Saturday’s game was an early kick off opposite the Warwick Race Course vs Warwick Angels – and the odds looked stacked against Starlands.
Angels have had a couple of wins under their belt and Starlands still seeking their first win and coming off the back of a 6-0 loss.
But with every game – Starlands are looking better. This week they favoured the partnership of their Captain Georgia and new signing Sinead in defence. The twins were set to be more adventurous in midfield – and these two positional changes seemed to bear fruits.
From the kick off – Starlands invited Angels onto them –and all players seemed to be running in reverse. This resulted in the customary early chance for the opposition. The difference this week was Holly was not so generous and claimed the ball.
Starlands gained their composure quickly and all girls were working hard for each other.
Again, they had to rely on The Magnificent 7 staying on the pitch with no substitutes and Martha and Samantha were their usual busy selves.
Starlands grew with confidence and looked solid at the back Georgia and Sinead keeping Holly free from a real save. No silly mistakes this week. The defence were clearing their lines and playing it wide to release any pressure. Hannah was standing firm at corners and took more hits than a heavy weight boxer! For the first time the girls were literally using their heads!
The first half finished 0-0 , with Starlands limiting Angels to one chance on goal from a headed cross that sailed wide.
Second half, Starlands were going down the hill. Holly was using her customary howitzer boot to release the midfield. Loris was everywhere, making some surging runs from midfield.
Their best weapon – was yet to come. All the work at training had resulted in Loris finding a throw similar to Rory Delap!...and for a role reversal from last week even The Angels were penalised for a foul throw! Spirits were high in The Starlands camp.
However, to Angels ‘delight’…following their only real attacking chance in the second half, a clearance from a corner went to the edge of the box. The Angel player smashed it back towards the goal – Holly was unsighted…and it went in the bottom corner!1-0 Angels had taken the lead against the run of play.
Starlands never truly looked like scoring – a couple of speculative snap shots from distance , or players having their backs to goal and failing to turn and shoot were the nearest they came.
However, they never deserved to lose this game. As the game was drawing to a close both Georgia and Loris were breaking and only the goalkeeper to beat – but cynically hacked down – these girls were No Angels!. In another game both would have resulted in cards or a sending off… To their credit Starlands never lost their cool. ( unlike the fans!? ;) )
The game closed 1-0 to Angels – Starlands certainly were certainly at the races, but lost in essence to a stewards enquiry!
Excellent effort – and improving all the time.
It was a tough decision this week for Becky - between the twins, but Girl of The Game went to Hannah for her efforts in defence and constant heading.
Next week is a Cup Game v Sutton Utd who we have already drew 3-3 with in the League. The twins are unavailable – but hopefully Hafsar will return and every effort made to recruit new players! Everything crossed to go one better next week.
