History was made today in the re-arranged home clash with Dalton - more on that later. Newlaithes were without Abbie, Carly, Emma, Jemma, Holly & Katie J but welcomed back Beth.
The Newlaithes Ladies are really starting to stand up and be counted and for long periods in this game, they laid siege to the Dalton half of the pitch. Their passing was a joy to watch, with Faye leading the charge up front, Laura W and Pat threatening down the wings and Sarah and Stacey holding everything together in midfield. The Newlaithes shot count must have been in the 20's but time after time they were either off target, mis-hit or straight at the keeper. Dalton always looked threatening on the break but the makeshift Newlaithes defence of Tasha, Jade, Katie O and Chelsea was quick to mop up any danger with Katie M also looking sharp in goals when called upon. Newlaithes thought they had come good after half an hour when they were awarded a penalty for handball. Claire took charge of the situation and placed the ball. She tried to curl it into the top right hand corner but unfortunately, she was a few feet off-target. For me, it showed courage for Claire to take ownership - penalties are horrible to take for anyone so no blame should be attached.
The 2nd half continued in the same vein although the game opened up more as both teams began to take risks in an effort to get the winner. Again, Newlaithes' shooting let them down and if anything it got worse as the players became more and more desperate to score. The more Newlaithes pushed, the more they left gaps at the back and on reflection, despite Newlaithes far superior shot count, it is fair to say that Dalton actually came closest to scoring as on two or three occasions, they found themselves 1 on 1 with Katie M in goals. Thankfully she was equal to the challenge. Dalton also had a shot well cleared off the line by Tasha following a corner from the right.
On balance it was a game that Newlaithes really should have won but more importantly there are a number of positives to take from the performance. Firstly, in possession there is some real quality starting to show. 2nd, we are beginning to compete on a physical level, with some ferocious (but clean..) tackling - especially from Jade, Tasha and Faye but even when on their feet, the players are looking stronger, not only in retaining possession but at times out-muscling opponents to win the ball. Finally, the players are creating chance after chance but we need to improve not only our finishing but also some of the decision making. All in all though, this was another excellent and entertaining game. Player of the match was Pat for yet another tireless performance on the right wing.
Oh, and the record? Well as far as I can tell (and I stand to be corrected..) this was the first ever 0-0 draw involving the team.
Next week's match is away to Kendal Wattsfield in the re-arranged League Cup quarter final.
