In what must rank as one of THE all time classic cup encounters, our girls finally triumphed over a talented and resourceful Batley Heat. It was ultimately Wigton's absolute refusal to accept elimination despite looking down both barrels of an early cup exit that was the difference. I need, at this point, to pay tribute to the Batley side who contained within their ranks some outstanding individual talent but the sum of the parts was ultimately undone by Wigton's sense of team and togetherness. The game see-sawed with goals arriving freely, mistakes and great skill on show. Batley played some very attractive passing football and moved the ball wide, especially down the Wigton left with too much ease at points in both halves. We need to learn to concentrate, stay tight on free players and tackle, hard but fair, the ball carrier. Additionally, we must make more of Abby's tremendous long throws... come on girls don't watch it... boot it in the net ! Despite Batley's superior possession, Wigton continued to carve out gilt edged chances some of which had to be converted and it was Ellie May, playing out of position but superbly in the middle of the park who notched twice in the first half to send us in 2-1 up at half time. The second half saw a period of concerted Batley pressure where they overan our midfield and created many fine chances, two of which they converted. The second goal in particular being as good a team goal scored in girls football as I have ever seen. A tactical change followed with Ellie reverting to middle of the park, Sam pushing up to lead the line and having carried the ball for 15 yards Olivia unleashed a piledriver too hot for the Batley keeper to hold. The game was nowhere near over despite a 3-3 scoreline and Batley edged ahead again..... 4-3. Back came Wigton and with less than 2 mins to go... it was Ellie again to the rescue rasping the ball home after good work by Sam. Extra time saw Wigton re-assert their control but it seemed penalties were the only outcome until a very sloppy goal kick routine by Batley allowed Sam to pounce drilling the ball home...5-4 to Wigton how the home crowd scraemed as the net billowed! Come on... blow up Howard... we thought but didn't say! Credit must go to both sides for producing such a roller coaster and our encounters with Batley in the future will be tough and testing. Nevertheless, it's the last eight for Wigton in the cup and who can say we don't deserve it ??! Well done to all the girls for superb commitment, skill , togetherness and will to win. Let's learn from the game and work hard in training to become even better. But for now, it's Sunday evening, take a bow and give yourselves a very big pat on the back. Player of the match as voted by our girls' parents was Ellie May who scored a hat-trick playing out of position for most of the game. | 
