to Islaās left giving her no chance. 0-1 at half time.
At half time Norton made 2 changes, introducing Mya T on the left wing in place of Miah P and Ava at right back which pushed Georgia into midfield with Scarlett and Pennie whilst Lottie pivoted to the right wing in place of Molly. The second half started with Forza controlling the ball without creating any clear cut chances and Norton looking to attack quickly on the break. Neither side looked like scoring as they cancelled each other out in midfield and both defences were well on top.
Midway through the second half Norton suffered a huge blow as Captain Scarlett was forced off though injury and Forza looked to take full advantage. It was Pennie that took responsibility for Norton and parked herself in front of the defence, refusing to allow any space for the Forza midfielders to thrive. Norton needed a boost and it was provided by Thea, on at centre back, and Ava who smashed into challenges and battled the Forza players for the ball with gusto.
Soon after, the team followed suit and Norton began to play. With their all action midfielder off the pitch Georgia ran herself into the ground to stop Forza attacks and provide forward passes for the ever willing runners of Mya T and Lola, who was now managing the right wing. Both Lola and Mya are excellent at keeping the ball with a superb first touch and good decision making which helped Norton push up the pitch.
Ruby was working tirelessly chasing down defenders and dropped deeper to join in and Norton were able to keep the ball in the middle without creating any real chances. Forza fought back and Norton relied on some superb stops from Isla C who saved with her feet on 3 separate occasions, getting down low quickly to keep Norton in the game.
With the match entering the final 10 minutes Norton found some momentum and, following a good tackle from Isabel and great play between Georgia and Pennie, Lottie found herself with space to run into. Lottie got her head up and slipped a great pass to Ruby who impressively battled her way through the crowd of defenders who had tried to outnumber her all game, but the centre forward fired her shot agonisingly wide of the post and the score remained 0-1.
It would have been easy for Norton heads to drop and accept defeat however, such is the attitude and commitment of every single girl on the team, they simply donāt know when they are beaten. With minutes remaining and both teams looking completely exhausted Eliza, one of Nortonās most intelligent footballers, remained sharp to find Lottie with a quick throw. Lottie dropped the shoulder and beat 2 players and Nortonās most gifted individual fired the ball into the top corner from outside the area to give Norton a very deserved equaliser. 1-1.
The match finished all square with the teams unseparated. Norton were the better team in the first half and Forza took charge of the second half and a draw was probably a fair result. Forza will argue they saw more of the ball however Norton will claim they had the clearer chances, particularly in the first half. One thing is for sure, this was a competitive game of football between two top U14 grassroots teams; a great advert for Grassroots Football.
From a Norton point of view, to find an equaliser late in the game, without their captain and against a very good side that controlled the ball for large periods in the second half, the girls can be proud of their grit, determination and desire to get a result. Every single girl played their part in a strong performance but also know they are capable of playing even better.
Goal Scorer
Lottie ā½ļø
Player of the Matchš
Lottie ā a constant threat though the middle today and linked the midfield and forward players exceptionally well. Lottieās best game in a Norton shirt this season as she mixed graceful dribbling with dogged defending when required. Provided the moment of magic that got Norton level.
