Manea under-15 girls take on RAF Alconbury in international friendly at air base

Manea’s under-15s girls team took part in an international friendly against RAF Alconbury.

The youngsters were welcomed with open arms by all those involved in this historic game, and every part of the special day will live long in the memories of those lucky enough to attend.

Before the game, English and American national anthems were played, and the American Air Forces in Europe Honour Guard marched and honoured past and present military members as both girls teams stood respectfully and honoured the opening ceremony.

The roar of over 200 fans got the game under way, and perfect weather conditions set things up for a brilliant clash.

Each team fought valiantly, and back and forth the game went until the 15 minute mark when Alconbury took the lead through a strong shot that most goalkeepers at this level would struggle to save.

Manea regrouped and surged forward to try and equalise, but their attack turned into an Alconbury counter and they slotted home to make it a two-goal lead.

Manea took it on the chin and went forward again, and finally grabbed their first goal of the season with a hard fought strike from Kacie Finch.

The girls were on the front foot and the momentum was on their side and when the half-time whistle blew.

However, they were slow to challenges in the second half and quickly found themselves 3-1 behind. The score soon turned to 4-1 before an unlucky bounce made it 5-1, but they regrouped again.

Tianna Finch took the ball and drove home to reduce the scoreline. The girls pressed and pressed but to no avail, and in the final minute RAF Alconbury scored to end the game as 6-2 victors.

After such an enthralling contest, a rematch was quickly arranged for the future.

Coach Scott MacNeil singled out goalkeeper Brooke Robinson for praise after she made some great saves and kept her team in the game.

Defenders Tianna, Faith McKew and Stacey Hill, who had never played together before, formed a team within a team - and some of their tackles could be heard from the other side of the air base.

Captain Erin Rimmer fought through with an injured leg until the last quarter, while Erin Robinson and Devyn MacNeil kept the midfield strong.

Manea's strike force of Kacie Finch and Lacey Metcalfe pushed the team forward and contributed to their first two goals of the season, while Sophie Codrington came off the bench and showed how strong she was by making a positive difference every time she got involved.

Manager MacNeil said: "There are so many thank you's to pass out as an event like this does not happen without hard work behind the scenes. So all my thanks to our Manea senior men's team for letting us use your extra uniforms, and to Donna Miller and Roly Rimmer for the awesome tour of the RAF Alconbury Fire Station - and all the parents and players from Manea, Chatteris, Terrington and March for working together and forming this team all the way until game time."

MacNeil also thanked RAF Alconbury for ensuring there were three qualified referees, medical staff and fire station staff on hand.

He also praised his assistant coaches Lee and Oona for always offering their support and advice.