Today saw Cestria u17's start their quest for the Gothia Cup (World Youth Cup) with their first game in group 17 v the Swedes Halbybrunns. With a mixture of trepidation and excitement, due to our opponents being very much an unknown quantity, we took to the field.

Cestria soon got into their stride knocking the ball about the lush green surface with ease and pulled the Swedes around the whole area of the pitch. After a couple of missed chances we took the lead in the 4th minute after Zoe Ness smashed home. A second goal arrived from the impressive Rosie Young who was terrorising her opposite number down the right hand side ably supported by Meg Lawson and managed to latch onto a great cross from Rosie Mc. 10 minutes and the 3rd arrived from Ness again aftera great run and finish. Possibly the goal of the game came in 12 minutes after great work by Ness again who worked the ball to Beth Hepple who in turn hit a beauty into the top corner from about 25 yards. Beth Jennings added the 5th and the 6th, her first being a brave effort with a 50/50 challenge with the keeper. Zoe completed her Hattrick in the 20th minute with a penalty and then Rosie Mc completed the first half scoring after great approach play from Beth Hepple.

HT Cestria 8-0 Halbybrunns

3 substitutes were introduced at half time in the shape of Nora Otterhall, Megan Johnson and Megan Beel respectively as we experimented with some different formations. 10 minutes in and Nora scored on her debut coolly slotting home to make it 9. Lauren Briggs added the final goal a couple of minutes later After a mazy run down the left hand side before beating the keeper at the near post. Our hosts grabbed a consolation goal with the last kick off the game after some, it has to be said, some sloppy play.

FT Cestria 10-1 Halbybrunns

All in all a good start with everyone getting plenty of game time and a good run out.

Tomorrow we play the Norwegians Ridabu at Aby 2 11am.

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