I am getting fed up with saying how unlucky we were...how we didnt have a full team...etc etc.
There were no excuses to day.
We had 12 players. Only missing Grace (13) which is a shame considering her recent form.
All the girls turned up in good time...Apart from Amber...But I blame Steve !
The warm up was better than before with the girls doing some passing, ball work, tackling and shooting before we started.
From the kick off...We didnt conceded 3 goals in 5 minutes like before...in fact...We actually scored a terrific team goal that was delightful to watch. Infact it was a false dawn....It was me that must have been asleep...It MUST have been a dream??!.,....
This had followed an earlier effort...when a quick throw from Alex set up Zohra who had a great returning game..she set up Beth...who shot tamely at the keeper. Such a shame, especially when I know how well Beth can strike a ball....
Oh well, we soon scored...and it was a great team move...from the back...to Olivia to Kiera upto Zohra who palyedit wide to Amber who similar to her last game v Solihull pinged it into the top corner ! Amazing team goal.
Regrettably, we were completely out done for pace at the back. Whilkst Laurice returning shored up the defence from aerial attack Solihull were quick to exploit our lack of pace at the back.
Toni was substituted to allow Hannah to move back into midfield to add some aggression and effort. Samantha came on at left back to keep tracks on the lively ginger winger.
Chloe moved back to her accusotmed position alongisde Laurice and Alex stayed in the righ back berth.
We seemed to tail off quite quickly after Solihull scored their first goal. From the early promise and being first to every ball...we looked as though we didnt want it.
No-one was listening to instructions.
As previously mentioned we were vulnerable to pace. Our midfield were playing higher and higher up the pitch and not tracking back...
Solihull went onto score 6 more goals in the first half.
The HAIRDRYER treatment was given at half time...and I was very disappointed ( as were some guests who came to watch with the attitude of some of the girls.) SHAME.
A couple in particular did not show any appetitie to battle or put any real effort in. A particular shame when one of them has made great improvements in her play.
I was forced to subsititute the same players - not something I like to do, because we try and give all the girls equal playing time within reason. However, sometimes it is just not right to allow players on who are messing around. It's something when the referee comments on it !....
ANyway, a combination of Solihull taking their foot off the gas and Starlands actually putting their foot in...ensured that we won the second half.
Olivia scored our second...a reall battling barnstorming run. Many others I would suggest would go down for a penalty...Not Olivia...determined to score she poked it past the keeper. Probably worried that if a penalty was given she might not take it ?!....I think she was set up by Beth.
Anyway, Hannah and Zohra looked really solid in midfield...and with a bit more confidence Beth will make a good midifeld trio next season if we are still playing.
The defence tightened up second half and Chloe made some telling tackles.
Not our best day....But signs of encouragement with the displays of some players. Deservedly awarded girl of the game was Zohra. Much like Grace...We need her available more weeks !....Maybe she can recruit a few from Walsall??...
We now have 3 more games left against the top 3 teams in the league who have everythign to play for...and will be looking to beat us convincingly....It's up to us to try and stop them.
