Juniors’ Now Ready!
The final pre-season friendly saw the team paired against a good New Milton side. No Eva, Megan, Mya or Brooke for this game which again would be played over four quarters.
After an even first five minutes the team gradually started to take control and although a tough New Milton rearguard held out for the first 15 minutes the threat was plain to see and it wasn’t the biggest surprise that the team drew first blood, Carly continuing her good pre-season form stroking home, aided by good work from Bobbi and Emilie (1-0). The girls’ saw the first period out comfortably. The away side continued the good work into the second period and began ramping up the intensity and simply not allowing a good team to play. A deserved second goal eventually came, continual pressure leading to a Summer’s strike that nestled in the bottom corner after a slight deflection (2-0). This rounded off a terrific first half performance, strong all the way through the team from back to front, always asking questions of a New Milton team that did well to keep the score relatively close. HT 2-0 The first half had been dominant but the third quarter was a great 20 minutes of football. The hosts had decided not to throw in the towel and committed more players to their attack and made their intentions clear with a move that created a two on one overload, the team had Kacey to thank with a smart save. The attacking intentions did leave more space for the girls though and after Emilie had gone close with a run and shot the lead was increased, Sadie crossing for Bobbi to smash a half volley wide of the goalkeeper (3-0). New Milton were struggling to contain the team again, Lauren especially was causing all sorts of problems for the home defence on the left hand side, several crosses almost connecting. A superb combination move involving Layla, Faye, Summer ended with another Lauren cross, Bobbi unlucky to hit the post. The final quarter and a slight bit of early season tiredness set in, naturally the speed of play slowed and passes were less crisp for a time. The battling intent never diminished though and after another Emilie shot just cleared the crossbar, Layla was on hand with a brilliant recovery tackle after the back line was breached. The home side did get rewarded for their effforts, a speculative high cross somehow squeezing under the crossbar (3-1). This just provoked the team to strike again, Sadie and Carly forcing the mistake and Summer hitting the sweetest shot of the day into the top corner of the goal (4-1).
Summary: A confidence building performance heading into the opening game in a weeks time. Kacey and Millie again sound in goal, good distribution, saves and closing down when necessary. Annabel, Layla and Lila in a back three all showing their qualities, positionally sound and tigerish in the tackle. Faye, in her first outing of the season, not giving an inch away and any midfield combination, Abbie, Summer, Emiiie, Lauren and Bobbi all leaving their mark on a competitive game. Great control from Carly who alongside Sadie never gave the home defence time to settle. The ball wouldn’t sit for Sadie today but when things really matter the goals I’m sure will flow.
FT 4-1. POM: Annabel (never lost a challenge today, massive improvement lately)
Well done ladies!
