After months of speculation and negotiations it was great to see the lions line up at their new home @ Chaddesley.
A perfect pitch and perfect conditions for a game.
We made a few changes this week in terms of shape as well as personnel.
A couple of last minute drop outs meant Sophia stepped in to help us out to make up the bare 11.
We started with a new formation of 4-3-3. Amy moving into a new role at centre back and Ruby becoming the sweeper to give us a little extra cover defensively.
The new look forward line of 3 showed it's benefits from the start.
With more width for both Gracie and Demi this gave us far more space and time on the ball. Both started really well beating their markers time and again. We could have taken the lead in the first minute with a quick break and fired wide.
We didn't have to wait long for the first goal. Demi closing down a goal kick bearing the defender and firing home.
A couple of breaks by Welland that were easily dealt with by the back 4.
Number two came after the defense broke down a Welland attack. Ella played the ball well into Chloe. Chloe found Demi well. The two then played a lovely 1-2 to release Demi who raced clear to finish well.
At this time it was clear the new shape and movement was going to create Welland problems all morning. The defense alongside Jess B winning all 50/50s and breaking down any Welland attacks.
Welland did manage to squeeze through a couple of times. Ali saved a 1-1 really well and closed down the second half chance meaning the forward fired wide.
Our third came after Jess B won yet another tackle in the middle, Danced passed her marker before releasing Gracie wide on the right. She powered past two players and fired into the far corner for 3-0. A really well finished goal.
3-0 at half time.
Nothing really to say at half time just more of the same from everyone.
Second half we started really well again having most of the ball and always looking dangerous going forward. Knowing that the defense were coping really well we pushed the wide midfielders up a bit meaning both Lottie and Chloe saw more of the ball further up the pitch. Lottie finding lots of space wide and playing some lovely through balls. From one of these demi scored but a linesman's suspect flag ruled it out.
Paige then got the goal she deserved after good work from Lottie and gracie found her in the box. Her fierce shot only parried by the keeper and in off the post.
Some more good work from Demi found Chloe who whipped a great ball in just evading Paige.
5-0 came after good pressure found Gracie. Her cross deflected past the keeper by a Welland defender.
More pressure could have resulted in more goals with the midfield looking really creative and supporting the forwards really well.
Any half chances for Welland were dealt with really well by the defense and Ali. Lots of good communication from Ruby and Amy helped the defense look rock solid. Amy bringing the ball out of defense really well and linking up with the midfield.
Final score 5-0.
An excellent display from everyone today. Everyone working really hard and wanting the ball. Playing some lovely football and creating loads of chances. The new formation really suited our pace and creativity in wide areas.
The passing from the defense into midfield was another huge plus for me today, from the kick off,with Ella and Amy in particular looking really positive going forward. The extra cover Ruby gave in her sweeper roll also giving the defense a little extra confidence.
All in all guys I would say possibly our best performance in a long time. Everyone was up for it from the moment we started warming up and this showed massively so well done all.
