Apologies for the delays in the match reports.....that is IF anyone actually reads them?
Starlands finally got to play Redditch after a number of postponements due to weather.
Both teams were equal standing in the league having won ,drawn and lost the same amount of games.
Last time out we visited Redditch without our leading goal scorer and a player short. As usual we gave a spirited performance but lost 3-1 with Amber burying a consolation penalty.
The defeat was made easier to bear with Redditch's hospitality of hot dog & chips.
So, Starlands were looking to make amends.....
It was a lovely sunny day but a little chilly and blustery. At time like these I'm glad we've the dug out to hide away in whilst I'm waiting for everyone to turn up.
We had a full team to select from, and even a substitute....Redditch were down to the bare bones 11.
From the kick off, the flow of play gave the feel of a very close game. Redditch looked the more dangerous on the break, with the Starlands back 4 reshuffled to accommodate Stacey with Chloe suffering shin splints.
The first goal did come from a defensive mix up, Stacey caught in two minds..whether to jostle the striker and clear or leave to Holly ...who also appeared in two minds. The Redditch striker was in no mood to mess around and managed to get a great shot off to take the lead.
It was a well taken goal, and she showed great strength to bustle Stacey off the Ball.
Starlands are no strangers to coming from behind, and dug in. They managed to gain some composure and started to get a foot hold. The game was a combination of Starlands trying to play some attacking football and Redditch looking dangerous on the break.
Other forward line of Olivia,Amber and Georgia were looking hungry for goals.
Starlands were soon level 1-1 with a cross being cleared to Georgia who played another cross into Olivia who tucked it away.
Stacey was struggling to hold her position at right back or midfield but battled on, unable to play in her usual centre back role due to Sinead and Laurice looking so so,I'd at the heart of defence, and a reluctance on my part to play 5 at the back, preferring to lose as long as we score and enjoy the game.
With the incentive of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts & cans of pop after the game, Starlands were told to make themselves FIRST TO THE BALL, NOT BE SCARED TO SHOOT, PLAY FOR EACH OTHER WITH LOTS OF EFFORT & Enjoy it !
They didn't let me down...
A through ball from Kiera to Amber resulted in a shot going just wide.
Closely followed by Grace blasting over the bar!....
Hannah then played a through ball to Olivia over the top of the defence, which Olivia was unable to benefit from with the Redditch keeper off her line fast.
When Redditch did break in the first half,a Holly was there to tidy up, and then put her customary rocket kick up the other end.At one point she kicked the length of the pitch!!
Kiera although she went wandering at half time, knuckled under and showed she can listen! She stuck to her position and played yet another nice ball to Olivia who buried it 2-1
She then nearly got her hatrick when the dynamo midfielder Hannah put her in on goal.Alas no.
Starlands 3rd came from a Sinead corner repelled out to Kiera lurking on the edge of the box. Following on from her goal at Penn, she took a chance at a speculative shot which bounced round the box of a couple of defenders and into the goal !...a bit lucky, but if you don't buy a ticket to the lottery you'll never win! 3-1 and well done Kiera because it meant I could relax slightly....
The fourth came with Redditch rattled by our second half pressing. A lovely goal for one of the quieter members of the team. A nice birthday present for her sister ! Grace was in the right place at the right time and finished off a lovely move.The ball trickled towards the goal....and with her mum willing it in...it went into the bottom corner ! 4-1
At this point, I did relax and put Stacey up front who had a couple of long range shots.
Georgia hit the post not once but twice ! A long range free kick from the edge of the box went goal bound but just hit the far post and managed to go wide...this followed a nice mazy run from Kiera who was tripped on the edge of the box. Georgia even hit the post a 3rd time for Wyrley later in the day ! How unlucky .!
Special mention to Alex who once again had a steady safe game, and changed position to help the team.Also Samantha who in the first half cleared the ball with every part of her body except her foot, continued to run her socks off and used her foot in the second half.
A terrific brave clearing header on half way from Sinead....Amber bravely carrying on with a bash to her nose - and even played with more aggression afterwards.
All the girls played with so much heart.
The game was dominated by a second half performance from Starlands that is becoming a habit ! You never give up girls.
The match finished 4-1 and another 3 points in our best season ever.
Thank you to Redditch for travelling, always nice to play you guys and glad the bribe of doughnuts paid off ;)
All the best mike with the bodyguard course, and hope Pete gave you the case of beer!?
