Saturday 10th November, Starlands travelled to Fazeley Town Phoenix to play in the Second Round of The Cup.
A win would have secured a 1/4 final place...however, it was not meant to be.
Starlands were playing their first game in their new kit sponsored by Buttercream & Bows.
Now, it is not often that Starlands dominate a game, but - Today Starlands had all the play. I cannot stress how unlucky the girls were, Yes Fazeley were playing with 10 girls, but the size of half their team dwarfed ours!
Ben decided to rest both of our leading scorers from the start...an interesting decision, but one that looked justified from the start with the girls playing in their place - especially Ruby having her best game to date.
Starlands looked secure at the back - but no matter how assured Sinead and Chloe were, they were always struggling to cope with the pace of the Fazeley striker.
She was an experienced player who played U.14's boys football - so, was strong on the ball and had pace to burn.
Starlands had a number of efforts saved by the Fazeley keeper who was having a great game.
The supporters could sense that it was going to be one of those games, where you dominate but get hit on the break and conceded...and it proved ot be so.
Against the run of play, Starlands found themselves 1-0 down.
However, Starlands kept plugging away - and when Ben put on our top scorers we were back in the game - after a matter of minutes.
Amber , Alex and Kiera all having shots on target. But, it was last weeks hat trick hero Hafsah who had a long range shot from the edge of the box on the angle that caught the keeper unaware and it slipped in at the near post! 1-1
The second half, Starlands resumed their control, but you guessed it - Fazeley broke and slotted past Holly who came off her line.
Starlands refused to give up, but Fazeley again broke and made it 3-1.
Starlands then intercepted the ball at the back by Chloe ( Captain for The Day) who played a lovely ball through to Grace who skinned her defender and went on an amazing run down the wing before crossing the ball and Amber first time burying it in the back of the net! 3-2....
Starlands sensed they might get something from this game and kept plugging away.
At the back, Hannah and Samantha were double teaming on the striker - Sinead had come off with an injured foot. Jade had come on and was giving it her all and made a couple of brave challenges.
Alex was her usual terrier self and at one point out skilled the opn rushing midfielder with a lovely bit of skill, standing on the ball and flicking it between her legs and moving off in another direction before playing a lovely ball to Grace.
Grace was playing brilliantly, and her progress in recent weeks is amazing.
Unlike the first half, Starlands now realised there was nothing to be scared of and were heading the ball!!! Hooray! and it made all the difference.
Starlands 3rd goal was a fantastic team goal, brilliantly finished and well deserved by Kiera. Starlands had Fazeley pinned down, corners and throw ins were coming thick and fast, the ball broke free on the edge of the box - a ball was played square to Kiera who waited , and waited, and waited and finally pulled the trigger from the edge of the box! Gooooaaaaaalllllllll!!!!!! 3-3 ....The crowd went mad! and still "7 to 13 minutes left" Quote the ref!
Surely the momentum was with Starlands....
Another Fazeley break, yet CHloe did the right thing and cleared the ball off the field. The throw in was taken quickly and Starlands were not set up, they backed off the striker , who went closer to goal before pulling the trigger and the ball going in the far corner 4-3! ....Heartbreak!
It was now too late for another comeback, the referee blew the final whistle and 10 man Fazeley were through to the next round.
Girl of The Game was awarded to Ruby for her best game of the season to date. Excellent effort and enthusiasm as always , so unlucky not to score today.
A great game of football girls - and really exciting to watch! Well done and keep up the effort.
Starlands eagerly welcome back Fazeley in 2 weeks time, and will be looking for revenge. A game plan to mark the Big Striker and ensure we don't get caught
on the break!
