First knockout phase of Gothia World Youth Cup and the girls were up against one of the largest sporting clubs in Sweden and the world according to Swedish fan who was there. Cestria kicked off in the rain against IF Brommapojkarna and were fast out of the blocks with a high tempo passing game on the grass pitch rather than the 3G we had played our group games on. We went ahead in the very first minute after Zoe Ness stormed through and blasted home. Another goal followed in the 7th minute through Beth Hepple after good work by Ness again. The pressure was constant and there was no let up on our Swedish opponents who were very physical but seemed to want it both ways. Twice after decent tackles their girls would let out high pitched squeals resulting in 2 yellow cards for Cestria players which was very frustrating.
Zoe Ness scored her 2nd with a bullet header from a great Hepple corner on 12 minutes and Lauren Jordinson got on the scoresheet after following a Hepple rocket that the goalkeeper couldn't handle.

HT IF Brommapojkarna 0-4 Cestria

A few changes were made at half time to rest players but this didn't change what was an impressive performance. Megan Beel missed a chance but didn't let it get to her and made amends with a great header from a class cross by Meg Lawson. The opposition players had very tired legs after trying to match the girls over the course of the game. Big shout out to the back four today who kept the swedes at bay giving Amy in goal nothing to do.

Next up we have Vartans IK at 3:55 Swedish time who we played in last years final. A chance for the girls to put right last years result. A shame we play each other this early in the tournament as this would've been a match worthy of the final itself but there you go. If we play like we can we will have a great chance....to be cont'd