Finally We were able to get a game on ! December 7th was our last match....We were down to a bare bone 11 players with Grace away in London and Sinead enjoying her birthday.
Fortunately we were able to welcome the return of Hafsah and Alex.
Another new addition was our Respect Barrier...hopefully it would keep the crowds back!
It was the third attempt at trying to get a game against Penn.
The pitch had no standing water, and only had one slightly sodden area.The sun was shining albeit a little blustery but everything was set for a cracking game of football.
Penn were riding high 2nd in the league ,undefeated and 30points ahead of us.
Looking at previous league fixtures - Penn had given Halas a few close games and with our heavy defeat to the League leaders the signs were not looking good.
Both teams had 11 and no subs. It was going to be hard work for the girls.Mr.Wood the referee was just glad to get a pay packet !!!
Starlands lined up with Holly (Captain) in goal. The defensive four was Sam (left back),Laurice and Hafsah (centre backs), Chloe (right back).
The four in midfield were Alex on the right, Hannah and Ellie in the centre and Kiera on the left. Upfront was the ever present Amber joined by Olivia, who had promised goals!
The game kicked Off with Starlands showing early promise. Both Laura and myself were encouraged by the girls play.
All the girls had listened to the pre match instructions. Not rocket science but when the girls listen it pays off!
Defence were clearing the ball first time and not taking any chances, get the ball off the park or play it wide.
The midfield were trying to play the ball through to the front two.
Amazingly we didn't give an early goal away, and the longer we compete on level terms - the more confidence it gives the girls.
A break by Penn left their striker clean through, and Holly left to sweep up. Sweep up???...well that's one word for it. She swept through...and wiped out the striker.Certainly a brave attacker but no competition for Holly....BOOM! ....needless to say a penalty was awarded.
The penalty was calmly slotted to make it 1-0 to the visitors. Was this the start of the end?
The back four for Starlands were keeping a high line - and although Hafsah was playing out of position her speed did allow some cover for the rock called Laurice.
Chloe and Sam were making some telling challenges and then distributing the ball wide to Alex & Kiera.
Alex, was showing some great little trickery with back heels and turns, and Kiera was using a skill to beat a player but then finding a pass.Has the penny finally dropped? I hope so, because on form like today she can be a really good player.Well done!
Ellie was strong and assured on the ball, and was putting some good passes together from midfield with the dynamo called Hannah.
Upfront Olivia was going on some great individual mazy runs...and Amber got more involved as the game went on.
One of Olivia's runs then led to a fine individual equalising goal. Great run, strong on the ball from mid way through the opponents half until she let fly into the bottom corner ! 1-1 and so it remained till half time.
As far as I was concerned, we had played our part. Objective completed ! We were still in the match, heads held high and confidence buzzing. Now could we hold on in the second half?
The girls continued to play their parts to perfection, Hafsah moved into midfield and Hannah dropped to defence with her sister. The down side to this was on occasions we looked a little light in midfield and at times ( and I hasten to add only at times) unless the crowd or myself encouraged the midfield quartet to get back...they left it to chance that the defence would cover. However, saying that....Hafsah put one run to track back that was at least 1/2 the length of the pitch.
Penn managed a second goal, when the striker went on a strong run down the right - passing Alex and then a despairing lunge from Hannah to tuck it just past a diving Holly. How did that creep in? 2-1..... And against the run of play.
It was a shame after such a strong showing from the girls that they were going to come away with nothing for their efforts.
Olivia, Ellie and Amber all had shots saved....Olivia's snap shot from distance sailed agonisingly wide.
With time running out we pushed Hannah back into midfield and played with just 3 at the back. The girls were not giving up!... Everyone was strong into the challenge and kept running and supporting each other.
Another lovely link up from Chloe to Kiera to Ellie down the right led to a cross finding the hard working Alex at the back post....BANG! She made no mistake with her first goal for Starlands ! And what an important goal..2-2
We then reverted to playing a back 9 formation for the last minute or so!
The whistle blew....fantastic....we had secured a draw with a team in the top 2. Great effort girls....So proud ! And happy I forgot to take a team photo for the first time in 3 years!!!!!
So, that point could make all the difference at the end of the season - and means we have improved on last years results...2wins, 2 draws and still matches to play!
I hope all the parents were as delighted as I was, it was a great game and performance...played in the right spirit throughout by both teams.
Maybe we should have a 7 week break between every game ?
Everyone was 10/10 but girl of the game was awarded to Alex for her tricks,effort and most importantly.....goal.
