Starlands travelled to Burntwood to play last years Staffs Cup Winners and current leaders of The Central Warwickshire League.
It was always going to be a big ask...But,with the girls confidence high and on a rich vein of form...who knew what would happen.
The unfamilar kick off time certainly played a part - with our girls concentration not what it should have been.
We had a pleasant surprise when Olivia turned up unexpectedly to play...and this should have given the girls added confidence with us able to field a full strength team with the exception of Kiera who was injured with a cut eye. ( Get well soon !)
From the kick off, Starlands were very much equal to the more experienced and better drilled Burntwood team. We were defending resolutely and looked strong in midfield.
However, a moment of uncustomary defending allowed Burntwood to take an easy 1-0 lead. The attacker went down the wing to find two Burntwood players in the box. There were Laurice and Amber also in the box, but unfortunately both had switched off and wer stood a few feet infront of their player... The ball came across and went to the back post where the striker slotted home past a helpless Holly who could offer no protection from that range.
Starlands came back into the game - and put some pressure on the Burntwood defence, there was some good interplay - but neither Ellie , Olivia ,Toni, Beth or Zohra took the opportunity to shoot . We've got to take more chances...SHOOT !... It doesnt matter if you miss....but have a go !
30 seconds before half time...and Starlands allowed Burntwood a carbon copy of the first goal....2-0 down at half time and undeserved. Such a shame.
Zohra looked comfortable on the ball and built on last weeks performance - and once again Ellie held the ball up well, and just needs to have the confidence to run with the ball and let fly with a shot ! You can do it !
Toni showed some of the aggression we know she has - and got stuck into the midfield a couple of times.
The little Burnwood right winger was a constant threat but Samantha and Alex played their part in keeping her at bay.
Amber once again showed glimpses of what she can do in her new position - but has got to remember to concentrate and keep switched on. She has the pace to ammend for mistakes but cant afford to give everyone a head start and must track back properly.
Too often we were second to the ball, and a run of injuries to Laurice and Hannah and then Grace meant there was too much change in the team - and players unable to give their usual 100%....
The third and fourth goals came through lucky breaks with the ball bouncing high and Holly pushing one into her own net , and the other went over her head. Once again undeserved.
Samantha had a shot that just went wide...and in the latter stages The Ginga Ninjas had great opportunities...playing upfront together. Olivia had a shot saved well by the keeper and then the rebound was then smashed against the cross bar from a few yards out by Beth. SUch a shame for her not to get off the mark....
In truth the better team on the day won, but the scoreline flattered them,,,,however we didnt look like really creating too many chances to score.
This week we have another hard game v PENN who we were lucky to beat 4-3 last year coming from 3-0 down and then drew at home. They will be quick out of the gates and have some useful players....so expect a tough game.... fingers crossed we remember to shoot and let's see if we can SWITCH ON !
GIRL oF THE GAME went to ZOHRA in only her second appearance - for great effort throughout.
