STARLANDS 0 - REDDITCH BOROUGH 1 26/11/11
Saturday's game brought the far travelling Redditch Borough to Starlands ground. Redditch stood one place above Starlands with a game extra played.
Starlands confidence was boosted by last weeks victory and the girls were looking to repeat their success.
However, due to Martha playing football elsewhere and Rachel playing hockey - the girls were back to their usual bare bones starting 7.
Redditch had travelled with players , subs and supporters in ambundance.
From the kick off Starlands looked good. Yet, Holly was the first goalkeeper brought into action with a fine save rushing out to claim the ball from the Redditch striker.
Starlands were putting so much pressure on Redditch from Loris Delaps long throws.Time after time she was peppering their box but Starlands just could not make the pressure pay.
A corner taken by Georgia went straight through the Redditch defence - but no-one could get on the end of it!
A long range effort from Samantha followed but the wind took the high ball wide.
Redditch were quick to break but a resolute Satrlands defence allowed the ball to go for a goal kick.
Redditch followed this by a couple of quick corners - but Hannah had positioned herself short and blocked both with her head.
Starlands defence was standing firm - and there was some great tackles and shadowing.
Again Starlands pressured with a bombardment of throw ins.Redditch kicked the ball out for a corner.
Hafsah took possession and played a lovely pass to Sam who shot with her left foot which was blocked and then Hannah hit the rebound. Four shots on goal followed one after another - one from Georgia , two from Hannah and the last cleared off the line! It was so exciting -and how Starlands had not taken the lead was unbelievable.
The half ended 0-0
The second half Georgia broke - and the Redditch goalkeeper came off her line and took out her own defender - this in turn left an open goal , but Georgia had been pushed wide and could not force a shot goal bound.
Another fine tackle from Hafsah allowed to Hannah to get a shot away only narrowly missing.
Then Samantha was put through, the Redditch defence had been split wide open. For once she did not hit the ball immediately and the on rushing goalkeeper - took Sam and ball in one sweep. The goalkeeper was down and injured and another certain goal was saved. The goalkeeper had to come off - maybe this was the luck Starlands needed?
Sinead gave away a free kick on the edge of her box. The Redditch No.9 hit a screamer just wide of the top corner. The danger signs were looming.
Holly made another save from a corner. It was now corner after corner - The Starlands defence was standing firm.
However, Starlands lost the ball in the Redditch half. They broke and there was a mix up and Eleanor the Redditch striker uted a well taken goal - albeit very much against the run of play.
Starlands did not let their heads drop..they continued to battle on. They had come back before against better teams and could do it again.
Captain Loris was marshalling the defence with Sinead - and Starlands pushed forward , with Georgia dribbling more. There were some lovely one two's being played - and a last minute run and cross by Georgia was just missed by the on rushing Samantha.
Redditch finished the game with another shot from their No.9 saved by Holly.
The game was over -and players and supporters were drained. This was a game Starlands did not deserve to lose. They had played some good football - and plenty of chances. Redditch on the other hand only needed one chance!
Great effort girls! Shooting practice on Tuesday?
Girl of The Game went to Georgia for some good skills in control and dribbling.
A great Captains effort from Loris and some great tackling by Hafsah.
Next week the girls travel to Stratford - who they played for their first ever game. Let's see if we can run them a bit closer? Good luck Starlands.
