2024-06-04

In an electrifying showdown of the Jockey Club Women’s Youth Football League(U15) FA Cup that took place on Sunday, Grace Citizen showcased a dominant performance, outclassing Major League Football Academy with a resounding 4:0 victory. The encounter unfolded at the Jockey Club HKFA Training Centre Pitch No.4, with Grace Citizen securing the third-place accolade for the competition.

The game kicked off with Grace Citizen swiftly taking the reins. At the 8-minute mark, they drew first blood when Liu Sin Huen Shelby latched onto a precision pass from Chong Ching Lam Jaylynn, firing from a narrow angle inside the penalty box and finding the far corner of the net, giving Grace Citizen a 1:0 lead. Maintaining their momentum, Grace Citizen continued to press forward. Chong Ching Lam Jaylynn cut inside and attempted a powerful shot from the left flank after receiving a short corner, only to be denied by a brilliant save from the goalkeeper. In the 18th minute, Grace Citizen doubled their advantage. Chong Ching Lam Jaylynn, assisted by Liu Sin Huen Shelby, unleashed a right-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area, sending the ball sailing into the bottem right corner, extending the lead to 2:0.

Despite trailing, Major League Football Academy had a glimmer of hope at the 29th minute when Bannon Olivia's direct free-kick from the left was cleared by the defender just before crossing the goal line. However, their hopes were dashed before half-time as Chong Ching Lam Jaylynn, after dancing through three defenders, stormed through the middle and blasted a shot into the net, giving Grace Citizen a commanding 3:0 lead at the interval.

As the second half commenced, Grace Citizen continued to dictate the game's tempo. A pivotal moment occurred at the 48th minute when Liu Sin Huen Shelby was fouled inside the penalty area. Stepping up to the spot, Chong Ching Lam Jaylynn dispatched the penalty with aplomb, completing a hat-trick and stretching the lead to an unassailable 4:0. Even with a comfortable lead, Grace Citizen kept their foot on the gas, launching further attacks that included a narrow-angled shot from Liu Sin Huen Shelby and a long-range strike from Chong Ching Lam Jaylynn, both of which were superbly saved by goalkeeper Pong Danielle. Not to be completely outdone, Major League Football Academy strived to salvage some pride. A noteworthy effort came at the 58th minute when Cohen Riley's long-range attempt, following a pass from the right, was solidly saved by goalkeeper Li Yuet Tung. Before the final whistle, Chong Ching Lam Jaylynn, who was instrumental throughout the match, made a dazzling 40-yard solo run into the penalty area, but her shot was impressively saved by the goalkeeper. She had another crack at goal from distance, but it was agonizingly wide.

Finally, Grace Citizen triumphed over Major League Football Academy with a convincing 4:0 scoreline, securing their spot as the third-place winners of the Jockey Club Women's Youth Football League(U15) FA Cup.