Starlands travelled to local neighbour Walsall Ladies to play their 2nd game of the season.
We were down to the bare bones with a late cry off from Grace.
We were nearly down to 8 players when a last minute loo break...left some of the girls stuck in the loo!!!
Anyway, the game kicked off - and Starlands were soon playing some good football. They looked far more organised this week - with Kiera being kept over by the Managers, she was able to listen to instructions and kept her position much better.
Starlands had all the early pressure...but could not take advantage of the Walsall debutant goalkeeper - who was managing to kep the ball out ! much to the Starlands fans disappointment.
Amber was the first one to break through the off side trap and bearing down on goal shot wide...
Kiera was playing really well, she was told to only do 1 skill and then look to run with the ball or pass. She did exactly that, and looked a better player for it.
Amber was put through again ...and this time blazed it over the bar...
Shortly afterwards, Olivia was hacked down in the box and cooly slotted home the rewarded penalty to take the much deserved lead.
The Walsall defence were fast and strong - and against another team Starlands would have been a couple infront - but as it was, you always knew Walsall would come back.
Sure enough they did, after a break away against the run of play - the Walsall striker calmly tucked the ball under Holly 1-1.
Then a break by Amber hit the post, the ball was played to the edge of the box where Olivia shot from- only to be saved brilliantly.Kiera then passed to Georgiamai who had another shot saved! Unbelievable...how had we not scored again???
A goalkick was then intercepted on the edge of the box, and the Starlands player was fouled on the edge of the box. A lovely worked free kick between Georgiamai and Olivia once again hit the post!
2nd half,,,Starlands were losing their shape as they struggled to play without any subs and the girls fitness was being tested,
The defence of Chloe, Laurice, Sinead and in particular Samantha were making some really good tackles and clearances.
Amber though once again went on a marauding run but shot wide. Again, Starlands were latching onto the poor goalkicks...and having blocked the ball - Olivia shot. Once againit was saved !...however Olivia reacted and scored from the rebound. 2-1 to Starlands....
Samantha and Sinead were breaking up play...and Amber looked dangerous on the break, but it wasnt her day..with Walsall defenders saving off the line.
Georgiamai had a lovely mazy run and shot from an acute angle just drift wide..
Walsall then struck back with an equaliser - when Starlands failed to clear a corner at the first opportunity.
Then Laurice somehow managed to take down the Walsall striker resulting in a penalty !..Noooooooooo! surely Starlands were not going to lose a game they should have won?
Fortunately Holly aka Pink Panther stood her ground and the Walsall player balzed over the bar ! Phew !
But,it was not over yet at 2-2, Walsall were looking increasingly dangerous...and with minutes left they had corner after corner...5 in total, finally Starlands cleared the ball and the final whistle blew !
What a terrific game from both teams. Starlands should have taken a commanding lead in the first half which might have won the game. As it was, Walsall came back strong and in the end could have won it themselves !
The Girl of The Game was clearly Kiera, a much improved effort from last week. Looked the real deal this week.
To be fair - ALL the girls played well. Hafsah linked well up the wing, Olivia scored two great goals. All the defence looked organised and tackled well...and Georgiamai even had enough energy to go and play again !
Well done girls....a BIG improvement from last week.
