STARLANDS 0 - KINGSHURST SPORTING CLUB 6
Saturdays game brought the return of Kingshurst Sporting Club to Starlands.
Starlands were able to field a full team plus reserve in this fixture - and were keen to try and gain revenge against Kingshurst.
The weather before kick off was cold, very cold and there were ominious signs of driving rain hampering both sides football prowess.
Hopefully, it would be a leveller - and from the off - Starlands looked far more professional in their set up, The girls appeared to have a set formation - and were streinging some passes together.
Coaches Jason & Becky had given the girls strict instructions and were able to substitute the girls as and when to provide more advice when required.
Although Starlands were battling admirably, it was not too long before Kingshurst took the lead.
It was a real shame - Holly the ever improving goalkeeper - the saviour of many an embarrasing scoreline was taken by surprise. She unfortunately made a couple of errors that on any other day would have been bread and butter to a goalkeeper of her quality.
Starlands found themselves 2-0 down and found themsleves being pulled out of position in an attempt to help one another out defensively.
Sinead and Captain Lauris were outstanding in defence.
Georgia was having her usual great game - but just could not find that pass to set Hannah or Sam free.
Hafsah, was showing sone great early touches and was putting some passes together with Georgia. Unfortunately as the freezing rain set in, it was starting to take its toll on Hafsah - and she came off for Rosie.
Rosie was again showing signs of composure but the conditions were unforgiving and made passing difficult but she put herself about.
All the girls stuck at their tasks and went into the break only 3-0 down.
Starlands best effort on goal actually came from Torpedo Holly's boot - a long range kick only narrowly going wide! ...The liklihood of her Dad having to fork out £5 before the end of the season for a goal is looking more and more likely!
Second half, Kingshurst continued to look the more likely to score - but Starlands were pressing and were unlucky not to find that killer pass or latch onto cross into the box. Once again, lady luck was not on the girls side.
3 became 4 and then 5.. and finally 6 - Kingshurst were making the most of their chances,but Starlands ensured that Kingshurst scored no more. This was in no small part due to the exceptional goalkeeping of Holly. She more than made up for the early mistakes with some trly outstanding saves. On more than one occasion she made a string of saves - one after another. Point blank efforts were parried and blocked and low drives smothered. She was back with avengence! and rightly deserved Girl of The Game.
It was credit to all the girls - that no-one moaned about the conditions - and some thought must go to the supporters who braved the conditions. Especially stalwart Tracy who at one point was left in a short sleeved top having handed her coat to Hafsah. Men in white coats were seen to be taking Tracy away at the end of the match!
Next week sees the return of Sutton United. We have given this team two highly competitive games this season onl;y narrowly going out in extra time in the cup. This time Starlands are out for revenge - and a win will see the girls claw their way off the bottom of the league!
