Starlands were lucky enough to travel down last Sunday to watch England Women v Germany at a sell out 55,000 Wembley Stadium.
The previous week The England Coach & Legenc Marieanne Spacey took the girls for a session at Streetly on the astro turf.
This week she kindly turned up to run her eye over the girls talents and see if they had listened to what she had shown them.
The Starlands Girls did not disappoint !
Fair play to Redditch who managed to get the game on. We did not play on the first team pitch due to a Cup Game , but next door on a big heavy pitch. It was slippy underfoot and was going to be hard work.
Redditch were always going to be up against it - playing with 10 players. But, to be fair they battled resolutely and gave 100% - But, with superior numbers and an ability to rest a few Starlands ran out eventual winners 5-2.
The Referee in charge was a stickler for the rules and reprimanded both teams for allowing substitutes on the pitch before the out going players had left the field of play.
Starlands were quickly into their stride....much better than the previous two weeks when we have not been at the races!
Alex and Grace sat out the start of the match - having missed training, but were soon to make a real impact.
Starlands took an early 1 - 0 lead from Olivia running onto a sublime pass from her pal Beth - hustling and bustling her way past the defender abd cooly sliding the ball past the keeper.
Its always great to get an early goal and settle the girls nerves and give them some confidence.
One soon turned into two when a throw was kicked out for a corner and guess who was there to slot home...Olivia !..Back on the goal trail.
It could have been three when a nice pass from Beth found Olivia who unselfishly fed Grace who turned it goal bound but the keeper made a good save.
Alex was linking well with her Stonnall partner Grace up the right flank. One such move between the two truned defence into attack. Grace found Olivia who flicked it on for Beth who was rushing in from the back post. She tucked it away just to the side of the keeper who looked as though she had managed to defelct it wide....but there was too much power on the shot and it travelled into the corner...3-0 ! Brilliant effort.
Starlands gifted Redditch hope when they unecessarily gave away a corner and then too many swinging legs failed to connect with the ball and clear the danger. The ball went across the goal and was tucked away to make it 3-1 on the stroke of half time.
An entertaining half by both teams. The Starlands back four had marshalled the skillful Redditch wingers well. and were playing it simple by clearing the danger.
The girls were given instructions at half time to continue moving the ball and then offering support...and shoot , shoot shoot !...Then Marieanne Spacey came and gave them a few words of encouragement.
The second half Starlands were going to be playing up the slope...it was going to be tough work against the inspired 10 man Redditch who were battling for everything and looked dangerous on the break.
Starlands were fortunate to score a fourth with Grace providing a lovely through ball for Olivia who banged in her hattrick goal !...the second of the season.
The fifth came with Grace really showing some determination and speed to run to the corner before crossing to Beth on the edge fo the box who turned inside, spotted the keeper at the front post and hit a high shot into the far top corner. The keeper who had made a number fo saves was powerless to do anything and could only watch the ball sail into the goal.
That made it 5-1 and in truth although Starlands played some nice football, they may have been guilty of taking their foot off the gas, and allowing Redditch back into the game.
We made a few more substitutions and Hannah slotted into the defence where she was solid with Laurice. Chloe had made some timely interceptions earlier in the game and it is great to be able to rotate these three when needed.
Amber had moved upfront - and we have a real problem in her best position.. She had a few shots on target and was unlucky not to score. But in defence she has speed to burn and can get back to cover...just a tad more aggression needed in both positions and to keep giving 100 % effort.
Kiera this week listened as she has done the last few weeks...still not perfect but when she was on the ball she looked comfortable. She was able to skill her way out of trouble and when she played the early ball she set up lots of attacks. But, again.,...she like others has got to show a desire when not in possession. eg. DOnt give up !...tackle back for the team.
She received some very favourable feedback from The England coach... ( see Kiera !....I dont make it up !)
Now that brings me onto Toni ...our little stick of dynamite...she was giving 100% and glided along on top of the muddy field. She was doing her best to link up play with Zohra, and just needs to release the ball a little quicker to avoid getting caught in posssesion. But, what strength and character - summed up when she was hacked down ( accidental.) but went down like a sack of spuds !...Fair play to her...She got up a little tearful, but would have run straight on and kicked the tackler back !....lol. So, a few seconds to calm down were required.
Redditch socred a lovely second goal from a nice team move....and probably a little lack of concentration couldnt be blamed with the game safe.
Holly made a couple of good saves diving in the mud ( even with a bad back!) to keep the home side at bay.
Samantha was steady at the back and did nothing wrong all game. Likewise Zohra played with a heavy cold but was able to break up the play in midfield.
The match finished 5-2. There were a number of stand out performances - although EVERYONE played well and gave 100% so I cant ask for more. However, Olivias hat trick was great and hopefully will give her some confidence. It was nice to see Beth controlling the ball in midfield and spreading the play, and finally taklng a chance and shooting !...See !....You wont score unless you shoot...and hardlines on missing out on a hat trick , damn that Redditch keeper ! Hannah was back to her powerful workhorse best...never stopping.
Grace told me before the game that she wanted to play on the right wing...she did...and she showed why !...She looked faster and stronger and made some nice passes and c rosses setting up some goal mouth action..Well done ! ( Now, do you think you can pose for a girl of the game photo?!).....please?
After the game REDDITCH treated us to Sausage and chips - and their usual TOP CLASS POST GAME hospitality. THANK YOU AS ALWAYS.
NEXT WEEK....We travel to play PREMIERSHIP opponents Trysull in The Cup. I dont expect us to win...and dont care about the result as long as we continue to give 100% and try to enjoy it....We can use it as defensive practice for the week after....You NEVER know?...We may park the bus and sneek a penalty win ! .....Got everything crossed x
P.S Thank you to Pete ( Redditch) for helping me search the pitch for my wallet !...And Thank you Lauirce for pointing out it was in my jacket ! DOH !
