Starlands Girls & theit Supporters travelled the 100 mile round trip to Welland in Deepest darkest Worcestershire to play Welland Juniors.
Having had a walkover from Warwick Angels last week - there was always going to be a bit of rustiness about the girls performance.
We arrived with 11 players for kick off - and were welcomed into our own changing rooms !
The first task of the day was to lace up every girls boots with our new RAINBOWLACES....to supoort the Anti-Homphobia Campaign.
With laces tied and NEW ' JIMMY SPICES ' sponsored kit on show , we took to the field.
The first challenge was the sight of a GIANT of a young man...6 ft plus and over 12 stone...who was playing for The Worcestershire side. The girls were taken aback last season with Wyre Forests fella, but at least he was the same height and build.
Laurice and Chloe acepted the challenge to keep him under control - and to be fair, gave him plenty of attention !...jostling and bustling with him for every challenge.
It was clear that he was able to out pace our girls and was able to find a pass and hit a ball much harder and longer than anyone else on the pitch.
Wellands Manager informed us - their goalkeeper needed some confidence so she was playing her in goal - and the Giant upfront.
From the performance the keeper had - She doesnt need much more confidence - She played very well and kept any Starland shot out. Those that didnt hit the target rolled agonisingly wide.
Welland didnt need too many chances - and were quite clinical in front of goal. Yet, for Starlands to be 3-0 down at the break was very harsh.
So much so, that Holly our Keeper and Captain had a bit of a strop....unecessarily so. She clearly was upset about being behind - and reacted badly to both Manager & team mates.
Its good to be passionate and care - but there is a way to conduct yourself...and Holly is learning that.
We had been unlucky not to have scored 4 or 5 in the first half. Alex had a goal roll over the goal line not given...Eliie took a shot from way outside the box when the keeper rushed out go agonisingly wide...and Olivia rolled 3 just by the post...It didnt look like it would be our day :(
We moved on in the second half - and to be fair, Holly was like a different person. This coincided with Olivia taking a chance and tucking her first goal away ! to make it 3-1
This gave ALL the girls renewed confidence - and they grew in stature - playing some lovely football. The second goal came soon after, with great link up play between Ellie, Beth and Olivia.
Holly now had a smile on her face - and everyone was more positive. At no stage did anyone give up.
The back four of Samantha, Laurice, CHloe and Alex were magnificent today. They did the simple things right - CLEAR THE BALL, look to pass wide , dont rush in, tackle...help each other...It was great and reduced Holly workload .
Grace and Amber were doing their bit wide out, running for the corners and taking on players.
The midfield of Hannah,Ellie and Beth looked strong - playing some nice passes and trying to support Olivia in attack and get back when they could.
Kiera was struggling to keep her position - reluctant to chase back - and out of position. She was taken off and spoken to at length - but when she came back on, still struggled to hold her position or do a job for the team. In the end, I gave up and just told her to go where she wanted...not ideal..but there is nothing you can do with some players !
Its a shame because talent wise, skills and stamina Kiera has it in abundance - It is not 'personal'...It's about playing as a team....Sure the penny will drop eventually !
Starlands Girls then equalised with a hat trick for Olivia...but inbetween Golden chances for Beth and Grace also went begging....
The winner was another lovely taken goal by Oliva ! 4 on our first game!....Albeit she was issued with The No. 99 shirt and the direction to get the same number of goals !
The Girls held on - with a world class save by Holly diving to the top corner to save a screamer shot from The Giant Boy !...
So, we somehow managed to steal a 4-3 win ! Amazing stuff - and made my weekend. Better still, with results going our way we ended up top of the League for the first time in 4 years !...early days...2 weeks in....but savour the moment girls it shows just how far you have come ! Brilliant effort :)
The Girl of The Game was awarded to EVERYONE for such an amazing comeback and effort...Proud Manager ! Well done everyone.
p.s Thank goodness that road trip is over ! way tooooooooooooooooooooo far to Go!
