Today, we played against PENN with 10 players.
KIERA bravely stepped up to the plate and played in goal with Holly still recuperating. The Stonnal 2 had tummy upsets so,....it was always going to be a struggle.
This morning at 7.15 the weather was atrocious ...sleet & cold but with the 3rd pitch being playable we decided to get the match on!...
From the off, Penn sensed blood and were very strong.
We went 1-0 down from a corner and failure to clear.
Kiera made a couple of early saves on the break..and looked reasonably comfortable if a little uncertain.
Toni played a thru ball to the forwards and shots from amber, Olivia were blocked. The ball finally fell to Beth who shot. The ball went agonisingly wide!...and I think at 1-1 we may have knocked Penn's confidence....However, it was not meant to be.
Penn went down the other end and scored from an acute angle to make it 2-0
This then became 3-0...and 4-0 with KIERA a little slow off her line. So, unlucky....took the player out though lol.
The fifth followed KIERA bravely coming off her line to tip the ball away, just to fumble with a wet ball and the striker coolly struck home 5-0...again unlucky KIERA.
6-0 came from a poor goal kick.
7-0 was another lapse in defence, Laurice played the ball wide to Sam who turned the wrong way into the attacker, robbed of the ball they made us pay !
8-0 was a long range shot top corner.
The half time whistle blew !....
Now 8-0 didn't really reflect the effort the girls were putting in. Toni was inspired and for the first time ...I saw glimpses of what she can do,,,WHEN she tries. She was covering and trying to thread passes. Zohra was looking good in midfield alongside HANNAH and beth ...but every time we tried to play the ball through to attack of OLIVIA and Amber it was blocked or intercepted....not much luck. We were guilty of too many players going for the same ball and overcrowding a small area. We got in each other's way !!! You gotta talk girls.
HALF TIME ...A quick turn around to keep warm due to the miserable conditions.
2nd half the midfield were tiring....HANNAH was everywhere ! and certainly leads by example...even throwing up and carrying on ! A few could learn from her 100% attitude. effort effort effort....pressure and team spirit. COME ON GIRLS! I know you are all capable...NEVER LET YOUR HEADS DROP !
Laurice and Chloe were very strong in defence..whilst Samantha was away with the fairies!...think she 'd forgotten what a ball looked like after 6 weeks off.
Olivia was leading the line...and Amber was adjusting to her new shorts!...brief glimpses of the undoubted talent she has...but we need more of!
Olivia went rough from the half way on her usual hustle bustle runs..just shooting wide.
9-0 when KIERA made the initial save but Penn got the rebound,
10-0 from a penalty!....corner ball...MY FAULT. Having allowed the girls to wear waterproof jackets under their shirts I told Toni to take her hands out of her pocket!...standing on the near post she was then able to raise her hands and stop the call hitting her head !?£&@&%^€€$!...,,
Kiera saved the penalty !!😇 but Penn first to react scored.
11-0 , 12-0,13-0 from silly failures to clear first time...OLIVIA had another chance to score after a great individual effort.
2nd half, Chloe was girl of the game for me...secure and safe and covered for her team mates. Well done!
Toni came strong in the latter stages to have her best game.
Zohra was giving dome really encouraging signs of what she could do with a little bit more match practice....likewise Beth just needs to believe in herself!....and never give up. Not the ideal Birthday present for tomorrow 13-0 ...sorry try not to let it ruin your day !....Sure our friends REDDITCH will let you score next week
So, GIRL OF THE GAME went to Toni. Let's just hope that she does t let it slip now...and SHOWS US WHAT SHE CAN DO !
Well Done Malone !
Well done everyone...especially KIERA for her efforts. You did well. Don't get upset the other girls were grateful ...and the opposition managers thought you had a good game and hadn't a clue it was not your position.
Hopefully Holly back next week....and the Stonnal 2 ? When We play Redditch who are on a good run of form.
I expect another close exciting friendly game
