Today, brought our local rivals and neighbours Woodstar Rangers to Aldridge for our first League fixture against them.
We played a pre season against Woodstar and narrowly lost 4-1 - So, it was nice to invite them over to our place.
The sun was shining and once again we had a full team, the only players missing were Ruby & Jade.
Unfortunately, Woodstar a newly formed team have also chosen ORANGE as their teams kit - so being the away team were forced to wear Green bibs...and much like the HULK, It appeared to have made them angry!!!...and so it proved!
We kicked off into the sun, and the early signs were very encouraging for Starlands. We moved the ball around majestically at one point from the back by Sinead to the flank via Kiera which ended up in a shot from Amber. Everyone watching commented on where did that come from?...But, it shows we can do it!
However, Woodstar immediately struck back. A quick move shifted the ball wide down the left wing and a shot from outside the box left Holly stranded. The ball went over her head and in the top corner - regardless of the sun, not much she could do about that!
The second goal closely followed, the defence failed to clear first time - and Holly was unusually slow to come of her line and the ball was pushed past her into the goal.
The third goal, was very much the same - the defence of Laurice,Chloe,Sinead and Alex were playing well - on occassions they did push up the pitch to try and draw the opposition off side -but on other occassions sat too deep and allowed the attacking players to run onto goal. Woodstar scored a third goal, and things were looking worrying. It is still early days - and as the season progresses they will gain an understanding between them - but the signs are there.
Starlands did what they do best and rolled up their sleeves - and fought back led by the Captain for the day Hannah.
Starlands first goal, started from the back - Laurice played a superb defensive header out of her box, the ball was then played through to Samantha who hit it first time for Amber to run onto. It looked at one point as if she had pushed it too far ahead of her, but she let fly with a fantastic effort into the roof of the net! Great goal! 3-1.
Starlands then had more of the play and were camped down in the Woodstar box. Hafsah broke and a shot come cross went straight through the box at speed and the on rushing Samantha buried it first time.
The Starlands girls were obviously back in the game - and the half time whistle came much to the relief of Woodstar.
Now, what happened after half time - I do not know....
I was approached by a new player Eli and her parents, engaged in conversation for 10 minutes and when I next looked up Ben told me it was 8-3!!!
How?....I cannot decribe the goals much like Arsene Wenger - I did not see them. But, what I do know is - for that 10 minute period Starlands did not fight and there was some unexplainable mistakes. But, life is about learning....and we will.
The Woodstar attack were just outpacing our backline, and Hafsah was moved to help provide cover.
Starlands then woke up -but the damage had been done. Amber , Rosie , Alex and Hannah all had shots but lacked either the power or direction.
Grace did look certain to score - and it would have been richly deserved however, she shot straight at the keeper...such a shame.
Holly was back to her usual self in the later stages of the game - puling off a great save to parry the ball high and wide , and coming off her line to close down the attackers.
But, Woodstar Rangers put the final nail in the coffin - and Georgia their striker hit a rocket of a shot to score their 9th goal! Unstoppable.
Well done to Woodstar Rangers for winning. I am sure Mike their Manager will agree don't think the scoreline truly reflected the possession we enjoyed.
The positive news is we are now scoring regularly, we are passing the ball and we are starting to talk!
Grace was awarded Girl Of The Game - for her recent form and narrowly missing her first goal of the season!
I promise no more half time team talks or signing new players whilst the match is in progress !
NEXT WEEK is a CUP GAME 13/10 Away at BRINKLOW ( COVENTRY ) and then we play them in The League on the 3/11.
