There was a fierce wind blowing diagonally across the pitch for the return against Whitehaven, who had beaten us 7-1 in the first game of the season. Newlaithes were without Abbie, Holly, Jemma, Laura W and Stacey who were unavailable. Jade and Tasha were both struggling with a cold (catch it, kill it, bin it Jade...) ;) and Faye played on bravely despite the fact that she was carrying an arm injury.
Whitehaven had the wind advantage in the first half and took the game to Newlaithes. They made the breakthrough after 12 minutes when a seemingly harmless shot from Megan Murdock found its way into the bottom corner. Newlaithes battled hard to clear their lines and had their share of possession as they struggled against the wind. However Whitehaven continued to press and Katie Maxwell took advantage of a defensive mix-up to tap in from close range for Whitehaven's second. Newlaithes began to fight back but found it difficult to breakdown the Whitehaven back line. Tasha came close with a free kick after Laura O had been body-checked into touch and Katie O and Pat were a constant thorn in the side down the wings but Newlaithes found it difficult to find the space to shoot as Whitehaven were determined in defence. Whitehaven were making the most of the wind advantage and had a number of shots just off target. They also hit the bar with a header after a corner from the left but with the help of a couple of good saves from Katie M, the score remained 2-0 at half-time.
Newlaithes continued to battle in the 2nd half as they looked to pull one back. Jade pushed more into midfield as Whitehaven were made to defend their lead. Rosie also came into midfied as a sub for Laura O and Newlaithes immediately looked more comfortable in possession. They were beginning to get some shots in and were unlucky to see several efforts float just over the bar. Katie O had to leave the pitch after another crunching Whitehaven challenge to be replaced by Beth on the left. Despite the Newlaithes pressure, Whitehaven continued to pose a threat on the break but Carly was once again rock solid at the back. Faye had to come off with 10 minutes left after a sterling display at right-back but Newlaithes continued to press. With a minute to go, Rosie and Sarah played some nice one touch passes in midfield to Jade, who found Pat on the right. Pat attacked the space well and she hit a superb high cross-shot into the far post that with some wind assistance beat the keeper to pull one back. Unfortunately it came just too late and with Newlaithes in the ascendancy, the score remained 2-1 to Whitehaven.
This was a tough physical encounter and the young Newlaithes players rose to the challenge the more the game progressed. On the whole, the more experienced Whitehaven team probably had more shots but Newlaithes created enough pressure in the second half to have deserved something from the game. The whole team never stopped battling and it would be unfair to single anyone out for player of the match but it went to Jade for driving on despite coughing through most of the match.
Thanks to Andrew Harvey for a solid performance as referee :)
