Poppleton Tigers surge into U12s final (From York Press)

Poppleton Tigers surge into U12s final

9:44am Saturday 28th April 2012 in Junior football By Tony Kelly, Deputy sports editor

FLUENCY is the new currency for Poppleton Tigers under-12s’ girls who are poised to claw in fresh rewards.

A year ago the team lorded it atop the City of York Girls’ Football League with a dream double of title and cup success.

Now the same ranks have surged to the U12s final after a weekend which yielded first, a 5-0 semi-final success, and then, 24 hours later, confirmation of a guaranteed runners-up place in the championship.

Between the two seasons the Poppleton players have undergone a subtle change.

FA level one qualified coach John Boyle, who runs the team with fellow coach Giles Hadaway and manager Sandra Falcus, said: “After winning the double last year it would have been difficult to improve, so this season we have encouraged a more passing type of game rather than hoofing it long upfield.

“Not only has it been a joy to see the girls in training, they have also worked so hard to produce a good blend of football in games.

“In the semi-final against Scotton Scorchers Tigers we just passed it around them.”

Poppleton prevailed 5-0 over their Scotton visitors, whose ‘A’ team – the Lions – have been crowned the new league champions.

On target in the semi-final nap-hand conquest were Rachel Humble (2), Lauren Gilligan (2) and Grace Foyer.

That put them through to the U12s final against Fulford, surprise 2-1 winners over Scotton Scorchers Lions, at Pocklington Town FC on Sunday, May 13.

All seven age-group finals have been moved back a day because of York City’s FA Trophy final at Wembley on Saturday, May 12.

On the league front – the Poppleton ranks’ last game is today at Stamford Bridge – they completed a fine weekend by beating visitors Cayton Corinthians from Scarborough 1-0. The lone strike was bagged by Foyer.