The 1st XI girls kicked off their league campaign with a dominant performance at home to Stamford. On what was the first of 4 x Friday Night Lights events, Stowe put on an impressive attacking display in front a large crowd.

Within two minutes Gwen Grovit found space on the right and won a PCA after being put on the deck by a heavy challenge.

Ari Hay's straight strike was saved, Alessia Capella smartly recovered the rebound and after a messy few seconds in the D, Flora McCullough found some space and hammered the ball home for an early 1-0 lead.

From then on it was one way traffic as Stamford struggled to escape the Stowe press. After ASri Hay and Anna-Maria Collinge both went close with backhand strikes it was a 1st XI debutant the scored the second. Hannah Campbell forced a turnover on the left and Elizabeth Thelwell fed Collinge,. An impressive carry and pass into the D, Minty Orchard forced her way to the ball first and controlled and finished in one movement to spark wild celebrations on the sideline.

Orchard bagged a second shortly afterwards. Holly Bateman won possession in deep midfield and combined with fellow newcomer Thelwell to release Collinge on the left. Collinge found Campbell on the baseline who crossed for Orchard to tap in at the back post.

Stowe scored from their second PCA of the match. Campbell injected, Capella stopped and McCullough fired into the bottom left hand corner.

Stowe's penalty corner success continued after Alessandra Jahina skillfully carried into the D and played the ball onto a Stamford foot. Campbell injection, Capella stop and a 1-2 between Hay and Collinge allowed Hay to place the ball home from the penalty spot.

Stowe scored another PCA after Campbell and Bateman combined to intercept and drive into the D. Jahina stepped up and scored the drag flick.

Stowe scored twice more goal just before half time. Georgia Brophy and Thea Gross teamed up to win possession for Stowe and released Campbell on the right hand side. Wetherall found Bateman who fed Hay who scored from her second attempt from close range.

The final goal of the half came from Jahina who pounced on a loose ball from a PCA to finish on her backhand.

8-0 at half time meant a different approach to the team talk and second half. Stowe were able to rotate and protect a few injuries as well work on structure for games to come. The impressive Stowe defence was called upon several times with Izzy Blount a commanding presence in goal and providing excellent communication to her back four. Thea Gross was as composed as ever and Thelwell had an excellent leaguer debut.

4th former Penny-Belle White possibly covered more ground than anyone else as she enjoyed an 18 minute stint at the top of midfield. Grovit provided a great outlet on the right flank after a stint in at screen with Georgia Brophy.

A good start for the girls but this is one game of a very long season. The full 12 match block against Oakham next week will be a huge test for Stowe. Oakham 1st XI is a top Tier 1 school so despite us being placed in different regions for the T1 cup competition, we face off against each other in the Midlands League.

Thank you to every that supported and sent in messages, the girls really do appreciate it

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