Erdington Ladies entertained Starlands at Moor Lane. This was a bottom of the table clash between two sides desperate for their first win.
Both teams were only able to field the bare minimum seven players.Erdington had managed to recruit a couple of last minute additions to ensure the game went ahead.
The Captaincy had been rotated this week - and Samantha was proud to take on the responsibility from Georgia.
Starlands kicked off up the hill in the first half - and were immediately off to a flyer. They sensed that they had a chance this week and were putting pressure on the Erdington goal.
Starlands had an intial shot go wide from an effort by Martha.
However, without anything to show for their efforts - Erdington broke down the other end and hit the post!
Another match Starlands would have been behind, yet not today.
Samantha broke free and miss kicked in front of goal.Martha had another effort deflected out for a corner.
That was then followed by a lovely Georgia edge of the box curling effort tipped over by Erdington keeper.
Georgia was able to move freely - assisted by Sinead and Loris marshalling defensive effort.
Erdington were gaining in confidence and looked dangerous on the break. Samantha managed to clear from her goal line after a shot went through a crowded box.
Hannah and Samantha looked good chasing forward balls ,but good defensive work from Erdington meant they had no reward for their efforts.
Georgia was being encouraged to shoot from distance - with the Erdington keeper struggling with her handling. This proved to be key - Georgia shot from outside the box, the keeper partially saved with her feet and the ball continued goalwards. Samantha was hovering behind the keeper and ensured the ball went into the net.
Starlands were ahead! The girls and fans were over joyed.
Holly was making some key saves at the other end.Again, any other week Starlands would have conceeded immediately. She produced a fine finger tip save - ensuring Starlands went into the break 1-0 up.
Second half, Starlands could sense something special may happen. They had the added benefit of the slope in their favour and an added sense of belief.
Yet, it was Erdington that called Holly into action - again a superb double save. COming off her line to narrow the angle and then diving to her right to stop the rebound.
Starlands broke - and with the ball in the Erdington area , the on rushing Erdington defence ran onto a Starlands pass and kicking the ball in her stride - and facing her own goal buried it in her own goal.
Starlands were in no mood for pity - and took the second goal with thanks.
2-0 up - Starlands were enjoying their football - and the girls were pushing forward at every opportunity.
Loris was making excellent use of her long throws , Martha and Georgia were pushing the ball around wide.
Hannah was looking fast and threatening - being very unlucky not to have more strikes on goal.Samantha was up and down getting in the way as usual - blocking shots and passes with any part of her body.
Georgia made it 3-0 with another edge of the box shot drilled into the bottom corner - and was unlucky not to have made it 4 with another curling effort.
However, Starlands were getting over confident and were hanging off a bit in the tackle. Erdington worked two lovely goals in quick succession - with Leiah Barnes No.8 scoring. There was nothing Holly could have done about those.
The impetus was with Erdington - and players and supporters were beginning to think the worst.
Sinead was immense at the back - and began to break up the Erdington play. The girls began to grind out a result - and when the final whistle blew....the relief was obvious. For players and parents alike.
A tremendous match - and a shame there had to be a loser.But Starlands were greatful it was not them on this occassion. The 3 points catapult the girls up the league. Sutton and Erdington below and Redditch just above Starlands but having played a game more. Things look promising for the girls going into next weeks match with Redditch.
Everyone was very proud of the girls and they richly deserve their win! Well done everyone
Girl of The Game was awarded to Sinead for her defensive efforts , and special praise should go to Holly for some terrific saves.But all the girls were excellent.
