MARSTON 3 - STARLANDS 1 (AWAY) 3/3/2012
Starlands were a little wary of playing Marston following the mauling the girls got at home.
Whilst they only lost 4-1, they had been given a lesson in physical play.
Today, Starlands were not prepared to lay down - and were by far the more physical side.
The team were boosted by the news that Buttercream & Bows have agreed to sponsor the girls for next year.
A quick heart to heart with Martha established that new boots were on, inhaler taken and laces tied...She promised to show us what we know she is capable of.
Starlands for the very first time had two substitutes which gave Becky a difficult decision to make even before kick off!
Starlands were kicking off with the slight slope in their favour. Surprisingly, the girls looked to play the ball about - and did not concede early on.
At the back Sinead & Lauris are 'Rocks!' infront of Holly - and the duo were once again tremendous with shoulder charges,last ditch tackles and challenges. Once or twice the two defenders even looked to move forward pushing the ball wide to release Hafsah and Martha down the flanks.
Marston were pinned back for long periods in the first half, but following a good attack from Starlands - they counter attacked and were unlucky not to score themselves.
They only needed another chance and a quick pass out wide, allowed Harriett the Marston player to finish clinically.
Starlands pushed on, and Marston knew they were in for a tougher game. Samantha was her usual busy self.
Georgia and Martha when they did pass to each other - were putting some lovely little plays together - and just before Half time - Georgia was struck in the throat which knocked her for six. Even the Marston spectator 'David Haye' cried "Penalty!"...but the referee was not moved. Following medical intervention - the whistle blew for half time. 1-0 to the home side.
This was an excellent effort for The Starlands girls. As well as they had played, Becky made two substitutions - and Hafsah & Sam made way for Hannah and new recruit Jade.
Only moments later, an excellent shoulder challenge by Sinead allowed Starlands to break up another attack. However, for some reason the referee has seen fit to blow for a free kick right on the edge of the box.It may as well have been a penalty - Holly stood no chance..and Harriett buried her shot into the net. 2-0, when realistically the score should have been 1-1.
Starlands made a few more changes - Jade had given her all, but it was difficult for her without training and she looked a little lost in the heart of midfield.With time like all the girls she will improve - and we will certainly need her for next season.Its easy to forget that the rest of the team have about 15 games under their belts now.
Starlands had been really unfortunate not to score - Georgia usually accurate had fluffed a shot on her 'wooden leg', and later on cut inside nicely and just shot wide - maybe being guilty of shooting too early?..but again Georgia & Martha were making inroads always supported by Hannah.
At times,Starlands bossed the game - with Lauris & Sinead firm at the back - and Holly making some great saves coming off her line to narrow the angle. But, luck never seems to be on our side? and 3-0 it finished with a cross and goal mouth scramble leading to a deflected shot.
This was a definite improvement on the last time the two teams met. Starlands girls have come on leaps and bounds. Well done Girls!
Martha was awarded her first Girl of The Game Award - and hopefully she can be persuaded to stay with Starlands rather than move to pastures new.
Hopefully with Our Sponsors Buttercream & Bows behind us and fortcoming press campaign We can move on and recruit for next season...Spread the word
Thanks to Lauris for the cakes after the game!...maybe our sponsors will have competition?
www.buttercreamandbows.co.uk
