Starlands welcomed League Leaders Worcester to Aldridge for today's match.
Starlands lost twice last season 1-0 to the visitors and the Walsall Wood girls had never beaten Worcester either so there was much to play for today.
Fair play to the Worcester Team they were no longer playing a boy between the sticks - and it made for a much more equal game. So well done Worcester! It has also got to be said that the new girl keeper did very well and we wish her well.
Starlands arrived for kick off with a smaller squad of 14 today. In part due to other commitments and also Alex and Chloe being ill midweek and lastly a conscious effort to reduce disruptive substitutions. Moving forward I think this is the way to go and those girls not in the team need to keep working and show determination - and those currently in the team need to focus on continuing to perform in training and matches to keep their places.
We started with Beth playing at right back - a position she doesn't like but week in week out she continues to perform when asked to play in defence. Well Done Beth.
Yet another new position for our wanderingmidfielder Kiera who was today playing upfront with Tia due to Olivia playing hockey - and I've got to say what a great first game - some lovely runs, dummies and skill.
This week at training we had tried to work on closing down the opposition when in posession and denying them time on the ball, trying to compete and a bit of shooting ! Some actually came to fruition...so well done girls.
Starlands went 1-0 down to an early own goal from a reverse header by Amber over Hollys head - from a Worcester corner. Once again we looked vulnerable at set plays. Conceeding a goal so quickly and cheaply could have easily resulted in the girls heads going down BUT fortunately it didn't they kept plugging away.
Stacey played a lovely through ball from the heart of the defence and turned defence into attack. Kiera latched onto the ball and ran through on goal - letting fly with a low shot that slid by the diving keeper and into the net 1-1...and Starlands were back in the game.
Georgia then played a nice pass to Kiera whose shot was goal bound only to be saved off the line by a defender who had gallantly tracked back to clear off the line.
Then with the Worcester keeper only just off her line - Anna took control of the box and let fly with an instinctive shot...Jason running the line shouted goal ! as soon as it left her boot...it flew high and over the keepers head from about 40 yards ! Amazing...maybe a little lucky? But Anna was just grateful those goal posts had stopped moving and it was another goal towards her Season Target of 15 Goals.
Starlands were really trying to compete for the ball and were getting to the ball first much more than last week ... the midfielders were battling bravely with Leah puting heart and soul into everything she did....Rhea and Amber both heading the ball like maniacs....Both must have headaches following that ?!?...Well done Girls.
The defence were playing safe and secure and at half time Amy made way to give Laurice a run out. Laurice also found herself subbed to give Samantha a quick run out near the end. Regardless of these changes all three never let the side down...and Amy was keen to get on again and play in midfield! ( Apparently defence is boring??!) lol.
Holly was soon called into action and made a fine save from a longer range shot that Anna's goal. The Manager said the same player had scored from half way before??!!!?...So well done Holly ( even with a poorly finger.)
Worcester then scored an equaliser just before half time following another corner.
Fair play I dont think the referee was going to give it as Holly clambered to pull the ball back off the line...but who needs HAWK EYE with Jason running the line he signalled to the referee GOAL ! 2-2 A tremendous piece of sportmanship which I , the referee and opposition management applaud ! ( Note going into the League !)
The Worcester linesman is renowned amongst our League for his eagerness to signal off side - However today he didnt need to be questioned because Kiera and Tia and occassionally Georgia must have been caught off side at least x 20 times today....SHOCKING !...No excuse. I think I am too soft - because I heeded Jasons advice to actually take off Tia to let her sit on the bench and watch where we were going wrong and to be fair ...she was only offside a further x 10 times in the second half .lol. But, seeing as she grabbed the winner I will forgive her x
The first half ended 2-2 and whilst Starlands had given their all it was clear that Worcester were capable of better and so it proved.
Second half for about 15 minutes we had reverted to 2nd best to every ball. We were inviting pressure onto ourselves and failing to clear the ball.
Beth had played a lovely first half and was continuing to play well. She took some nice goal kicks , tracked back and cleared the ball when required.
Laurice was playing out of position at left back - but I felt Stacey and Amber were rock solid at the back and didnt want to disrupt their partnership. This unaccustomed position and lack of training just caught Laurice out of postion a couple of times. Bless - at one point she was on the right wing taking a throw in ?!?...( Apparently i called her up to take it?...Sorry - If I did?...Senior moment or over excited?!) Anyway Thanks to the parents for shouting over to highlight the situation. I did feel a little outnumbered with the Worcester Management Team of x 4 on my side of the pitch.
Starlands looked to be tiring...and Worcester kept applying the pressure...a few close calls with the ball going wide of the post...or the defence clearing , blocking or ushering the opposition off the pitch. We weathered the storm ...JUST !
Kiera and Tia were trying their best to break free of the Worcester defence and a few times Leah set up Tia down the wing who played some superb crosses into the box but no-one could latch onto the end of it, such a shame...
However one such link up between the girls produced a Worldy Goal....Leah played in Tia who went on a storming run...I kep thinking pull the trigger...pull the trigger. But she didnt and kept on going...ever closer to the edge of the box. Surely a defender would take the ball off her foot - She cut inside and let fly ! WoW! Did it fly Top Corner...No chance for the keeper and 3-2 to Starlands with 16 minutes ot play. Could we hold on?...
Worcester kept going...wave after wave - but the Starlands girls held firm...Off side was flagged but the referee ignored it....Worcester management started to get a little vexed and started to question our linesman who had earlier given them a goal??!??.... How bizarre.
Another corner with less than a minute to play - Surely not?....the ball flew into the box...a crowded area the ball whizzed past the post and away - but as it was played back in off side was given by the referee and that was the end of the game !.....We'd done it !... a WIN ! brilliant.
A fine display from EVERY girl today - There were some stand out performances from Kiera, Beth, Amber , Leah, Tia ,Rhea but I controversially awarded it to Stacey for some telling tackles, blocks and covering and more importantly keeping her cool. Well done.
The parents will be awarding Girl of The Game performances in future matches....again another job off my hands so Thank you ! For me its not all about just the best player
A brilliant result this week girls - but still more to come....You are showing signs of what you can do and can be justifiably proud of what you did.
Thank you to Jason for once again running the line after his 40 mile bike ride this morning !....and Thank you to Mike and Terry for the carrying the balls / respect barrier.
I can't tell you who or where we are playing next week as no fixtures are posted. Sorry x. ENJOY TODAY GIRLS - GREAT WIN.
