STARLANDS 0 - WEDNESFIELD 6 (H) 7th April 2012
I don't know where to start?...at the risk of sounding boring...This was once again a tremendous effort by The Starlands Girls to hold 2nd in the table Wednesfield to 6.
Previous match reports commented on how real the risk was of a cricket score against such a well drilled and skillful team as Wedensfield Girls.
However, what Starlands have in abundance - and what cannot be coached is 100% effort and determination and drive to continue for the whole match. I am sure if other teams could take some of what our girls have they would!
Starlands - refused to buckle early on. They were mean in defence and even experimented with Sinead playing up front. Hannah & her sister were rock solid in defence , and Holly was punching and deflecting crosses at will. Alex was once again busying herself in midfield tracking back and 'man marking'.
But,the girls still showed too much respect for The Wednesfield No.10 - who was the smallest player on the pitch.It was her who turned a cross goalwards to take the lead.It was instinctive, and She knew exactly where to tuck the ball away.
The second goal came from a corner, one of only a few that escaped Lauris - Holly went forward to collect the ball in the air - She misjudged the cross and only managed to deflect it into her own net.It was an unfortunate mistake following Holly's excellent start to the game.
Starlands held on till half time. To only be 2-0 down against such premier opposition was an outstanding feat.
Samantha hooked one off her own line and over the bar and Sinead made an outstanding clearing header. Hannah was playing really well , and seems to have found a position where she is comfortable - header after header, leading by example.
Sinead also had a swing at a through ball from Sam - but, the ball went narrowly wide.
A free kick given on the edge of the box was also given to Starlands - Sinead was encouraged to have a shot. It was a thunderbolt of an effort - but again flew wide.
Becky ran the changes and Martha,Rosie and Hafsah coming on.
Another Wednesfield attack resulted in Sinead, who had moved back to defence giving a penalty away.It was very harsh - and when you watch Match Of The Day tonight - You will see plenty of similar instances not given in todays other games! The resulting penalty was tucked away clinically 3-0. The crowd duly gave the referee some good natured stick!
There was a real risk Starlands could collapse - and a 4th goal duly followed with another well taken goal from the No.9, who struck from the edge of the box.
Starlands had a few journeys into the Wednesfield half - and following a back pass, an indirect free kick was awarded to Starlands. The indirect free kick was awarded in the wrong place - and the shot by Georgia flew narrowly wide - but would have never counted, without a touch from a fellow player.
Hafsah was her usual busy self and covered so much ground to support in attack and assist in defence. At times Martha showed signs of excellence - and only needed to be spurred on by the crowd to get back and challenge.
The 5th goal came from the No.10 who replicated her earlier effort - with a quick turn and shot! clinical from the little poacher.
The 6th goal and last of the day - was as Gillette Soccer Saturday would say..." A Proper Worldy!"...The Wednesfield player took the ball at the edge of the box on the volley and let fly!..the ball travelled at pace and over the defender and Holly dipping into the top right hand corner. GOAL OF THE SEASON! and worthy of winning any match!
STARLANDS did not conceed again - and can take real pride in holding the opposition to 6.
Hannah was awarded GIRL OF THE GAME for her Herculean effort.
Next week STARLANDS travel to Kingshurst for a rematch.
