Lions lose on penalties

The u-12s Lions ended the season in a thrilling semi final against Macclesfield Town in the Inter League Cup. After withstanding early pressure from their opponents, which saw a Gordon Banks style save from the Crosfields goalkeeper, the Lions played themselves into the match and were close to scoring when the ball was almost turned in on the volley from a great corner. Full time came and the match remained scoreless. Extra time - during which the very tired group of girls did everything to keep out their opponents at one end and battled away to get a goal at the other - still saw the goalkeepers unbeaten. Penalties followed and with some high quality penalty kicks from both sides, the Lions came agonisingly close to making the final, eventually going out 4-3 on penalties. That is the end of the Cheshire League season and the girls, most of whom are still in primary school, have acquitted themselves well, playing some attractive attacking football on occasion and always battling in defence. All the girls should be proud of the effort they have put in and look forward to the summer tournaments and next season when this season's experience will stand them in good stead. Good luck to those moving up to 11-a-side.