Funny Old Game!
The team welcomed Aldershot to the New Cuthbury looking to build on a solid start against Sussex in the season opener.
The first 15 minutes suggested a long afternoon for the visiting team with Wimborne testing the GK with a string of early efforts, Meg, Belle, Liv, Kacey and Abi just a few that stung the palms! To be fair, the goalkeeper stood up to the barrage to keep the scores level until the breakthrough was made. Megan supplied the pass to Izzy who showed the quality and calmness to control and slot home (1-0). A brilliant save from Meg’s close range effort lead to a counter attack that maybe suggested that this Aldershot side had a bit more than a defensive game about them. As the time closed in on the 40 minute mark Carly’s pin point cross was converted by Liv and take the team into the break with a two goal cushion (2-0). HT 2-0 A strong start to the second half, Megan striking the post after a direct run. Another terrific save by the visiting goalkeeper only prolonged matters, from the resulting corner, Talulla picked out Megan who made no mistake from 6 yards (3-0). It seemed as though it was game over with only the amount of goals for to think about…..actually, football doesn’t always work that way! Aldershot began to ‘go a bit longer’, getting the ball over the halfway line as quickly as possible. This caused a tough spell for the team, pinned back at times and forced into conceding corners that were expertly delivered. A little bit of panic from one lead to an easy finish and it must be said, a deserved goal (3-1). Within five minutes, another well struck corner and another goal (3-2). A totally different game now, the away team smelling blood and the girls’ struggling to contain. An amazing turn around was completed after 68 minutes, an Aldershot team now bubbling with confidence scoring from inside the penalty area (3-3). It may have gotten even worse for the team if it wasn’t for Eva’s goal saving tackle as the match entered the final 10 minutes, sliding in to clear. The game was so stretched with both teams now searching for the goal that would surely bag the points. With 5 minutes remaining it was the hosts that would have the final say, Megan teasing the ball through for Emilie to round the GK, keep her composure to hook the ball into the goal (4-3). An amazing game still had one more big moment, as the clock ticked well into 3 minutes of injury time a final chance fell to the feet of Aldershot’s striker, a well hit shot looked destined for the corner but Esme stretched….then stretched again to get a fingertip touch to divert the ball past the post.
FT WTFC 4 Aldershot Town 3
Summary: A game that looked a walkover after 15 minutes had twists and turns in store. The girls had the chances to put the game to bed but failed to finish off a multitude of early chances. Goals change games, in more ways than just the scoreline, the visitors were handed a lifeline and it mentally changed both teams, so it was game on! The team did not play well today but still managed to stem the flow and get over the line in a very difficult second period.
POM: Esme (could not be blamed for any of the 3 goals…good positioning and a stunning save that was as good as a goal).
