Town Show Character Over And over?????
The team welcomed Andover New Street to the New Cuthbury on a stunning but cold morning. League leaders Andover were yet to drop a point this season but they were facing a Wimborne team on the up, really unlucky to be edged out 5-4 in their first game of the new year.
A strong start by the home side, asking early questions of a stubborn defence. Aware of the possible threats of the visitors, the girls were quick to shut down attacking play before their quickies could get into their stride. With the girls having the best of the opening exchanges, they were rewarded 11 mins in, Megan linking with Emily who’s teasing cross was dispatched by Emilia, heading home at the far post (1-0) for her first goal for the team, a very well crafted goal. There were chances to increase the lead, Emilia and Emily going close before a sucker punch equaliser, space afforded to the Andover attack and a shot wide of Millie for the leveller (1-1). The girls had to whether a strong period from the league leaders who were buoyed by the goal and with half an hour played they took the lead, a powerful run in behind and a deflected finish (1-2). HT 1-2 The team emerged for the second half determined to stamp their mark on the match, not just wanting to play well but to play well and take something from the match. The pack was re-shuffled, Brooke being asked to play in a deeper role than used to, bolstering a defence that was unlucky to be breached twice in the opening period. Another good start to the half, Emilia the first to try her luck but her shot clearing the cross bar. The game was shaping up to be another cracker with both teams playing front foot football but it was the home side that was really threatening. Another goal from the visitors would probably mean game over but the girls to their credit ignored these thoughts and pushed for an equaliser, if anything it was the visiting team that looked a bit tense, looking to play longer balls more quickly. An abrupt challenge gave the team a free kick half way inside their attacking half, Izzy’s shot fumbled but Megan’s follow up just going the wrong side of the post by the narrowest of margins. The girls pushed and pushed until the pressure finally told, Emily tripped after a driving run into the area to give the team a penalty kick. Megan took the spot kick and although the goalkeeper tipped her strike onto the crossbar, she was first to the rebound to bundle the ball home (2-2). As the game edged towards the final whistle Millie made sure the draw was secured, turning away a well struck shot at her near post. The final whistle blew and the teams had to settle for a share of the points.
FT: 2-2 POM: Jess (the heartbeat, calm and assured)
Summary: Another brilliant game of football from the girls. Frustrated to be behind at the break, they went about the second half looking to play themselves back in. Great link up play at times but most of all they showed character again, not panicking and trusting in their football ability to earn the draw, which was the least this team deserved.
