STARLAND's played Redditch this morning on a beautiful sunny day - The game was switched at the last minute to The Redditch Utd 1st team pitch at The Anker Stadium.
What a treat ! We were given our own changing room , dug out... and the girls came out the tunnel to line up for a team photo with The Champions League music playing out loud.
A real treat....
Now, I had ear marked this game as an opportunity for a win...or draw....but having seen Redditch's recent results I was not so sure.
It was not helped - when Olivia was grounded the night before and Hafsah didn't turn up !?....leaving us with 10 players on a MASSIVE pitch.
However, this is when STARLANDS give their best ...backs against the wall - and dig deep.
Starlands had much of the early play - but could not find the finishing touch.
The Redditch keeper came out bravely once - and took a knock. Kiera was unlucky not to get a shot away for an early lead, From the resulting free kick that was harshly awarded, because it was actually a pass back that the keeper went down on - a quick break allowed a defence splitting pass between our defensive three of Laurice, Chloe and Sinead. The girls are strong in the tackle and never afraid - but we do struggle with any real pace at the back...and the Redditch striker tucked the ball away clinically for a 1-0 lead against the play.
A carbon copy goal soon followed after yet another prolonged period of Starland pressure. 2- 0
What we lacked was a cutting edge and some real control on the ball in the middle of the park....I just hope Olivia cleans her bedroom and is back next week !
Kiera & Hannah were everywhere in the midfield - and Holly made some fine saves.
The first half finished 2-0, and we all retreated to the safe haven of the changing room.
The second half - I thought we might tire on such a big pitch...We changed to playing four at the back, with Sam dropping to left back - and playing three in midfield.
Alex had a great returning game down the right side - she linked really well with Chloe who has continued to play consistently well over recent weeks. They threaded the ball through to both Grace and Amber. We just could not get that final ball into the box...or the ball just ran away from us and the goalkeeper claimed,
The third goal came from the first sloppy effort at clearing, the ball unfortunately hit Laurice in the face from her own player and fell to the Redditch striker who slotted home - despite a last gasp attempt to clear from the covering defender.
Starlands knuckled down - and continued to play some nice football at times. Kiera went on another mazy run and was taken down in the box,...PENALTY !..
A great opportunity for us to get a goal - and take something from the day....All I asked at half time was for a goal....and Amber smashed it in the corner with style.
So, it finished 3-1 to Redditch who I think didnt play any better than us... but did have a bit more pace and an eye for goal....Not to worry....Last year we lost and didnt score....so it's another step forward....and gives us hope for the return game.
Redditch treated us to sausage & chips afterwards ! a BIG thank you to Pete and his girls for a lovely mornings football. A pleasure.
Kiera was awarded Girl of The Game - for getting the penalty and a great game.
Samantha had another assured performance in the second half at left back - and has finally admitted to it being her preferred position.
Laurice also made some strong challenges and despite her misting contacts pushed herself ....and others throughout the game ;) Sinead was a welcomed return - and even trusted me with her BLING watch, albeit she was quick to ask for it back after the game !
I felt like lost property officer today - with Alex's mum leaving hat & scarf behind ....and Laurice her fleece!... I just hope you all picked up your boots from the back door when you left the bar !
Thank you to Darren the referee ( nice guy and fair ref.) and Chris for running the line in Simons absence. Well done - I appreciate it...the rumour is Steve is learning the off-side law and hoping to wave the flag in anger very soon !
