Starlands went on Tour today !....travelling 30 miles down the M5 to Redditch.
After all the terrible weather - rain and snow, it was just nice to get out playing again.
We had 12 girls which was good after the last couple of training sessions only showing 4 or 5 girls.
The pitch was on a big slope from side to side - and was quite short, so much so Holly fancied her chances of scoring !
The girls warmed up well but still seemed a little quiet just before the gane started.
Starlands were very much in the game and enjoyed most of the possession against the hosts.
We were conscious of having lost 4-0 at home - and were keen to improve on that performance.
The back three of Laurice,Chloe and Sinead were playing brilliantly. They were quick to clear any danger - and Sinead was hard in the tackle and making her presence felt.
Holly was Captain for the day. It seems to bring big performances from her - and she did not let us down. She was vocal inher encouragement to the other girls and came off her line quickly - and scared the opposition strikers!
We struggled to put any real passing game together - and I can only put it down to the lack of recent matches.
For some reason we were slow to react to the ball, allowing the oppostion to get there first - and shying away from headers?....Its a ball NOT a brick !
Grace was enjoying some runs up the right wing supported by Alex.
Upfront , Amber was struggling with her foot and just could not latch onto the massive kicks from Holly.
Rosie was trying hard to get involved - and Samantha and Hfsah were their usual industrious selves.
Kiera came on for Rosie - and added more effort and coverage of the pitch - but she always does !....she asked what position she was playing?...why ? I replied...It doesnt make any difference to where you play ;) a terrific work rate and engine. If only I could get her and Samantha to put their foot on the ball occasionally.
The half finished 0-0 , and Starlands had never really been under threat.
The second half, was madness !....we tried to clear the ball, it rebounded of Chloes face and into the path of the on rushing striker who scabbed the ball past Holly.
The second was a brilliant save from Holly, yet as always the ball rebounds to the opposition who dribbled it in....2-0
The third was not cleared from a corner. It was hit from the edge of the box - a loud shout from Holly caused all our defenders to freeze !...the ball then went rolling into the net 3-0
oh well, these things happend. But, the girls continued on. Laurice who had come off earlier came back on - only for Hannah to go down after crossing the ball.
Some on the sideline heard her hip pop !...as she swung at the ball and over extended her leg and hip. Fortunately she managed to get up , but played no further part.Which is a real shame because she is a lynch pin of the team and a real role model.
Amber and Hafsah were linking nicely - and a through ball from Samantha set Amber on her way. However, on this short pitch it meant the goalkeeper was quick off her line - and although she got her shot away it narrowly went wide. SUch a shame she did not add to her 10 goal tally !
Grace was throwing the ball in nicely and Alex was more prominent.
A special mention must got to the back three - who played really well today - as did Holly. Kiera had a great return - but, Sinead was without a doubt Girl of the game.
She got stuck in, was hard but fair in the tackle. She headed the ball and kicked it out when required...a shoulder charge knocked one of the opposition flying!
The match finished undeservedly 3-0...a loss nut an improvement ....and we should have been rewarded with at least a draw!
Redditch were great hosts - and treated us to sausage and chips after the game !....shame its so far ....
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